Porcelain deck pavers are becoming one of the most popular hardscaping materials in the country thanks to their incredible durability and virtually endless design options. Not only that, but they’re one of the easiest paving materials to install, thanks to Tile Tech’s innovative porcelain paving system.

However, as with any renovation, you’ll need to follow the proper installation techniques to have the highest quality finish possible. When installing your porcelain outdoor tiles, make sure to avoid these top three common mistakes.

1. Not preparing the surface

Proper preparation is the key to a hassle-free project, no matter what the material is. When preparing to install your porcelain deck pavers, make sure to remove any debris and smooth and clean the surface where you’re going to lay your porcelain tiles.

You’ll also want to level out the installation area to ensure that your deck isn’t sloping or uneven. Luckily, this is easy with Tile Tech’s adjustable pedestal system. Instead of performing any landscaping, you can use hybrid adjustable pedestals to create an even surface on which to rest your porcelain deck pavers. Each tile snaps into the pedestal system for easy installation that can be completed hassle-free in just hours.

2. Failing to lay out your tiles beforehand

Many porcelain paver styles, such as Tile Tech’s wood chevron paver trays, can be rotated or arranged to create a unique pattern. If you’ve chosen a style of porcelain paver that has a pattern, or even a subtle detail like seashells, you’ll want to lay out all of your tiles before installation so you can experiment with different arrangements.

Not only do you want to ensure your pattern is facing the correct direction, but you may also find that certain tiles with subtle detail look better switched around. You may find that the edges line up better, or the color gradates in a way you prefer. It can also reduce errors and avoid re-installing tiles you missed the first time.

3. Not checking for loose tiles

If you’re replacing existing paver trays with new porcelain outdoor tiles, you’ll need to check if those existing tiles are loose. Although they may not feel noticeably loose underfoot, they could begin to come loose, compromising the structural integrity of your new tiles.

To determine whether your tiles are becoming loose, hit them gently using any tool you have around. If they sound hollow, it likely means that your porcelain deck tiles are not properly adhered to the surface underneath. If this is the case, you’ll need to remove your existing landscape paving and re-level your adjustable pedestals before installing your new porcelain deck pavers.

Whether you’re a professional installer gaining more experience or a DIY homeowner, Tile Tech’s porcelain paver system makes installation foolproof. Our porcelain outdoor tiles, hybrid adjustable pedestals, and other installation tools all work harmoniously to make your renovation easier than you thought possible. To find out more about Tile Tech or request a free project quote, give us a call today at (888) 380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We’re happy to provide a free catalog or product sample at your request.