Thanks Johnnie boy. I’m a tiler by trade. 95% of my work is indoors. But on the odd occasion I’m doing work outside. You advice has been invaluable. Thank you
Fantastic information.....! Covers some really important points, quality, slope, laying, and considerations.... All done form a chair.., but i appreciate it, because its focused and clear... Thank you.
I grouted my porcelain patio recently, using pavetuff porcelain grout in light grey. The grout looks great when wet, but when dry, it looks almost white. So I sealed the joints with a colour enhancing sealer last weekend, which not only keeps it grey when dry, but also protects the grout joints from the weather 👌
Hi Johnny boy Spot on mate 👌 we can lay ( correctly) 40 sqr meters in a day of indian stone ? Now porcelain maybe 15 and we struggle to do that? Theirs a lot of standing back looking thinking ? In any case you can't just put it down ! Top quality mate well explained and for us it's great to hear your expert take on it mate 👍the value of your videos can't be ignored mate 👍 we improve and learn and take on board your wealth of knowledge and add it to our own working practices! and like to think it shows in our care at work 👍 many thanks for the time you and Alison spend trying to improve our trade and good on you mate 💖💖🙏👍 let's hope the rain gods are with us this week 👍 Respect John 👍
This is really interesting! I live in Denmark and the method we use her is to lay 20mm porcelain on a hardcore base with sharp sand and then the tiles.
Greetings from Toronto. Experienced landscaper struggling with my first Porcelain Tile lay. 1000 sq.ft. Clear gravel base ...at first used a mat like sub base called gator base about 100 sq. ft test area. The mat itself was too "spongee" and water did not drain well. Removed it and used Easy Click Base from Azpects. Much better in terms of not flexing especially using sharp sand to coat over that. Glued tile directly to Easy Click base. My current struggle is the grout ...what to use...its why I'm watching your video hoping to glean what info I can. The Click base allows for drainage but it also has areas where the plastic holds the water. Deciding on using Azpects Easy Joint rather than the grout because its permeable. My worry is those small areas in the base that seem to hold water.
Hi Joe, thanks for the message. I know these two systems very well. I think with most systems there will always be issues and of course in Canada the main issue is the frost which is going to kill most grouting systems especially when you have sitting 💦. May I suggest to take a Look at Banus Stone in Canada they are on UA-cam and see what they use. It’s just a far different climate for this Brit to advise on. Many thanks for your message mate regards Johnyboy
Great point about the falls! I got caught out thinking that porcelain being less porous, the water would run off it quicker. Also consider where the slabs are, do they get sunlight etc. Also the bigger slabs, have a slight bow to middle, creating a few mm diff to the next if laying bricks bond. Be interesting how all these porcelain patios age in years to come. I personally prefer working with calibrated limestone.
I’m an accidental landscaper Johnny. I’ve transitioned from a bricklayer with 20 year experience and an extensive portfolio of brick feature work- with the odd bit of paving thrown in through the years. Since the first lockdown I’ve been in constant demand for landscaping instead of brickwork where my reputation lies locally. Your videos are brilliant - time taken to explain with clear and concise advice. Cheers Ant- the retired brickie
Hi Johnny, can you recommend me a decent sealant that won’t break the back. My grout has gone slightly to the lighter side and I’m wanting to also try bring the colour back to it if possible. Top work! Liam
Hello Jonnie, I'm planning to lay a small driveway, but there's very little information on how to lay a porcelain tile driveway. Planning to lay 30mm tiles (400x800) onto 100mm cement (sharp sand 4-1) over 150 - 200 mm well compacted type 1. Not planning to use reinforced concrete? Is this OK for a driveway in your opinion professional opinion? Thank you.
