How to Build a Tiled Porch

Measure the area where you plan to build the porch. This will help you determine how many tiles you’ll need as well as the quantity of other materials required. Measure the length and width of the area, then multiply them together to get the area (in square feet) of your future porch.

• If your porch isn’t perfectly square but you plan to use square tiles, you’ll need to calculate the area. Another option is using tiles designed for circular patterns. These tiles will require multiple measuring techniques to determine the right amount needed.
• If you plan to build stairs on the porch, make sure to subtract the area taken up by the stairs.

Decide on the type of paving tiles for your outdoor area. There are countless shapes, sizes, colors, and price ranges when it comes to paving tiles, so you must make a choice. Once you've decided on the type of tile, compare the costs to cover the entire patio area. Some tiles are priced per square foot, while others are sold individually. Smaller tiles may seem cheaper when compared individually, but the overall cost of covering the entire area might be more expensive.

• To calculate how many tiles you need, multiply the area of your patio by the number of tiles required to cover one square foot (this info should be on the price tag or listed in the product details). For example, if your patio is 100 square feet, and the tiles you're considering require 4 pieces per square foot, multiply 100 by 4, and you'll need 400 tiles. Once you have that number, you can calculate the total cost for a particular tile by multiplying the quantity needed by the price per tile.
• Keep in mind that tiles can be arranged in a variety of patterns; if you're unsure, a sales representative at the hardware store can suggest some options.
• Don’t forget to discuss shipping options with the store owner. Many tiles are quite heavy, and you may need them delivered to your home.

Buy the tiles and additional materials. You'll need more than just tiles to complete your patio project. Beneath the tiles, you will require a layer of gravel and sand, plus a border to secure the tiles in place. All of these materials need to be purchased before you begin your project.

• To determine how much gravel and sand you need, calculate the volume of the area you need to fill in cubic meters, cubic feet, or cubic yards (depending on your measurement system). The gravel should be at least 10 cm deep, and the sand should be about 2.5 cm thick. Multiply these values by the size of your patio area to figure out the total volume. If you're unsure, ask a sales representative for help. They can assist in determining how much gravel and sand you'll need for your patio.
• If you're not sure how to calculate, don’t hesitate to ask the store staff. They will help you estimate how much sand and gravel you need per unit area. Discuss bulk purchasing options with them to save money.
• Be sure to purchase polymeric sand to fill in the gaps between the tiles. Regular sand won’t bind well, so the tiles might not stay in place.
• Consider whether to add a geotextile fabric layer between the gravel and the tiles. While the sand and gravel are usually sufficient to prevent weeds from growing through the gaps, the fabric adds extra security. Ensure the fabric is porous enough to allow water drainage.
• When buying tiles, make sure to purchase at least 10% more than you need. Some tiles may break, or you might need to cut them to fit around obstacles.
• You may also need to rent a compactor or a wet saw with a diamond blade to cut the tiles if necessary.

Check for underground utilities. Before digging, contact utility companies to locate and mark any underground lines. Local regulations may vary, but you can often get the necessary contact information by dialing 811 (if you're in the U.S.). This number will connect you to the local agencies. Don’t assume that there are no utilities in the area you’re planning to dig! Safety should always be a priority.

Mark the area of your patio. Measure the dimensions of your patio and mark it on the ground using stakes at each corner. Then, tie a string or thin rope around the stakes to outline the perimeter of the patio. This will give you a clear visual idea of how your patio will fit within the available space, ensuring you only prepare the area you’ll actually build on.

• To maintain the patio’s level from the beginning, make sure the strings surrounding the perimeter are at the same height (hardware stores sell spirit levels that can be attached to the string for measuring). If the strings are even, you can measure the distance from the strings to the ground at any point, ensuring all your measurements start from the same reference point.
• You can also use a laser level for quicker and more accurate results compared to traditional plumb lines.

Dig into the ground. Dig down 15 to 20 cm and remove the soil from the marked area. The depth of your excavation will vary depending on the thickness of your tiles and the amount of gravel you'll be adding. This step creates the space for the tiles to sit flush with the ground once completed.

