Terrace slabs - you have to pay attention to that
A terrace can be used for many events. There is enough space on the surface for a casual barbecue evening with friends. Of course, you can also relax on the terrace and enjoy the sun to the fullest. But if you don't have a terrace yet, you can have one built for you or you can do it yourself. It is helpful if you inform yourself in advance about the possibilities and obtain information about the types of terrace slabs and tiles. But even if you no longer like the old terrace, you can add new tiles. Patio slabs and tiles are inevitable for a nice area for relaxing outdoors. In addition, the terrace slabs also hold if you want to place a paddling pool for the children on the terrace, for example. With tiles you create a Mediterranean flair so that you can enjoy the summer outdoors. So that this is no longer just a dream, you should soon start choosing tiles or terrace tiles and dealing with the attachment of the terrace tiles.
Terrace and garden slabs
What material are terrace slabs or tiles made of? You get terrace slabs or even the tiles for the terrace made of concrete or natural stone. The overall picture is decisive for the selection of the terrace slabs. Here you should pay attention to the house wall, the garden and possibly also the sidewalks through the garden. The concrete terrace slabs are available in different colors and shapes. The tiles with a sandblasted grain offer a wonderful look. There is one more point you should keep in mind when choosing your patio tiles - the price. The cost of the terrace slabs that you can use to tile the terrace is relatively high. It is therefore particularly important that you find out about the cost of the terrace slabs in advance. Terrace slabs on concrete can usually be tiled and attached very easily, even by hobby craftsmen. However, if you want to tile terrace slabs made of natural stone on the terrace, you need some manual skill. Terrace slabs made of natural stone look more elegant, but are usually more expensive to buy than terrace slabs made of concrete. However, tiles made from natural stone have some advantages. They are free from toxins and offer a very wide range of colors. As a rule, with the terrace slabs or tiles made of natural stone, none of the tiles are the same as the others. The grain of the terrace slabs is completely different for each tile slab. Terrace tiles are also often used with a terracotta look. However, there are also terrace slabs made of wood. Sandstone tiles are just as popular and go perfectly with a house made of sandstone.
Terrace and garden slabs in wood look
What should be considered when choosing the terrace slabs?
Terrace slabs are available in different qualities. When buying, it is therefore very important that you take a very close look at the terrace slabs. The types under the tiles are not always identical either. So if you want to enjoy the terrace slabs for a long time, it is inevitable that you purchase a decent quality. Another point is necessary when choosing the terrace slabs - the load capacity. If you want the tiles to be able to withstand the weight of a car, you have to ensure that the terrace slabs are of a very high quality. Even with tiling, proper preparatory work is required so that there is no cavity under the terrace slabs. Because cavities between the tiles and the terrace slabs are a guarantee that the terrace slabs will soon show cracks and damage. The consequence would be that you would have to re-tile the terrace slabs.Shapes and colors of terrace slabs and tiles
If you are interested in tile or have tile tiles in a pattern look, then there is also a wide selection of terrace tiles. On the other hand, it is a more complex job to tile these terrace slabs. Due to the combination of the terrace slabs, extreme care must be taken to ensure that there are no minimal deviations in the pattern. The image of the terrace slabs quickly appears uneven. If you are unsure about tiling the patio slabs, always seek advice from a professional. It is advisable to test tile the terrace slabs in an inconspicuous place first. If the terrace slabs are to be kept simple in terms of appearance, tiling is not a big deal. As already mentioned, however, tiling patio slabs made of natural stone is a little more difficult. Because the terrace slabs made of natural stone usually have a grain that should also be arranged in an even arrangement. It is also modern to combine the terrace tiles with other terrace tiles. Make sure, however, that the pattern is even and that the different terrace tiles are made of the same material. Avoid attaching too many different terrace tiles, as the appearance can then look a little chaotic.
Terrace and garden slabs
Smooth or uneven terrace slabs
You should also consider cleaning patio tiles when purchasing patio tiles. If the tiles have a smooth surface, the terrace slabs can of course also be cleaned more easily. Uneven terrace slabs made of natural stone require separate cleaning. Be careful when using a pressure washer when cleaning patio slabs. The grout could come off and the decking slabs loosened. The consequence would be that you would have to re-tile the terrace slabs. Another point that is important when choosing your patio slabs is winter. If you would also like to use the terrace in winter, keep in mind that the temperature can cause the terrace slabs to become slippery. If you are tiling a path with patio slabs, this must also be taken into account to minimize the risk of accidents. There is less smoothness on rough terrace slabs than on terrace slabs that have a smooth surface.The more terrace slabs, the cheaper the offer
When buying patio tiles, think ahead. If you are just about to choose the terrace tiles for the terrace, you should also consider whether the terrace tiles are also suitable for tiling the paths or the garage. With a higher number of terrace tiles, on the one hand, the price becomes cheaper and you do not need to buy the terrace tiles later. Therefore, plan in advance in which areas you want to tile the terrace slabs. Another benefit of buying a large quantity of patio slabs is that you get a uniform appearance. As soon as the terrace, the path or the garage is equipped with the same tiles, the overall picture is wonderful. In such a project, negotiate a good discount for the terrace tiles with the dealer. So you can save even more when buying the terrace slabs.