Hi Johnny Great content with some of my questions answered. Although would like to know is there an ideal joint width for easy grout application and with the sealant do you know of one that keeps the porcelain looking wet? Cheers keep it coming Matt
How you doing Greentop, I've done a porcelain patio as a DIY project and your videos helped me enormously, I've read through comments on here and wonder if you have an update on a recommended porcelain tile sealer, cheers
Have you ever done porcaline on a driveway? Iv bought 30 sqm, 20mm. Iv taken out the tarmac and the type1 out so there's enough for 40mm bed of mortar plus tile, would this method be sufficient and hold a car? Or would you do a concrete slab/blinding then lay on mortar bed or maybe an exterior adhesive. Hope you can help Sam, Manchester 👍🏽
Hi. Really interesting video. Im interested in the ‘fall’ needed. I’m just starting to lay a porcelain patio which is 4 x2 m , just 8 big tiles. It is surrounded by some nice gravel offering good drainage to sub base. Would you say any fall is necessary. The whole patio is well away from the house. Thanks.
Hi Chris I am always available to talk but to be honest its not a big paved area, the BS Standard for Porcelain is 1:60. but in my opinion its far to much. just call me mate.
Hi johnny boy just wanted to say thanks for video's I watch all of them and learn a great deal 👍 what grout are you using on this and where can I get it from? The stuff that I'm using atm is a nightmare to use! 🤬
Hi Johnny, I’m in desperate need of some help. I have tried contacting you in December and January to landscape our garden but didn’t hear back from you. We have ended up being stung by a rouge landscaper and now in need of laying 65m2 of porcelain. We are in Llanwern so hoping you are able to help put a smile back on our faces and give us our garden back. Thanks.
Another cracking video Johnny 👍 I'm only a diy'er but I love watching your vids 😃 just quickly when you mentioned sealers what product do you use or would recommend to someone like my self that is easy to apply on my porcelain patio? Thanks
Another excellent video. I have a question about expansion joints. Im Laying 20mm 600x900 tiles over an area 5m x 20m. I'm struggling to get info on expansion joints or whether I need them at all. I'd really appreciate your thoughts.
Kevin mate many landscapers would not but Bal adhesive in Stoke say you need to as they come from a tiling background, If you are laying on reinforced concrete you wont need to, but 20 long is quite big it just depends o how good your sub base is. May be we over think it sometimes, more than happy to talk to you mate.
Kerakoll fugabella resin- cement grout is far better than easy grout it’s stronger holds colour better and has aggregate and resin in it I’ve used both and also a few others I highly recommend this one
Also I have heard a few bad things but I personally have never had any problems with easy grout, it would be good to see a picture of the job you did with Easygrout as I may be able to throw some light on it for you, how many times have you said you used it?
@@GreentopLandscapes yes that is another aspect i struggle with...we also have a similar product here called Romex that has a finer sand and more sleek appearance ...just didn't like how it performed on test area
Your analogy of very smooth surfaces like glass windows needing cleaning due to micropores is really good. A very succinct explanation that can be given to a client. Selant choice is a whole topic in itself, I must admit I'm always very wary of using sealers simply due to getting the right weather conditions and the risk of sealing in moisture. I can't help but feel the manufacturers themselves could do a lot more regards educating both the client and contractor.
Sir, I live in Southern California and it’s very hot in the area I live in 90% of the time. It seldom gets cold enough to freeze. Also it seldom rains, unfortunately. What would you recommend I use for apx a 6x6 meter area? It may be smaller but that’s my starting measurements.
Thanks for your sharing. I'm interested in porcelain for my rear garden. If my garden leaned a little bit to my house ( approx. 5 to 8 degree) , do you suggest to pave R11 anti-slip porcelain ? Or the block paving is only choice for me ?
