Outdoor Patio Tile in Old Fourth Ward
This patio tile project was part of a new construction townhome development in Old Fourth Ward, near the BeltLine Eastside Trail. The courtyard space between units needed a durable, low-maintenance tile surface that would hold up to Atlanta's heat and the occasional cold snap in winter. We used a large-format white porcelain tile rated for exterior use with a slip-resistant surface texture.
Exterior tile installation differs from interior work in several important ways. The setting mortar must be rated for exterior use and freeze-thaw cycles. The grout must be exterior-rated as well, since interior grout can absorb water and crack when temperatures drop. We also slope the tile surface away from the building at a minimum 1/8 inch per foot to shed water, which requires a sloped mortar bed rather than a flat one.
The existing concrete slab in this courtyard had minor cracking from settling, which we addressed by applying a crack isolation membrane before setting tile. This prevents existing cracks in the concrete from telegraphing through to the tile surface over time. The project is in Old Fourth Ward, in a development that runs along one of the streets connecting to the BeltLine corridor.
Project Details
- Service
- Floor Tile Installation
- Area
- Old Fourth Ward
- Materials
- Large-format exterior-rated white porcelain, exterior thinset and grout, crack isolation membrane over concrete slab
- Scope
- Residential (new construction, exterior)
- Timeline
- Multi-day install
What We Did
- Applied crack isolation membrane over existing concrete slab with minor settling cracks
- Built sloped mortar bed for proper water drainage away from structure
- Set large-format exterior porcelain with exterior-rated thinset
- Grouted with exterior-rated grout suitable for freeze-thaw conditions
Considering outdoor tile for a patio or courtyard in Old Fourth Ward? Call (229) 290-2963 to discuss your project.
