Some of the biggest challenges for tile installers are during exterior tile installations. These challenges include managing proper drainage and preventing damage to tiles, especially in harsh climates or areas where the temperature changes often. Due to these challenges, the paver support system was developed to make exterior installations much simpler and more successful. The paver support system is specifically designed to be used with thick porcelain tiles for exterior use and it can be used when installing outdoor tiles, patio decks, and roof terraces. Here's what you need to know about paver support systems and how they are making exterior tile installation easier worldwide.

Exterior Locations Where Porcelain Tile Installations Work Well

Porcelain tile installation is extremely versatile, technical, stylish, and customizable. Depending on the application, it can be used to beautify a space and enhance a theme, or it can be chosen because of its structural strength, light weight, frost resistance, fire resistance, and multitude of colour options. Here are some exterior applications where you can use porcelain tile.

• Exterior paving and decking
• On sand/gravel beds, steppingstones in grassed areas, decking for urban parklets (terrace, balcony, etc.), pathways and walkways, cobblestone paving
• Roof decks, roof terraces, elevated deck applications

Porcelain tiles using adjustable support pedestals are the quickest and easiest way to design a horizontal deck over uneven surfaces. It saves you the trouble of needing to construct extensive supporting substructures, such as wood or metal beams. Underneath the adjustable support pedestals, cables and pipes can be hidden but easily accessed when the need is there. The most common use of porcelain pavers is for roof deck applications. The adjustable height pedestals are placed under each corner of the paver, to balance out the surface in a completely horizontal level. To avoid risk of damage or injury, you should consider the impact of installing porcelain pavers in high-traffic commercial areas due to the shock and impact. In cases like these, steel protection plates or self-adhesive protection sheets should be installed underneath the pavers to boost security and safety. These add-ons will reinforce your installation, especially when deck heights are greater than four feet.

Benefits of Adjustable Support Pedestals

• Designed to hide pipes and equipment underneath
• Absorbs expansion and structural movements
• Ensure a consistently flat paved surface
• Quickly drain water
• Ensures constant air circulation to extend the life of the waterproofing and insulation
• Sturdy and resistant to damage
• Anti-slip and anti-noise
• Quick and easy to install

What Are the Right Tools for Exterior Tile Installation?

When installing outdoor porcelain tile, there are some tools you should have to get started:

• Paver suction tool to place large format tiles with ease and accuracy
• Spacer system to ensure all tiles are accurately placed and proportionate
• Wet cut tile saw
• Notched trowels and grout float tools for thin set applications
• Non-marking rubber mallet to gently tape tiles to ensure it sticks to the adhesive and surface below

Get All the Equipment and Tools You Need at Centura

If you’re looking for all the equipment and systems needed for your tile installation project, you can find all you need at Centura Tools. We offer a variety of products including tile cutters,  large format tile tools, in-floor heating products, Schluter products, tile leveling systems (Schluter Troba level, Euro Tile Systems, etc.), flooring products, high-end tools, professional equipment for flooring and tile installers, and more.

We stand out from our competitors because we source our tools and products from around the world to ensure our customers are getting the best international brands. Products from Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, and the U.S. fill our shelves, and we pride ourselves on offering the best prices and products on the global market.

If you are looking for something you don’t see in our store, let us know and we can source the specific items you need. Contact us at (416) 785-3311 or visit our store to see our amazing products. Our professionals are available to help you make the right decisions about your tiling project.