Hi just wondering if you could give me a bit of help I’ve been following you for some time especially as a friend asked me to help him on his patio I drew up all the details to meet his design requirements and I must admit used you and others to collate the correct detailing I’ve now been sacked ineffect as I installed 120mm mot and allowed within the detailing 80mm of sand and cement bed for the 600 x 900 porcelain tiles The new guys are saying they would not use more than 60 mm Mot and are refusing to lay the slabs on more than 40mm of sand and cement Any chance you might comment ?? I can’t see I’ve done anything wrong especially as there is a very mature Beech tree and Sycamore tree within 3 meters of the patio areas Your help would be very much appreciated thanks Mark 👍🏻
Hi Johnny I need help big time I've got a patio I've done and I've grouted with charcoal grout and it has impregnated into the tile and now I can't get it bk to original look! Is there a product I can use to get deep stains out
@@GreentopLandscapes thanks mate... That's the problem, there's too many... But I'm just going to ask the questions about full body and R11 and hope for the best... If you know any ones to avoid then please drop me a message... Very happy to have discovered this video and the others you've made, lots to learn. Thanks for taking time to share the knowledge and taking time to reply to comments.
Have watched loads of your videos over lockdown, really informative. I'm going to be laying my porcelain patio next month, was looking for some advice. Do you NEED to add edging when doing patio to turfed lawn at the same level? I'm so used to flat top edging etc, but don't want any edging as prefer the look of porcelain tile straight to grass. Any help would be massively appreciated!
@@GreentopLandscapes Fantastic! I like the contrast of the picture frame, but the missus prefers big tile straight to grass. Sounds like we have a winner. Thanks for the reply and all the best!
Thanks Johnnie boy. I’m a tiler by trade. 95% of my work is indoors. But on the odd occasion I’m doing work outside. You advice has been invaluable. Thank you
Pleasure Lee Landscapers need to learn tilers disciplines
Fantastic information.....!
Covers some really important points, quality, slope, laying, and considerations....
All done form a chair.., but i appreciate it, because its focused and clear...
Thank you.
You seem well informed mate.
Some real helpful points on there,
All the best
Much appreciated
Another brilliant video mate.
Many thanks! so kind
A great, clear, thought provoking video.
Thanks Bobby
I grouted my porcelain patio recently, using pavetuff porcelain grout in light grey. The grout looks great when wet, but when dry, it looks almost white. So I sealed the joints with a colour enhancing sealer last weekend, which not only keeps it grey when dry, but also protects the grout joints from the weather 👌
Nice one Jack
What sealer did you use? Mine has gone white too, grey when wet so I'd like to try it
@@robertcereda hard floor restoration colour enhancer sealant mate
Hi Johnny boy
Spot on mate 👌 we can lay ( correctly) 40 sqr meters in a day of indian stone ? Now porcelain maybe 15 and we struggle to do that? Theirs a lot of standing back looking thinking ? In any case you can't just put it down ! Top quality mate well explained and for us it's great to hear your expert take on it mate 👍the value of your videos can't be ignored mate 👍 we improve and learn and take on board your wealth of knowledge and add it to our own working practices! and like to think it shows in our care at work 👍 many thanks for the time you and Alison spend trying to improve our trade and good on you mate 💖💖🙏👍 let's hope the rain gods are with us this week 👍
Respect
John 👍
Thanks John mate, be good to chat
yeah agree , i have sent you my mobile number to your web site mate
40m2 of sandstone in a day that's good going 30m2 for me and a labour i feel I've had a good day
This is really interesting! I live in Denmark and the method we use her is to lay 20mm porcelain on a hardcore base with sharp sand and then the tiles.
Hi Alan, it’s probably because of the Freeze belt, you can lay on concrete but it will need steel there I suppose
Greetings from Toronto. Experienced landscaper struggling with my first Porcelain Tile lay. 1000 sq.ft. Clear gravel base ...at first used a mat like sub base called gator base about 100 sq. ft test area. The mat itself was too "spongee" and water did not drain well. Removed it and used Easy Click Base from Azpects. Much better in terms of not flexing especially using sharp sand to coat over that. Glued tile directly to Easy Click base. My current struggle is the grout ...what to use...its why I'm watching your video hoping to glean what info I can. The Click base allows for drainage but it also has areas where the plastic holds the water. Deciding on using Azpects Easy Joint rather than the grout because its permeable. My worry is those small areas in the base that seem to hold water.
