Base for porcelain at back of garden?

[Robthespoon]

Hi, so I want to do some DIY laying of porcelain tiles at the back of my garden. At the moment it's just compacted soil, (area of approx 3 m x 2 m) so I realise I need a few layers before I lay the tiles, but I can't work out what.

Chappy in topps tiles recommended 3 inches of grade 1 gravel, then layer of flexible adhesive, then tiles, but I wasn't entirely sure he was trustworthy!

Any recommendations would be massively appreciated

Rob

 

[SJPurdy]

Chappy in topps tiles recommended 3 inches of grade 1 gravel, then layer of flexible adhesive, then tiles, but I wasn't entirely sure he was trustworthy!
Rob

Definitely not that!

It will be dig out and fill with a well compacted layer of sub base ("hard-core") followed by a concrete base (probably with a blinding layer of sand in between). Then when the concrete is fully cured tile it with a flexible adhesive. You should be able to find the appropriate layer thicknesses in a general building guide if someone else doesn't post them here.

 

[afright]

Topps Tiles salesman :dunce2:

 

[Robthespoon]

Ha, well he didn't exactly inspire confidence!

Thanks for the replies. The hardcore and concrete layers sound good to me. Any suggestions for the required thickness of concrete? And I've never heard of putting a binding layer in between the two. Is this the norm?

Thanks

 

[cam_low]

wow canny advice from a shop....for whoever goes in and takes it as gospel !!! god help them !!

 

[SJPurdy]

A Blinding layer of sand not a binding layer. It means that the concrete is decoupled from the underlying base and can contract and expand independently. If it was an indoor base where a damp proof membrane is needed then it also covers the sharp bits of stone to prevent tearing/holing of the membrane.
As for thicknesses, well I'm not a builder but an old DIY book I have suggests: If it is firm ground then it can just be compacted and the concrete layed on it. but looser ground needs stabilising with some hardcore.
For paths 25-50mm hardcore then sand to cover then 75mm concrete.
Drives 75mm hardcore then sand to cover then 100mm concrete.
If I was you I'd do some googling to get some up to date specifications, but of the ones I have given I would treat it as a drive not a path.