Terrace coverings made of WPC and wood have been an absolute hit in recent years. But now the trend is towards terrace tiles, because they are not only robust and modern, but also easy to lay.
When spring is finally here, life moves outside. After all, where better to enjoy the warming sun and the wonderfully fresh air than outdoors? A very popular place is the terrace, because it is almost an extension of the living space. If you plan and equip your terrace correctly, you can sit and relax here just like in the living room.
Where we're on the subject of terrace equipment: what use is the most beautiful lounge furniture and plants if an unsightly terrace floor destroys the cozy ambience? A sensible covering also belongs on a terrace. While WPC decking boards and decking boards or tiles made of wood have been very trendy in recent years, it is currently terrace tiles in a wide variety of designs that are conquering German gardens. No wonder, because terrace tiles (also called outdoor tiles) are not only a visual treat, they are also very robust and easy to lay. We'll show you how easy it is here.
Choose the right tiles
Before you start laying the tiles, you must of course first choose the right tile covering for your terrace. There is one thing to keep in mind: the tiles must be
- frost and weather resistant
- shape and color stable
- Slip-resistant and non-slip
(important information on this from Mosafil GmbH)
be. Well-known manufacturers such as Ariostea, Agrob Buchtal and Emil Ceramica offer corresponding tile series with such robust outdoor tiles.
If you just want to get an idea of these or of course other tiles, you have the choice between the standard range of the local hardware store or can look around at a specialist dealer. Some are now even operating online and sending their goods or sample tiles throughout Germany. These are then even in theSent in original size so that you can get the best impression of the tile (tip: Fliesenrabatte.de).
Other than that, it is only important that you adapt the tiles to the design or style of your garden. As always, everything that pleases is allowed!
➤ A little tip:
Calculate how many tiles you will ultimately need for your terrace as follows:
Tile area in m² + 5 percent waste + 5 percent reserve=required amount of tiles in m²
You will need this to lay the tiles:
❍ Masking Tape
❍ Sealing Tape & Terrace Sealing
❍ Tile Adhesive
❍ Tile Mortar
❍ Construction Silicone
❍ Tile Crosses❍ Tile Cutter
❍ Paint Roller
❍ Pen
❍ Notched Trowel
❍ Squeegee
❍ Sponge Board
Instructions for laying patio tiles
➜ Step 1:
Before you lay the tiles, it is important that you first check the subfloor for damage. If you discover bumps, cracks or holes, these need to be repaired first.
Then paint the substrate twice with a patio seal. Where floor and wall meet, it is best to lay a sealing tape and work it into the second coat. This way the water cannot get into the corners and edges.
➜ Step 2:
So that the tiles don't lie crooked afterwards, it is best to first determine the arrangement of the tiles and cut tiles that are too wide to fit. Then measure the course of the first row, mark it and tape it off with masking tape.
➜ Step 3:
Now pour the tile adhesive into a bucket (preferably with a spout opening) and mix with water according to the manufacturer's instructions.
➜ Step 4:
Pour out some of the tile adhesive in the first row of tiles and spread it immediately with a notched trowel. Important: Be sure to remove the adhesive tape before it dries.
➜ Step 5:
Now lay the first row of tiles along the resulting line. To do this, take the tile, align it with the help of tile crosses and then place it in the tile adhesive with a slight twist. Then just gently press into the adhesive.
Proceed in the same way with the next rows: Pour out the tile adhesive, spread with the notched trowel and lay the tiles. When you're done, you need to let the glue dry (see package for drying time).
➜ Step 6:
Is theOnce the tile adhesive has dried, you must mix the tile mortar. Then pour onto the patio tiles and rub diagonally across the joints with a squeegee until they are filled. It is best to wipe off excess tile grout with a clean squeegee. Then let the mortar set a little (see manufacturer's instructions).
➜ Step 7:
Once the tile grout has dried (you can tell by the dull color), you still have to wash the excess material off the terrace tiles with a damp sponge board. Here, too, it is best to wipe diagonally to the course of the tiles. Only when the joint has hardened completely, then polish with a cloth.
➜ Step 8:
You've already finished the actual work. The only thing you have to do now is to seal the connecting and corner joints with construction silicone. The best way to do this is to mask off the joint edges and then fill them with the silicone. After about 10 minutes, use a joint smoother to scrape off the excess silicone and remove the masking.