Now that the weather is getting nicer, more people are looking to beautify the outside of their home. The right tile can make all the difference in a lot of areas, but you need to make sure to choose the right material for the job.

Some tips when choosing outdoor / patio tile:

• Use high quality materials – they don’t always have to be the most expensive but they need to be the right material for the job. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for with thinset, grout and sealer!
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Even the best setting materials won’t perform unless you mix and use them as directed.
• Apply tile to a stable well drained slab. No cracks or places for water to pool up.
• Allow tile to expand and contract without cracking. Be sure to install expansion joints no further than 16 ft. apart or with a change in plane such as steps or a house foundation.
• Don’t give a place for water to enter or hide. Densely packed and sealed grout joints and caulked expansion joints prevent this. Also, make sure there are no empty pockets in the thinset.
• Don’t delay maintenance. If grout or tile cracks or becomes loose, replace it before a small problem becomes a big one!

Preparation and good materials make for a successful job!