Can I tile over exposed aggregate concrete patio?

[Murilolicci]

Hey, 

We moved into a house with an exposed aggregate concrete alfresco area. We wanted to cover it with tiles. I've been looking online and wasn't able to find a lot of info. Just wondering if it would be possible to tile over it.

1 - Would I need to use some kind of self levelling concrete or just apply straight over it?

2 - Could I use any normal tile adhesive or maybe something special?

Thanks a lot

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Murilolicci. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about tiling.

Would you be able to post an image of the surface so our helpful members have a better idea of what you're working with? Please let me know if you need assistance uploading an image.

As long as the surface is in good condition and relatively flat, you should be able to tile over it with a standard exterior tile glue. If the surface is uneven, then you'll need to use a self-leveller. Here's a helpful step-by-step guide on How to tile an outdoor area. Please remember your PPE gear when tiling, including gloves and safety glasses. Also, if it's a large area, you'll find knee pads will be a lifesaver.

What type of tiles are you planning on using?

Please let me know if you have further questions.

Mitchell

[Murilolicci]

Hey Mitchell,

Thanks for your quick and helpful reply. Yeah, pictures below…

That was hard to find something related to it, I was just afraid that the adhesive wouldn’t bond properly to the tiles!

Based on the pictures uploaded, do you reckon I could go forward with the adhesive suggested earlier?

Thanks again! 

 

[EricL]

Hello @Murilolicci 

Thank you for posting photos of your concrete patio. From the looks of it the surface area is still in good shape and I don't see any cracks or major movement in the patio surface. The Davco 20kg Ultraflex Ceramic Tile Adhesive mentioned in the previous post should work on the surface of the patio. My only recommendation is to wash the surface with a degreaser to make sure that the surface is free of contaminants.

Please keep in mind that due to the uneven surface you might end up using more of the tile adhesive. 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Murilolicci]

Thanks Eric, I'll make sure to clean and degrease it before I start.. 

I do have a bag of https://www.bunnings.com.au/bastion-20kg-mastic-powder-adhesive-tile_p0273639 that's why I've asked if I should stick with the Davco one. Probably better quality and I can see it's flexible right, maybe better for the surface we're discussing? 

Cheers

[EricL]

Hi @Murilolicci 

The general shelf life of mastic powder adhesive is 12months, however, it decreases rapidly once you break the moisture seal of the bag. I don't recommend using your leftover Bastion and propose using the Davco instead for a uniform spread. The Davco Ultraflex has a fair number of polymers in it which will provide you with good flexibility.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric