DIY Guide: How to Prepare, Install, Grout and Maintain Outdoor Porch Slate Tile

Learning how to install slate tile outdoors doesn't have to be overwhelming. It's a relatively simple process that you could complete in a 3-day weekend if you like. A new slate tile porch may be just what you need to rejuvenate your landscape while adding value to your home at the same time.

Install Outdoor Porch Slate Tile Flooring: What You'll Need

* Tiles, adhesive, sealer, grout
* Tape measure, pencil or chalk to mark tiles for cutting
* Diamond wet saw, safety goggles and dust mask for cutting tiles
* Sponges or rollers for applying bonding agent and adhesive and cleaning up excess grout
* Small putty knife for applying grout
* Buckets or paint pans for mixing grout and adhesive

Install Outdoor Porch Slate Tile Flooring: Prepare Tiles

Some people choose a monochrome look for their slate tile porch flooring while others like the look of a mix of neutral colors. If your tiles are not uniform in color, you should start by sorting them according to color to avoid unintentional clumps of like tiles. If you're uncertain what would look best for your porch, try laying out the tiles in an interesting pattern. When you find one you like, move the tiles to the side and place them in a pile in order.

You will most likely find that your tiles do not fit perfectly. You will need to measure and mark the tiles that need cutting and then do so with your diamond wet saw. Note: you can easily rent a diamond wet saw from the local hardware store or perhaps even the store from which you bought the tiles. If you plan ahead and measure and mark the tiles in advance, you can get the cutting job done in a single afternoon depending upon the size of your porch.

Install Outdoor Porch Slate Tile Flooring: Prepare the Porch

Depending upon what is currently on your porch, your next step will vary. If you have a wooden or concrete porch without any covering to speak of, you will need to make sure it is clean and level. Likely 'level' won't be a problem, but if there is a slant to your porch, you'll want to fix it well before you begin installing slate tile.

If you have other tiles or some other covering on your porch, as long as it is level, you don't have to remove it necessarily. As long as you use a flexible adhesive to install your slate tile flooring, you should be just fine. However, if you don't want to add the extra height or you just want to keep it neat, you can pull up the tiles or other covering, making sure that you sand it well so that there are no bumps from other adhesives or stray pieces left behind.

Install Outdoor Porch Slate Tile Flooring

Now, you're ready to get down to business!

* Start by applying an acrylic bonding agent.

* Mix half a bag of adhesive. Make sure that you are prepared to use it right away, because if it begins to harden, you can't add water later to make it more supple; this will only serve to keep it from setting properly or lose its adhesion.

* Next, if you have a focal point to your slate tile design, you will want to start applying tiles in the center. For example, if you want a more intricate design in front of the door, then you will want to start there. Follow up by applying the tiles evenly, mixing more adhesive in small amounts as necessary to keep it fresh.

* Save the perimeter tiles for last in case you miscalculated your cutting earlier and need to re-do them. Also, for optimum effect, you may wish to wait for the center tiles to dry before installing the perimeter tiles to make sure that they all fit together properly.

* Allow them to dry fully, at least 24 hours for most tiles and longer for some others. Check with the manufacturer or your supplier.

Install Outdoor Porch Slate Tile Flooring: Cleaning, Sealing, Grouting

* Make sure that the adhesive is completely dry before you begin, then clean the tiles without using an excess of water and allow to dry completely before continuing, likely overnight unless it is a really hot day.

* Once your tiles dry after cleaning, it is time to apply a sealant. The sealant will help you remove excess grout and protect your tiles. Pour your sealant into a paint tray and apply it thinly and evenly across your porch slate tiles. Allow to dry.

* Prepare your grout according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Start with a small amount and prepare more as necessary to best maintain its integrity throughout the project. Apply the grout with a rubber float or a small putty knife to push the air out of the grout.

* Clean the excess grout as go, taking a sponge and wiping across the grout lines at a diagonal to keep from digging out grout you need. Do this at intervals throughout the grouting process rather than waiting until you are finished. If you wait too long, the grout will set and be much more difficult to remove from the tile.

* When you are done, clean the tiles again with minimal water so as not to weaken the grout and allow to dry.

* Enjoy your new outdoor slate tile porch installation!

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