When buying patio tiles, think ahead. If you are just about to choose the terrace tiles for the terrace, you should also consider whether the terrace tiles are also suitable for tiling the paths or the garage. With a higher number of terrace tiles, on the one hand, the price becomes cheaper and you do not need to buy the terrace tiles later. Therefore, plan in advance in which areas you want to tile the terrace slabs. Another benefit of buying a large quantity of patio slabs is that you get a uniform appearance. As soon as the terrace, the path or the garage is equipped with the same tiles, the overall picture is wonderful. In such a project, negotiate a good discount for the terrace tiles with the dealer. So you can save even more when buying the terrace slabs.
What happens to the remains of the terrace slabs?
If you have bought too many patio tiles and you cannot tile them all, the patio tiles can still be used for other purposes. The terrace slabs can be crushed with a hammer and used as a border for flower beds. Natural stone terrace slabs can also be used very well in flower boxes to avoid waterlogging. It is also recommended to shred the remaining terrace slabs and mix them with the earth. However, this is only recommended if the patio slabs are made of natural stone. There are no limits to the imagination when using the remaining tiles.This is how the different tiles are laid
Even in the preparatory work, tiles made of natural stone or tiles made of concrete show other methods. Below we have explained the two techniques for laying the tiles in more detail.
Concrete tiles:
Concrete tiles have robust, durable and inexpensive properties. There are almost no limits to the variety in the selection of concrete tiles. Due to their surface structure, concrete tiles are a popular material. Tiles made of concrete require a stable and water-permeable substrate. With the help of wooden stakes and a cord, the area on which the tiles are to be applied later can be clearly demarcated. It is advisable to dig the ground about 30 cm. You should pay attention to a slight slope away from the house. This is important so that the rain does not stay on the tiles, but can run off properly. A slight slope is usually not noticed at all. Plenty of gravel and gravel are now distributed over the area. Here, too, it is advisable to choose a height of around 30 to 40 cm. It makes sense to spread a 5 to 8 cm thick layer of grit or sand on this surface. The entire area has not yet been compacted. This process only comes into play later. If you now have a smooth surface in front of you, you can start laying the tiles. The concrete tiles are very easy to lay. After you have just laid the terrace slabs, which you can determine with a spirit level, the compaction now follows. The tile surface is now compacted using a vibrating plate. Then sand is added to the tiles in order to get enough grout between the tiles. After you have swept the sand in between the tiles, you can now water the entire area well. As soon as the areas between the tiles, i.e. the joints and the substrate, have dried, you may have to fill the joints with sand again. Again, sweep the sand between the tiles so that the joints are completely filled. You now have to water the tiles or the area well a second time - after everything is dry again, you can now step on the tiles and the terrace is accessible.
Terrace and garden tiles
Tiles made of natural stone
In contrast to concrete tiles, terrace slabs made of natural stone must be placed on a solid surface. Tiles made of natural stone have an environmentally friendly feature, are tried and tested and ideally suited for permanent use. Paths, stairs and walls can be embellished with natural stone tiles. In addition, the tiles also blend in better with the overall picture. However, laying the tiles from natural stone is a little patience. Concrete tiles are usually available in a standard size. Terrace slabs made of natural stone have different dimensions and usually have to be broken first. You therefore have to select the tiles made of natural stone piece by piece and lay them directly in this selected order. However, before you can start laying the tiles, you need a concrete foundation. The soil is dug out a little for this, 30 cm is completely sufficient. Then the soil is compacted, a formwork with wooden boards is attached. Pay attention to the slope that should be away from the house. Now a layer of gravel about 3 cm wide is put into the area. A steel reinforcement mat gives additional stability. Now fill the area with concrete. A concrete layer about 15 cm thick should be created. After the concrete has hardened for about 7 days, it is painted with a sealing compound. Only now can you start laying the natural stone tiles.For laying you need mortar, which is specially designed for laying the tiles made of natural stone.
Note that the mortar will only work for about two hours. Therefore only mix as much mortar as necessary. Now insert the tiles made of natural stone by also applying a little mortar to the tiles. In this way you avoid cavities under the tiles. The tiles are carefully beaten with a rubber mallet so that the air underneath is completely removed. The surface is checked again and again with a spirit level. Mortar that oozes out of the tiles should be removed immediately. After the surface has been completely laid, clean the tiles with water and a sponge. You can walk on the terrace after just one day of drying.