How to Lay Outdoor Tiles on Grass - Outdoor Cabinets

Laying outdoor tiles on grass can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your yard or garden. With proper planning and preparation, you can create a beautiful, durable tiled area that blends nicely with the surrounding lawn. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of how to lay outdoor tiles on grass step-by-step.

Introduction

Outdoor tiling is a great way to add visual interest and functionality to your outdoor spaces. Tiles come in a wide variety of styles, colors, shapes, and textures to complement your landscape. When installed properly on grass, tiles can withstand the elements and provide a sturdy surface for furniture, parties, play areas and more.

Laying tiles directly on grass does require special preparation and techniques. The grass and soil below must be adequately compacted and leveled to prevent shifting or sinking. Proper base materials are key to providing drainage and stability. The main steps include removing the grass, leveling the soil, adding a gravel base layer, setting the tiles, and filling the gaps.

Careful planning is needed to calculate the tile and base material quantities. Allow sufficient time for the ground prep work. With some basic DIY skills and the right materials, you can transform your lawn into a decorative, usable tiled area. Follow the steps below to learn all the essentials of how to lay outdoor tiles on grass correctly.

Steps to Lay Outdoor Tiles on Grass

Step 1: Choose a Location

Select an area of your lawn that is relatively flat and free of bumps, holes or uneven areas. These would need to be filled and leveled out.
Consider proximity to the house for access to water or electricity if adding lighting or other amenities later.
Pick a spot that gets adequate sunlight and drainage. Avoid low-lying soggy sections.
Define the size and shape of the space based on how you intend to use the tiled area. Include room for tables, chairs, planters etc. Rectangular and square shapes work best.
Measure the area carefully to calculate the tile and base material requirements. Add a 5-10% overage to be safe.

Step 2: Remove the Grass

The grass and roots need to be completely removed prior to installation. This provides a level base surface.
Use a flat shovel or spade to cut and lift up strips of sod. Angle the blade to cut cleanly through the soil about 2-3 inches deep.
Once the sod is removed, dig down another 1-2 inches and remove all grass remnants and roots with a rake.
Dispose of the sod and grass waste in your compost or green waste bin.
Use a garden tiller to churn up the exposed soil if heavily compacted. This loosens it up for leveling.

Step 3: Level the Soil

Any bumps, holes, low spots or uneven areas must be smoothed out.
Use a long straight board resting on adjacent high spots to check for low areas as you work.
Fill in low spots with masonry sand or a sand/compost mix up to the proper level.
Remove any high points by digging or raking down excess soil.
Compact the soil periodically with a hand tamper or plate compactor.
Smooth to a uniform grade. The flatter the better for a sturdy tile installation.

Step 4: Add Gravel Base Layer

A 4-6 inch gravel base provides drainage and prevents shifting or sinking.
Use crushed gravel or rock 0.5-1 inch in diameter. Decomposed granite also works well.
Shovel or dump gravel over the area 4-6 inches deep. Rake smooth.
Compact with a hand tamper or plate compactor. Check for low spots and fill as needed.
Make sure gravel is pressed firmly into the soil below and compacted fully before tiling.

Step 5: Set the Tiles

Most outdoor tile can just be placed in the desired pattern on the gravel base.
Start in a corner or along one edge using spacers for even grout lines.
Push tiles firmly into the gravel base as you move across the area. Maintain even spacing.
Cut border or edge tiles to fit using a wet saw or tile cutter. Rent one if needed.
Follow the tile manufacturer’s tips for any special installation requirements.
Slope tiles slightly away from buildings if needed for proper drainage.

Step 6: Fill Gaps and Finish

Sweep fine gravel, sand or dirt into the joints between tiles.
Spray water over the area to dampen and compact the material. Sweep more into gaps if needed.
Use a tamping tool specifically for grouting to force joint material fully into spaces for a smooth finish.
Put polymeric sand on exposed joints for a cleaner look and to prevent weeds. Mist to activate bonding.
Allow a few days for the base to settle before using the tiles or placing furniture on them.
Seal tiles periodically to prevent staining if desired.

Planning Considerations

Measure the total square footage of your planned tiled area to estimate needed materials.
Allow sufficient work time for ground preparation. This makes the actual tiling go quicker.
Group irregular shapes strategically to reduce tile cuts.
Select tile rated for outdoor use such as porcelain, natural stone or cement.
Match tile thickness and strength to the expected foot traffic and furniture loads.
Include accent tiles or borders to add visual interest.
Choose a neutral base tile color and style that complements the garden design.
Buy all materials from the start to avoid mismatches between batches.
Rent or borrow equipment for removing sod, grading and compacting the soil/gravel.
Hire a professional installer if unsure about achieving the proper base compaction.

Base Material Estimates

To calculate how much base gravel you will need, multiply the length x width of your area in feet to get the total square footage.

For a 4-inch base, multiply square footage x 0.33
For a 6-inch base, multiply square footage x 0.5

This gives you the number of cubic yards needed. One cubic yard equals 27 cubic feet or about 1-1.5 tons of gravel.

