Tiling outdoor patio - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

user3321 · 05-27-2009, 07:30 PM

I've set a lot of tile in my day but never outdoor patio tile. I've got all the info I need to proceed with the install, but one thing eludes me...

What do I do about the expansion joint? Do I try to get a course of tile to land on the joint, or should I try to get it to land on the grout joint? I'm thinking it's a no win situation either way, with the tile cracking or the grout joint cracking if not prepared properly. Any suggestions?

naptown CR · 05-27-2009, 07:32 PM

you will need to install some sort of crack supression to keep the tile from cracking.

user3321 · 05-27-2009, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naptown CR

you will need to install some sort of crack supression to keep the tile from cracking.

What type of product would you recommend?

PrecisionFloors · 05-27-2009, 08:57 PM

All expansion joints must be honored through the finish flooring.

user3321 · 05-27-2009, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrecisionFloors

All expansion joints must be honored through the finish flooring.

Thanks. I was hoping that wasn't the case but I'd rather do it right and have an exposed seam, than to potentially create a warranty issue. Is standard issue expansion joint suitable for the finished product?

RLKMarble · 05-28-2009, 10:37 PM

I would recommend a Schluter expansion strip and if possible red gaurd (poly blend product) the entire slab for crack isolation. Check Schluter.com for your application. There DILEX line will have something for you.

jarvis design · 05-29-2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by user3321

I've set a lot of tile in my day but never outdoor patio tile. I've got all the info I need to proceed with the install, but one thing eludes me...

What do I do about the expansion joint? Do I try to get a course of tile to land on the joint, or should I try to get it to land on the grout joint? I'm thinking it's a no win situation either way, with the tile cracking or the grout joint cracking if not prepared properly. Any suggestions?

As mentioned look at Schluter Dilex for the expansion joint (make sure to match up the height of the moulding and tile) and while you are there look at ditra.