Tile/ Stone an outdoor patio?

Doc · 07-01-09, 03:19 PM

I just bought a house last week. I'm preparing the list of things I'd like to change.

First on the list is to epoxy coat the garage floors before the family moves in.

Next is to 'punch up' the outdoor patio in the back yard. The current patio is approx 14x14 poured concrete slab. It's a lovely, flat, and boring patio. But, it seems like it would be a great 'base' for something with more zing. I was thinking Flagstone. Would it be feasable to cover the 'crete with mortar, set the flagstone and grout the spaces (or sand..?)? I am worried that it might not hold up in winter. The 'guy' at the home depot was trying to talk me into just staining the concrete a different color, like red-rock or something. That's better than plain, boring 'crete- but not exactly what I was going for.

Or even slate tiles? They would be lower pro-file and cheaper...

I want some kind of natural stone out there...... as long as it'll hold up to freeze/thaw.

To be clear- I know the stone will hold up to freeze/ thaw. I'm worried about the proper method to set the stone and the crack filler ( grout vs sand..)

thanks for yer help.

Anyone in the SLC area want to come spread epoxy w/ me?

titanpat57 · 07-01-09, 04:20 PM

I like this. I havn't priced it out or had it done but the concept really grabs my attention. Sounds perfect for your application.

http://www.stampcrete.com/pdf/ProductCatalog.pdf

If you want to do some type of blue stone (1" x 2' x 2') just make sure to cut the slab with a diamond blade so that it lines up with the joints of the stone or tile you use. That way if does heave or crack it will do it on the joint of the stone or tile and not in the middle of the stone(in a perfect world). I always use to grout the joints once the stone was set with a grout bag and striker..being esp. careful to keep the face of the stone clean

If you use tile make sure it's a frost free, unless of course frost is a non-issue where you live. A great adhesive is Keralastic, and you mix that with Kerabond...a little pricey but you could tile your fridge with it..shit does stick jack!

Good luck, Pat

PS Congratz on the new purchase!

Doc · 07-01-09, 04:31 PM

I can't use the stamp products because the slab was poured 2 years ago. Don't you do the stamping while it's still wet?

I was originally thinking 2'x2' stone tiles and butt them up against each other- no grout lines. But I think that would actually be worse for freeze/thaw.

firetruck41 · 07-01-09, 04:38 PM

I think there is a latex(?) modified grout, that is for outdoor applications, has some flex. Might do a search on that. I think I found info at one of the major grout manufacturer websites, when I was doing a regular indoor stone project.

Doc · 07-01-09, 04:53 PM

Yes, there is a 'flex' grout available- saw that at home depot.

Does anyone have any input on using it over long term?

Cuerno Largo · 07-01-09, 06:59 PM

I had a plain concrete patio 2 years ago. I shot a crappy cell pic. I used flagstone and plain mortar and did this.....

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I have been very happy with it (and the deck we did later).

No cracking. Holding up fine. However, the winters here are very mild with not many days below freezing and no days below zero.

Doc · 07-02-09, 05:40 AM

That's exactly what I want to do.

archie · 07-02-09, 06:09 AM

I had about 5 inches of sand put on a cracked concrete slab and had no problem with brick pavers after three winters in Chicago. I did it this way so I could make easier adjustments for ice raising or lowering the bricks. Maybe you could use a sand base under the flagstone and gravel to fill the space between the flagstone. Of course, any natural product will not level perfect for tables and chairs. Other ideas at pavingexpert - Paving, Drainage and Hard Landscaping Advice

fsusteve · 07-02-09, 07:39 AM

you could set pavers right on top if it's level then use an epoxy on the outside soldier course to lock it in. It gives you some options if you want to change it down the road.

splitshot · 07-02-09, 09:09 AM

Congrats on the house..

Shouldn't have any problems with flagstone and a mortar grout, and should be fairly cheap in your area. Other than being a back breaker, it's an easy job. Just break out a 4 1/2" grinder with a diamond blade and cut it to where your joints are under 2".

lcruzrlvr · 07-02-09, 12:45 PM

I put down a slate patio over a concrete slab - all slate set in a mortar bed then grouted with mortar.

It definitely adds appeal to an otherwise boring slab.

splitshot · 07-02-09, 12:58 PM

You can cut slate to give the flagstone appearance also.

Did that for a shower.

fsusteve · 07-02-09, 01:05 PM

man I bet that was fun to grout.

splitshot · 07-02-09, 07:03 PM

After the halfway point, I had to step away from it for a week (would have been longer if it wasn't for the Mrs).

Doc · 07-02-09, 08:39 PM

Good ideas guys- thanks!

Cookiemonster · 07-13-09, 07:45 PM

DOC,

Try this. Commercial application material which works best in wide swinging temps, from 100+ to -0. Stuff is bulletproof. Available through Blowe's and some flooring stores. Great stuff, and better than most of Customs products (Home Despot's).

http://www.mapei.it/referenze/Multim...stic_TD_EA.pdf

Doc · 07-14-09, 07:31 AM

Yeah- that's the stuff I was thinking of using.

inthewall · 07-15-09, 04:03 PM

If you do slate or flagstone make sure the thickness is the same on all pieces. Stone is a pain, trying to get it level and to grade.
Do you have to shovel snow off of your patio?

Doc · 07-15-09, 04:26 PM

Not if I don't want to.

splitshot · 07-15-09, 06:08 PM

Lol,
Kids and dogs are more efficient than any snow shovel IMO, and alot less work.

I see the point though, some patios are best cleaned with a leaf blower or a pressure washer. A heated pressure washer depending on the elevation.