Hi Joe, thanks for the message. I know these two systems very well. I think with most systems there will always be issues and of course in Canada the main issue is the frost which is going to kill most grouting systems especially when you have sitting 💦. May I suggest to take a Look at Banus Stone in Canada they are on UA-cam and see what they use. It’s just a far different climate for this Brit to advise on. Many thanks for your message mate regards Johnyboy
Great point about the falls! I got caught out thinking that porcelain being less porous, the water would run off it quicker.
Also consider where the slabs are, do they get sunlight etc.
Also the bigger slabs, have a slight bow to middle, creating a few mm diff to the next if laying bricks bond.
Be interesting how all these porcelain patios age in years to come.
I personally prefer working with calibrated limestone.
Great point!
Great video mate hope alls well 💯😍👍
Thanks Lee
I’m an accidental landscaper Johnny. I’ve transitioned from a bricklayer with 20 year experience and an extensive portfolio of brick feature work- with the odd bit of paving thrown in through the years.
Since the first lockdown I’ve been in constant demand for landscaping instead of brickwork where my reputation lies locally. Your videos are brilliant - time taken to explain with clear and concise advice.
Cheers
Ant- the retired brickie
Hi antony mate thanks for hooking up hope. your busy mate
HI Johnny, Can you lay a porcelain slab on a bed of hardcore / Sharp Sand then dry cement..?? What will happen if that is done..?
Thanks
It needs to be a semi dry not to wet or to dry and you can lay on hardcore but a lean-mix is better
Wow! Super quality picture there!
At last bud
Thanks for information.
Welcome
Hi Johnny, can you recommend me a decent sealant that won’t break the back.
My grout has gone slightly to the lighter side and I’m wanting to also try bring the colour back to it if possible.
Top work!
Liam
Liam mate speak with Graham at Floorseal mate and mention me
Hello Jonnie, I'm planning to lay a small driveway, but there's very little information on how to lay a porcelain tile driveway. Planning to lay 30mm tiles (400x800) onto 100mm cement (sharp sand 4-1) over 150 - 200 mm well compacted type 1. Not planning to use reinforced concrete? Is this OK for a driveway in your opinion professional opinion? Thank you.
Better if you called me mate
Hi Johnny
Great content with some of my questions answered. Although would like to know is there an ideal joint width for easy grout application and with the sealant do you know of one that keeps the porcelain looking wet?
Cheers keep it coming
Matt
Hi Mate 4mm no high sheen sealer yet
How you doing Greentop, I've done a porcelain patio as a DIY project and your videos helped me enormously, I've read through comments on here and wonder if you have an update on a recommended porcelain tile sealer, cheers
Great to hear! try Elemets Shield they are on Instagram
Have you ever done porcaline on a driveway? Iv bought 30 sqm, 20mm.
Iv taken out the tarmac and the type1 out so there's enough for 40mm bed of mortar plus tile, would this method be sufficient and hold a car?
Or would you do a concrete slab/blinding then lay on mortar bed or maybe an exterior adhesive.
Hope you can help
Sam, Manchester 👍🏽
Hi Sam, Thanks for your message. A leanmix would be good but with some steel mats just in case.
Hi. Really interesting video. Im interested in the ‘fall’ needed. I’m just starting to lay a porcelain patio which is 4 x2 m , just 8 big tiles. It is surrounded by some nice gravel offering good drainage to sub base. Would you say any fall is necessary. The whole patio is well away from the house. Thanks.
Hi Chris I am always available to talk but to be honest its not a big paved area, the BS Standard for Porcelain is 1:60. but in my opinion its far to much. just call me mate.
