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A terrace should not only look good, but also last a long time. What do do-it-yourselfers have to consider who want to grout their patio tiles? Which joint materials are there? Which grout is suitable for which purpose?
In a nutshell
- Grouting terrace slabs prevents them from slipping - joint mass is reduced
- Weed growth between the panels and protects against insect infestation
Stability and elasticity required - Joint sand, joint mortar and joint chippings are available for loose and solid jointing
loose or tight?
If you want to grout terrace slabs, you can choose between loose and fixed connections.
Loose grouting
Terrace slabs with narrow gaps can be loosely grouted. The following joint materials are offered:
- joint sand
- rock flour
- joint chippings
The advantages are apparent. The loose joint material equalizes tensions well. Especially in winter when temperatures are low, the elasticity protects the terrace tiles from damage. However, loose joint material is quickly washed out when it rains. It needs to be refilled regularly.
Notice: As a guideline, the wider the gaps, the coarser the joint material should be.
Solid grouting
Elastic joint mortar in various qualities is available for firm grouting of the patio tiles. The products are available already mixed in any DIY store.
Solid joint material insulates better than loose ones and thus protects against cold damage. Water drainage is guaranteed with modern materials. Modern solid joint products combine elasticity and stability. Rigid connections of terrace or pavement slabs through concrete, which were common in the past, are no longer implemented today. They prevented expansion and led to cracks.
Joint sand, joint split, rock flour
Fine joint sand with a grain size of 0.1 to 0.5 millimeters is the first choice, especially for narrow spaces. The joint depth should be at least four centimeters to give the panels the necessary strength. Rock flour consists of ground rock, for example granite. Just like joint sand, it can be used perfectly and helps to curb weed growth. The permeability is not affected by the sand, so that the water drainage is secured.
Notice: Mix jointing sand with fine grit to increase the strength of the loosely jointed panels.
Instructions for loose grouting
Material:
- Joint sand, rock flour or joint split
- shaker
- broom
Manual:
- Sweep the patio tiles thoroughly.
- Spread the grout on the panels.
- Carefully sweep the grout product into the gaps. Repeat the process until all joints are filled.
- Clean the patio tiles with a soft broom.
- Firm the floor covering with a vibrator.
- Fill in grout again.
Tip: Be careful not to mix the grout with organic matter. These would form the basis for weed colonization.
grout
Joint mortar is suitable for grouting larger joints between patio tiles. The self-hardening materials remain elastic. They are available in different qualities. Joint mortar products are sold ready-mixed in specialist stores. Alternatively, you can mix sand with a binding agent and water. Professional grouts do not require the addition of water. In this way, contamination on the plates can be ruled out. The joints are stable and yet remain water-permeable.
Instructions for solid grouting without adding water
Material:
- Joint mortar mixture for dry processing
- shaker
- broom
Manual:
- Sweep the laid patio tiles thoroughly.
- Mix the joint compound well once.
- Spread the grout on the panels.
- Thoroughly sweep the compound into all joints until well filled.
- Clean the plates.
- Consolidate the surface with a vibrator.
- Fill in the gaps again with grout.
Instructions for solid grouting with the addition of water
Material:
- grout mix water
- garden hose
- rubber lip
- trowel
- broom
Manual:
- Thoroughly clean the terrace slabs and the spaces between them.
- Spray the panels and joints with water.
- Spread the ready-to-use grout on the floor covering.
- Dampen the grout with a jet of water.
- Bring the even mass into the joints with a rubber squeegee.
- After working in the grout, spray the surface lightly with water.
- Clean the panels of excess material with a soft broom.
- Sweep the area again after 45 minutes.
- Clean the tool.
- Protect the terrace from dirt with foil. It should not be entered for a week.
frequently asked Questions
What is joint strengthener?Joint strengtheners for terraces and sidewalks are available in hardware stores. These are liquids that are applied to the joints filled with joint sand. They increase joint strength, protect against leaching and prevent weed growth.
Can patio tiles be laid seamlessly?Particularly high-quality ceramic tiles are often laid seamlessly. This technique can only be used for dimensionally accurate panels. It requires extensive specialist knowledge. Cracks and damage to the edges cannot be ruled out.
How are patio tiles protected from contamination with the grout?When loosely grouting with sand or grit, there is no risk of permanent contamination of the panels. If you grout the terrace slabs with joint mortar, contamination cannot be completely ruled out. We recommend creating a test area to check that the residue can be completely removed.