• Make sure to create a slight slope across the entire area toward the direction where you want water to flow off the tiled patio. Lay a plank across the area, and use a spirit level on top of the plank to achieve the desired slope.
• A level string around the perimeter will be helpful here. Measure from the string down all around the patio to ensure you’ve dug evenly. You can temporarily stretch the string across the area to check if the center is level.

Add a gravel base to the area. Pour a 10 to 15 cm thick layer of gravel into the patio area and compact it using a compactor, also known as a flat plate compactor. Water the gravel lightly to help it compress better.

• If you don’t have a compactor, you can rent one from your local hardware store.
• Once again, measure from the level strings around the perimeter to ensure your gravel layer is relatively even across the patio. It doesn't need to be perfect, and in fact, you’ll want a slight slope away from any nearby buildings, but this step ensures your patio will be level and stable.
• If you're using geotextile fabric, now is the time to lay it down. Make sure to choose a breathable, biodegradable fabric to avoid toxins leaching into the soil or impeding drainage.

Add a fine sand layer on top of the gravel and compact it down. The sand layer should be about 2.5 cm thick and level, just like the gravel beneath. This is the final layer before you lay your tiles, so make sure it’s smooth. After spreading the sand, use two pieces of pipe spaced at least 12.5 cm apart, pressing them into the sand. To level the surface, take a 2x4 and drag it across the pipes to smooth out the sand below. Once the area is level, remove the pipes, leaving two indentations where they were. The rest of your patio will now be ready for tile installation.

• You may need to move the leveling pipes to a few different spots, depending on the size of your patio. Just remember to keep the entire area level.

Lay the tiles according to your desired pattern. Start in one corner and place the tiles as close together as possible. As you place each tile, tap it gently with a rubber mallet to ensure it makes good contact with the sand beneath.

• Check the level as you go. The patio needs to stay level just as you’ve planned. If a tile sticks up, tap it with the mallet to adjust it into place. If a tile sits too low, don’t hesitate to lift it, add a bit of sand underneath, and set it back down. It’s easier to adjust tiles now than later. This is when the level strings come in handy. While you could use a level tool for each tile, measuring from the string down helps ensure all the tiles remain level with one another.

Cut tiles to fit around obstacles. If your patio needs to work around trees or fences, use a diamond blade saw to cut the tiles. Hardware stores offer rental options, and it’s a worthwhile investment if you have several obstacles.

• If you only have a few small obstacles in the way, try to be creative. For spots requiring a small tile piece, consider filling the gap with gravel or planting a ground cover. This will save time and energy for the rest of your project.

Install a border around the patio's perimeter. The patio border can be made from a variety of materials such as metal, plastic, or wood. Once all the tiles are laid, securely fasten the border against the outer edges of the tiles using stakes placed 20 cm apart or closer. Whatever border you choose will help hold the tiles in place and prevent them from shifting out of alignment.

Fill in the gaps with sand. Spread a thin layer of fine sand (similar to the one used for the base) across the entire tiled patio. Use a broom to sweep the sand back and forth until it fills all the spaces between the tiles. If there are still gaps between the tiles, add more sand and sweep it into the cracks. You may need to sweep a few times to get it just right.

Compact the patio. Place a thick towel or a piece of cardboard under the bottom of the compactor and move it across the patio area. As you move, ensure that the patio remains relatively level. You want the tiles to press tightly into the sand base, minimizing any future issues. Don’t hesitate to apply a bit of extra pressure during compaction. While you don’t want to break the newly laid tiles, they can withstand the force of the compactor when covered with a protective layer.

Finish the edges of the patio. Fill any areas along the edge with soil, gravel, grass, or ground cover. Essentially, you should fill the edges of your patio with whatever material suits the rest of your outdoor space.

Seal your patio tiles. While patio tiles can last for many years without a sealant, taking the time to apply a protective coating every few years can enhance their appearance, prevent discoloration, and protect them from damage. Use the type of sealant recommended by your tile manufacturer.

• Consider renting a compactor for this project; it’s the easiest and most effective way to create a durable patio.
• Some hardware stores sell patio kits that include all the materials you need for your patio’s size and design. These kits may or may not offer a good deal, but they make preparing all your tools and materials easier.