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How to Lay Outdoor Tiles on Gravel

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Before laying any outdoor tiles, understanding your substrate is one of the most important decisions you will make. The method you use, the materials you need and even whether you can grout your patio all depend on what you are laying onto. At 20mm thick, Everscape outdoor porcelain tiles are designed to work across multiple laying methods, and in this guide we show you how to lay them on gravel.

Why Lay on Gravel?
Dry laying on gravel is a practical and versatile solution that provides a contemporary effect, bringing added style to patios, paths, pedestrian walkways, and courtyards. This method boasts fast installation, easy removal or repositioning of tiles and provides effective rainwater drainage without the need for skilled labour. Please note that this form of fitting is non-fixed and slight movement is possible.
How Do I Prepare The Substrate?

  1. Install a kerb or border around the edge of the area to be paved.

  2. Dig out the inner area to a depth of between 100mm and 200mm.

  3. Level the bottom of the dug out area using a rake and spirit level.

  4. For a more compact finish, compact the ground using a mechanical vibration plate or whacker plate.

  5. Lay a sheet of non-woven fabric across the surface to prevent plant regrowth.

  6. Using a mixed particle gravel of between 16-35mm, add a layer of gravel to a depth of 100mm and compact firmly.

  7. If using a particle size of 4-8mm, add an additional layer to a depth of around 100mm and level carefully using a spirit level.

How Do I Lay The Tiles?

1. Arrange the tiles in your chosen pattern and lay them directly onto the finishing gravel layer.

2. When laying the next tile, stand on the tile you have just laid and continue this process across the planned area. This avoids disturbing the gravel layer too much as you work.

3. Gently tap each tile using a white rubber mallet to ensure it sits flat. A white rubber mallet will help prevent marking the tile surface.

4. Leave a minimum gap of 4mm between each tile. Joints can be left empty or filled with a fine sand or gravel depending on your chosen joint width. A fine sand will help with stability and drainage.

5. For a more contemporary finish, try leaving a gap of up to 20mm between tiles and filling the joints with a larger, more decorative gravel or pebble.

For more guidance on how to fix Everscape Outdoor tiles on gravel, watch our video below:
For more ways to fit Everscape outdoor tiles, including on cement, grass and pedestals, take a look at our full outdoor tile fixing guides. Need to cut your tiles to size? Read our guide on cutting 2cm porcelain, or for ongoing care advice visit our how to clean outdoor tiles guide. 

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How to Lay Outdoor Tiles on Gravel