Have 10-20% extra on hand for uneven areas or settling. You may also need:

Sand or soil to fill low areas
Crushed rock to compact into joints
Polymeric sand for finishing exposed grout lines
Gravel base stabilizer or paver edge restraints

Plan deliveries so materials are on-site when needed for each installation step.

Tiling Tips and Tricks

Mix tile sizes, shapes and textures for more visual appeal.
Use mosaic sheets to create medallions or accents within larger tiles.
Include drainage holes in grout lines if needed, especially near structures.
Install control joints if tiling a very large area to minimize cracking.
Arrange a tile layout that minimizes small cut pieces around the borders.
Use joint material that matches the color of the tiles for a seamless look.
Allow a mild slope to carry water away from buildings or pooled areas.
Use caulk between tiles and fixed objects like posts or steps.
Wet saws make the cleanest cuts but score-and-snap tile cutters work for straight lines.
Set tiles in a staggered brick-like pattern for best stability and strength.
Wider grout lines add flexibility and allow use of larger joint material.
Take time fitting and cutting border tiles for the most uniform finishes.

Outdoor Tiling Materials

Many types of tile work well for outdoor installations on grass:

Porcelain

Extremely durable, resistant to moisture, freezing, and heat
Low water absorption rating, dense structure
Glazed and unglazed styles
Can mimic stone, metal, wood looks
Stain, fade, and slip resistant

Ceramic

Use tiles rated for exterior use
Prone to cracking if prone to freeze/thaw cycles
Glazed types offer decorative colors and patterns
Seal to help withstand moisture and staining

Natural Stone

Granite, bluestone, travertine, slate, limestone
Provides texture and natural beauty
Can be porous – seal to prevent staining
Holds up very well outdoors
Can be costly

Cement / Concrete

Comparatively economical
Durable and weather resistant
Plain cement or stamped, stained, engraved looks
Permeable styles allow grass to grow through

Preparing the Grass Area

Proper groundwork prior to setting tiles is crucial for creating a solid, level base that won’t shift or sink unevenly.

Remove Grass Completely

Eliminate all vegetation in the area down to bare soil. Dig out blades and roots thoroughly. Grass and weeds will grow up through pores and joints otherwise.

Fill Low Spots

Fill dips, bumps and holes with masonry sand or a sand-compost mix to achieve a flat plane. Avoid using topsoil which can settle too much.

Compact Soil

Use a hand tamper or plate compactor to consolidate and harden the soil before gravel installation. Compact down 2-4 inches.

Gravel Base

4-6 inches of crushed gravel stamped down forms a durable base that allows drainage. Compact in layers.

Screeding

Use a long straight board to check flatness. Drag across high points to level. Fill depressions as needed.

Slope Grading

Allow a slight 1% slope or grade leading away from structures to facilitate drainage and prevent pooling.

Purchasing Materials

Buy all the tile, base materials, tools and supplies before starting. Have extras on hand for cutting and waste.

Measure area dimensions to calculate square footage
Determine tile size and pattern to estimate quantities
Add 5-15% extra for partial tiles, uneven edges and damage
Include special pieces like borders, accents if desired
Buy all base gravel, joint filler and edging materials
Order tiles simultaneously for consistent dye lots and textures
Rent or borrow equipment not already on hand
Coordinate delivery dates of bulk materials like gravel

Shop around for the best prices. Many materials often go on sale during spring and fall. Take advantage of seasonal discounts when purchasing.

Tools and Equipment

Tiling on grass requires typical masonry tools along with some specialized equipment for excavating and compacting the soil and gravel properly.

Useful Tools

Shovels and spades – square and round tip
Rakes, hoes, mattocks to remove grass/roots
Gloves, knee pads, safety glasses
Wheelbarrow, tarp – transport materials
Tile cutter, nippers, wet saw
Grout float, squeegee, sponge
Trowel, level, rubber mallet
Broom, dustpan, buckets, mixing tools

Equipment Rentals

Rototiller – churn up heavily compacted soil
Plate compactor – harden soil and gravel layers
Hand tamper – compact soil in confined areas
Transit level – precisely check grades
Tile saw – cut curves and intricate shapes

Many home improvement stores rent equipment for a reasonable daily or weekly rate. Renting can be cost-effective for one-time intensive use on a project.

Step-by-Step Installation

Follow these key steps to properly lay tiles over grass:

Remove Grass and Roots

Use a flat shovel or spade to first cut out strips of sod. Then dig down further to remove all remnants of grass and roots thoroughly. Dispose of the sod debris.

Till Soil

Use a rototiller or similar equipment to churn up and break apart any hard, compacted soil to a depth of 4-6 inches for leveling.

Level the Area

Work across the surface with a rake to remove humps and fill depressions. Create a flat, smooth grade.

Install Gravel Base

Spread crushed gravel 4-6 inches deep depending on tile. Compact firmly in layers with equipment. Screed smooth.

