Quarry tiles - grout or cement?

[rfisher]

Need to replace some quarry tiles in my external porch floor.

What's the best way to fix these - normal tile grout adhesive or cement?

Looks like the current tiles are cemented in.

Presumably 1 part cement 3 parts sand if they are cemented.

[rfisher]

So don't know.

Maybe too boring.

Don't make me post this on mumsnet.

[seeby]

I would cement them in.Rake out the base first so they are set on a good bed of 3&1

[homeimprovements]

I would tile with floor tile adhesive. Powdered not the ready made stuff though as that is thoroughly s***e. Pretty sure I saw some external grade adhesive at the wholesaler the other day

[rfisher]

Ok thanks.

Gonna cement them in.

Got to offer better freeze / thaw protection I would have thought.

[northwest monkey]

rfisher said:

Ok thanks.

Gonna cement them in.

Got to offer better freeze / thaw protection I would have thought.

Powder floor tile adhesive is cement based, as is the grout. I wouldn't use normal mortar but use proper adhesive (bagged - not tubbed) and a separate grout. Put some sealer down on the tiles once you've stuck them down and the adhesive has gone off, then when you grout, the excess will wipe off the tiles a lot easier. Then put another coat of sealer over the whole lot (tiles and grout) and it will stop your grout getting dirty as quick.

Worth spending £15 on a wash bucket as well. It will make the whole job a lot easier & cleaner.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tilers-Washboy-Kit-Clean...

[B17NNS]

Cement based floor tile adhesive. Wickes or B&Q will have a suitable powdered product.

[RC1]

If the tiles are newly made rather than reclaimed seal them with boiled linseed oil prior to laying. I've done the same recently prior to getting good them laid. Makes a big difference to colour and their strength

[B17NNS]

^^^ Good advice about sealing. I'd use Lithofin personally. Face only obviously.

[RC1]

in fairness i did think the linseed oil thing was a bit old skool but it appears its a tried and tested thing.

my tiler does swear by lithofin for many other applications and did insist on sealing my slate floor with the stuff when that went down... stinks though