Tiles

 

Quarry tiles are made of clay fired to a very high temperature, and can be useful for linking outdoor and indoor areas, for example, a conservatory that leads out to a patio. They may be laid on a base of bedding mortar; soak the tiles for a couple of hours before laying so that they do not absorb moisture from the mortar.

Many tiles are thin and brittle; make sure that you lay them on a stable concrete sub-base.

Glazed ceramic tiles are often used to create a more decorative look, for example, to invoke the feel of a Mediterranean courtyard. However, some ceramic tiles are not suitable for laying outside, so always check that they are frost-proof before buying. They may be glued to a level concrete base; simply spread outdoor tile adhesive to the back of the tile and then press firmly into position. Use a contrasting or matching grout to finish the area.