Hi johnny boy just wanted to say thanks for video's I watch all of them and learn a great deal 👍 what grout are you using on this and where can I get it from? The stuff that I'm using atm is a nightmare to use! 🤬
Hi Bud, thank mate. I will use Easygrout
Just started my first porcelain patio only 14m2 but get lots of tips and advice from your vids mate.. not on your level yet tho haha
Love your work 👍
Thank you thats very kind of you.
Hi Johnny, I’m in desperate need of some help. I have tried contacting you in December and January to landscape our garden but didn’t hear back from you. We have ended up being stung by a rouge landscaper and now in need of laying 65m2 of porcelain. We are in Llanwern so hoping you are able to help put a smile back on our faces and give us our garden back. Thanks.
So sorry to hear that Symon, drop me an email or give. me a call again,so sorry we have not spoke. Call me mate
Hiya mate
I'm after a bit of advise.
How to bond porcelain tiles to the upstands of steps ( constructed from concrete blocks)
Thanks
Steve
Hi Steve thanks for watching, I have used Mapei exterior adhesive and it has not failed me yet, try the rapid set mate.
@@GreentopLandscapes thank you mate 👍
any word Johnny on the selaer coming out?? Love your videos.
Yes Jim Mate its out
Another cracking video Johnny 👍 I'm only a diy'er but I love watching your vids 😃 just quickly when you mentioned sealers what product do you use or would recommend to someone like my self that is easy to apply on my porcelain patio? Thanks
Thanks 👍 so kind of you honestly that means a lot to me, I am working with a company who will have one on the market plac very soon.
Hi Johnny, do you really need a weed mat, under 4 inches of sub base and then a 5 to 1 slab mix? Many thanks Geoff
Hi Geoffrey its. not for weeds its a mat to stabilize the grounds its just Belts & Braces mate
Another excellent video. I have a question about expansion joints. Im Laying 20mm 600x900 tiles over an area 5m x 20m. I'm struggling to get info on expansion joints or whether I need them at all. I'd really appreciate your thoughts.
Kevin mate many landscapers would not but Bal adhesive in Stoke say you need to as they come from a tiling background, If you are laying on reinforced concrete you wont need to, but 20 long is quite big it just depends o how good your sub base is. May be we over think it sometimes, more than happy to talk to you mate.
@@GreentopLandscapes thanks a million
Hi Jonny great advice once again 👍🏻 what porcelain sealer do you use ?
Cheers Chris mate, new sealer coming very soon
@@GreentopLandscapes ok mate will keep my eye out for your video 👍🏻
Is it possible to lay porcelain tiles on top of established cement slabs? Thank you.
Maybe
Hi mate loving your work ! How long can I leave my porcelain patio down before I seal It, it’s been down a couple of weeks now ! Thanks
Hi Lee thanks mate really appreciate your feedback, another couple of weeks I think then do it I have a new sealer coming out.
Can I ask. Is flow point good product for grout porcelain and what gaps is recommended
Hi Ge.orge, I know people say its good but I have not used it mate
could you lay porcelain on the same type of bed you lay block paving? whacked limestone then a screed of granite 4-6mm
Good question you could lay 3cm but You don’t want water going through the grout lines
Kerakoll fugabella resin- cement grout is far better than easy grout it’s stronger holds colour better and has aggregate and resin in it I’ve used both and also a few others I highly recommend this one
great. stuff Anthony
Does is clean off easily after grouting?
Having aggregate is not great for porcelain as it needs to be smooth and sleek like the paving but there you go we make our choices.
Also I have heard a few bad things but I personally have never had any problems with easy grout, it would be good to see a picture of the job you did with Easygrout as I may be able to throw some light on it for you, how many times have you said you used it?
