Outdoor Tile - A Step-By-Step Process For Pedestrian Tile Surfaces

If you are considering installing outdoor tile at your home or business, there are many factors to consider in ensuring it is the right material for your needs. That being said, the methods employed today to install exterior tile are far superior to those of the past and exterior tile is much more accessible to the average homeowner.

Proper application of outdoor tile surfaces requires not just the skills of the tile layer. One of the most critical phases of an outdoor tile installation is the waterproofing phase. A vinyl membrane is one of the most effective ways to provide exterior waterproofing as part of a tile assembly, and Duradek Ultra Tiledek is gaining a reputation as one of the best methods of fulfilling this need. Not only does it provide waterproof protection for the substrate of the tile assembly, it is also a roofing-approved membrane and will guarantee waterproof protection over habitable space allowing tiles to be used with confidence on roof top decks. In addition, its structure provides a durable and flexible surface that the tiles stay adhered to over years of freeze and thaw cycles.

Matt McClure of Duradek of Utah / Dek Max is a bona fide expert in waterproofing balconies, patios and roof top decks. As a specially trained Duradek Distributor, Matt is a well-respected voice of authority in the decking industry and is often turned to for advice on best practices in waterproofing.

While you can see a summary of the entire process and many stages of installing outdoor tile in our blog article "Exterior Tile Decks - A Big Job One Step at a Time", below you will find a series of video clips covering the waterproofing stage of the tile installation assembly.

Stage 1 - Laying Out the Vinyl






Stage 2 - Applying Latex Adhesive to Cement Board






Stage 3 - Applying Contact Cement to the Edge of the Deck






Stage 4 - First Weld of Tiledek






Stage 5 - Second Weld of Tiledek






Stage 6 - Third and Final Cap Weld of Tiledek





The popular decking resource, Ideas for Deck Designs approached Matt to share his expertise and you can  benefit from his experience by reading his interview and reviewing a step-by-step sequence of a new tile deck installation on their website.

If you would like to look into the benefits of Tiledek for your particular project, contact a Duradek dealer in your area for a free, no-obligation estimate and get one step closer to making your dreams of a tile deck a reality.