This is our second
exterior patio to tile. We learned a lot from
the first patio, so we are putting in more effort to
level the patio before the first tile is laid.
This patio was perfectly level, but we want a slope
on it to ensure rain drains off.
Before we started,
we pressure-washed the patio and cleaned it with muriatic
acid. Then Clada chippered out any cut nails or
broken tapcons and patched the holes with a concrete
filler. Next, we determined the slope that we wanted,
and then installed edge
that gave us the correct starting floor height. Chip
used a grinder to remove high spots. Then he used a
12-foot screed to check for
level and filled in the edges where needed to get the
patio level. This process took lots of time and
grueling labor.
The patio is read for the next phase, which is applying a
coat of thinset so the mortar will properly adhere to the
concrete.
Chip mixes up thinset with Acryl 60, then sponges a
small area since it is windy outside, and quickly trowels on
the thinset.
Chip and Clada took turns applying
the thinset so we didn't abuse our knees.
Next we applied mortar to ensure we had an adequate
slope so water would drain from the Whale Deck.
We were ready to start tiling, so first we did the layout to
ensure we had decent sized tiles on the edges.
This
patio has 2 whale mosaics that Chip made last Fall, so that
complicated tile layout.
We have learned how to work together tiling, with each
of us taking turns getting on our knees. We are laying
Turkish travertine.
We had to redo the cistern lid so it was stronger and
wouldn't corrode.
Chip laid out the swimming Humpback whale and traced the
outline on the background tile for cutting and grinding.
Installation was a slow, precise process since the mosaic is
made of granite, marble and slate, all of which are
different heights.
Chip has cut the tiles for the outline
of the breaching whale mosaic, and we're working our way to
the edge.
Chip cleans the edges of the second mosaic
whale.
We use buckets to keep Zuni off of the deck while we finish
it up.
Here's the completed whale. Chip says we should do a
mosaic of Zuni, too!
WE'VE
FINISHED TILING THE SECOND UPSTAIRS DECK. This
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Chip and Clada took turns applying
the thinset so we didn't abuse our knees.