Set the Tiles

Lay outdoor tiles in the chosen pattern, using spacers for consistent grout line spacing. Cut border tiles as needed for a custom fit.

Fill Grout Lines

Sweep fine gravel or sand into the joints between tiles. Spray with water and compact fully with a grouting tool.

Finishing Touches

Apply polymeric sand across exposed grout lines for a cleaner finished look. Seal tiles if desired to protect from stains.

Drainage Considerations

Allowing water to drain away freely through the gravel base and grout lines prevents pooling on the tiles that can lead to shifting, damage or hazardous slick spots.

Gravel Base

4-6 inches of compacted gravel below the tiles provides room for water to drain down and disperse into the soil below.

Grout Line Width

Wider joints allow more water penetration and particle size for better drainage and stability. 1/2 inch is ideal. Avoid narrow grout on outdoor projects.

Underlying Soil

Test drainage by saturating the ground inside the area first. Tilling helps improve permeability if the native soil is tight.

Surface Slope

A mild 1% slope graded away from structures directs runoff water away from buildings and prevents pooling on tiles.

Permeable Tiles

Some outdoor tiles have openings in their design or narrow joints that grass can grow through, promoting drainage and flexibility.

Ground Cover

Instead of compacted gravel, a permeable synthetic drainage fabric placed below the tiles can facilitate subsurface drainage.

Edge Restraints

Edging along the borders of the outdoor tile installation helps keep the tiles and base materials in place for a professional finished look.

Paver Edging

Plastic or metal landscape edging pressed into the ground along the perimeter provides a tidy border and keeps the gravel base contained.

Concrete Curb

Poured concrete or fabricated landscape curbs make a more substantial edge restraint around a tiled area.

Wood Headers

A raised wood frame of landscape timbers or deck board headers bordering the tiles creates a clear visual demarcation.

Anchored Tiles

Special anchors drilled into perimeter tiles connect them to spikes in the ground for a fixed, interlocking edge.

Gravel Base Adhesive

Liquid stabilizing compounds brushed on the gravel layer help harden and adhere it prior to tiling for added staying power.

Restraint Blocks

Small concrete blocks dug partially into the ground around the edges keep surrounding materials segregated from the tile base.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Paying attention to detail, following proper techniques and using quality materials will help your tiles stand the test of time and weather. Avoid these pitfalls:

Not removing grass and roots thoroughly from the area
Attempting to tile over extremely bumpy or uneven soil
Skimping on gravel quantity or compaction
Allowing inadequate slope for drainage
Using poor quality thin tiles prone to cracking
Setting tiles loosely without pressing firmly into base
Leaving gaps or low spots beneath tiles that can settle later
Rushing through base preparation or tile setting
Filling joints haphazardly without compacting material into spaces
Allowing heavy foot traffic or furniture on tiles too soon

Patience and care during each installation step will pay off with an attractive, enduring finish. Take time to properly prepare the base and handle details like cutting, spacing and grouting.

Tips for Grout Line Width

The space between outdoor tiles, or grout joints, plays an important role in the performance and look. Wider grout lines allow for:

Better drainage and air circulation
More flexibility and stability
Larger joint material less prone to washing out
Visual distinction between tiles

Typical recommendations for grout line width between outdoor tiles on grass:

Smaller tiles under 12” – 3/8” joints
Larger paver tiles – 1/2″ joints
Irregular natural stone tiles – 3/4″ joints
Permeable patio tiles – 1/2″ to 1″ joints

Where freezing occurs, wider joints accommodate minor shifting without damage. Avoid very narrow grout lines outdoors. Experiment with different spacer widths to get your desired appearance.

Protecting Tiles from Stains

Outdoor tiles are prone to staining from spills, weathering, leaf tannins, irrigation water and other factors. Sealing and maintenence can help prolong their appearance.

Sealers

Penetrating silicone or impregnating sealers protect surface pores
Enhance water resistance and reduce staining
Reapply annually or biannually

Joint Sealants

Polymeric sands bind with water to firm up grout joints
Help resist erosion from rainfall and temperature changes
Renew every 1-2 years

Cleaners

Mild acidic cleaners dissolve mineral deposits, ground-in dirt
Scrub with brushes, brooms, or pressure washer
Rinse thoroughly after use

Maintenance

Routinely sweep away leaves, debris that can stain tiles
Blot spills quickly to avoid absorption
Check for signs of cracks, erosion, uneven settling
Re-level any tiles that shift or sink over time

With proper installation and care, outdoor tiles can maintain their beauty for many years of outdoor living enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best base for outdoor tiles on grass?

A 4-6 inch layer of crushed gravel or crushed rock compacted over bare soil provides the ideal base for drainage, stability and preventing frost heave.

How thick should outdoor tiles be?

Look for tiles rated for exterior use that are at least 3/4-1 inch thick. Thinner tiles can crack and deteriorate outdoors. Porcelain, natural stone or cement tiles 1 inch or thicker perform best long-term.

Should ground cloth be used under gravel?

Landscape fabric helps inhibit weeds but can hinder drainage. It should only