@@GreentopLandscapes yes that is another aspect i struggle with...we also have a similar product here called Romex that has a finer sand and more sleek appearance ...just didn't like how it performed on test area
Are you ok John? You dont seem yourself just lately
Cheers bud I am ok just busy and just want to tone it down some times
Your analogy of very smooth surfaces like glass windows needing cleaning due to micropores is really good. A very succinct explanation that can be given to a client.
Selant choice is a whole topic in itself, I must admit I'm always very wary of using sealers simply due to getting the right weather conditions and the risk of sealing in moisture.
I can't help but feel the manufacturers themselves could do a lot more regards educating both the client and contractor.
Glad it was helpful! and I agree with you Paul
Sir,
I live in Southern California and it’s very hot in the area I live in 90% of the time. It seldom gets cold enough to freeze. Also it seldom rains, unfortunately.
What would you recommend I use for apx a 6x6 meter area?
It may be smaller but that’s my starting measurements.
Hi Susan, there are lots of natural stones in Calif so lots to choose from. However, if installed correctly; Porcelain is good, always happy to talk
Thanks for your sharing. I'm interested in porcelain for my rear garden. If my garden leaned a little bit to my house ( approx. 5 to 8 degree) , do you suggest to pave R11 anti-slip porcelain ? Or the block paving is only choice for me ?
You definitely need an R11 rating Brenda always happy to talk
Hi
just wondering if you could give me a bit of help
I’ve been following you for some time especially as a friend asked me to help him on his patio
I drew up all the details to meet his design requirements and I must admit used you and others to collate the correct detailing
I’ve now been sacked ineffect as I installed 120mm mot and allowed within the detailing 80mm of sand and cement bed for the 600 x 900 porcelain tiles
The new guys are saying they would not use more than 60 mm Mot and are refusing to lay the slabs on more than 40mm of sand and cement
Any chance you might comment ??
I can’t see I’ve done anything wrong especially as there is a very mature Beech tree and Sycamore tree within 3 meters of the patio areas
Your help would be very much appreciated thanks Mark 👍🏻
Happy to talk Mark
Thanks Johnny how do we talk 🙂
07795595994
Hi Johnny I need help big time I've got a patio I've done and I've grouted with charcoal grout and it has impregnated into the tile and now I can't get it bk to original look! Is there a product I can use to get deep stains out
can you call me Daniel
Would you recommend a good place to buy full bodied porcelain from?
There are many out there
@@GreentopLandscapes thanks mate... That's the problem, there's too many... But I'm just going to ask the questions about full body and R11 and hope for the best... If you know any ones to avoid then please drop me a message... Very happy to have discovered this video and the others you've made, lots to learn. Thanks for taking time to share the knowledge and taking time to reply to comments.
Listen my friend please call me I can direct you
Have watched loads of your videos over lockdown, really informative. I'm going to be laying my porcelain patio next month, was looking for some advice. Do you NEED to add edging when doing patio to turfed lawn at the same level? I'm so used to flat top edging etc, but don't want any edging as prefer the look of porcelain tile straight to grass. Any help would be massively appreciated!
Thank you Ewan mat, you can go straight to the grass and you could put a picture frame in.
@@GreentopLandscapes Fantastic! I like the contrast of the picture frame, but the missus prefers big tile straight to grass. Sounds like we have a winner. Thanks for the reply and all the best!
Hi Johnny
I want to lay 20mm porcelain on my concrete patio but have a height restriction can I use a 20mm bed of 5-1 sand cement mix
it can be done
I wonder what kind sand for mixture should be use ?
Sharp sand ?
@@derekderek6967 100% sharp sand
👍
Wouldn’t have it in the house or the garden..... death trap !
its fineMate it hasan R11 rating
Porcelain not Porcelaine, pronounced porcelin 🤣👍 Google pronunciation
It’s just the accent, come on you can forgive me surely
Pretty sure your saying porcelain wrong
O sorry
Unless that's how you say it , r u in Cornwall
Lol I will listen
@@GreentopLandscapes good videos what u do , u do a good job
Thank you Dean