Can I Tile Over Concrete Slab

Painted concrete can be made porous with sandblasting or other hard abrasive actions.

Can i tile over concrete slab.

While you can install tile directly on concrete problems erupt when the concrete cracks or shifts. Tiles can be applied directly to a clean smooth concrete slab with a latex portland cement mortar. Using your trowel spread the mortar smoothly on to the concrete surface and then create grooves using the trowel s comb edge. Tile cannot be attached directly to painted concrete as the thin set will not adhere well to the paint.

Porcelain tile is more durable and absorbs water less than ceramic tile. Guide to installing tile over concrete slabs. Generally speaking you don t what to install tile over a concrete slab that has a hydrostatic water problem unless it is remediated first. Since the shower is a potentially hazardous area it is recommended to use only ceramic glazed or tiles specifically designed for high moisture areas.

Work in sections placing your tile side by side and using spacers to maintain the same size gaps throughout your patio. The membrane which is bonded to the slab with the same latex modified thinset that i use for installing the tile absorbs any additional movement in the concrete. Hydrostatic water pressure is when water from a source higher than the slab is subjecting the slab to water pressure that results in water literally migrating to the surface of the concrete slab. There are several types of stones that you can lay over a plain concrete patio.

Clean the concrete slab thoroughly before laying tile. Adding stones helps dress up plain concrete patios. Purchase an anti fracture membrane to lay over your leveled concrete. Continue reading below our video of the day.

You will need to apply thinset to the concrete and smooth the membrane sheets down with a trowel. Use the level to check the entire concrete. Read the instructions on your thin set mortar and mix accordingly. Apply a waterproofing membrane such as redgard to the slab before tiling.

You can purchase it in sheets or in liquid form. This will help prevent cracking of tiles. The concrete should be properly cured be level to 1 4 inch in 10 feet and have a steel trowel or fine broom finish. Choose a tile with a slip resistant surface that s rated for outdoor use.