What is ProPave Mortar?

The UltraTile ProPave mortar is a fibre modified cement binder to be mixed with sharp sand and water to create a high strength base, designed for 20mm outdoor tiling. In this guide, we take you through the detail of what this mortar does and how to use it in your garden. ProPave Mortar is a permanent installation method, ideal for creating fixed paths, walkways and external areas where you're likely to get high foot traffic. This system uses ProPave Mortar and Ultrascape Pro-Prime which is a durable fitting method suitable for domestic driveways.

Combine ProPave mortar with aggregate at a ratio of: 1:6 for patios (1 part ProPave to 6 parts sand) or 1:4 for driveways (1 part ProPave to 4 parts sand). Slowly add water to the mixture (7 litres of water per 20kg bag).

Then, mechanically mix for at least 5 minutes, once mixed you should be able to form a firm ball of mortar when compacted in your home.

Place 7 litres of water into a bucket and slowly add the Pro-Prime powder. Mechanically mix for 3-5 minutes to create a smooth, lump-free slurry. Regardless of the substrate you are using these products on, it is important to not add water to either of the Pro-Prime or ProPave products if they start to dry out. Always remove and replace with a fresh, wet mixture.

The substrate must be stable and not be at risk of settlement or movement. All surfaces should be cleaned and pre-soaked avoiding any pooling of water. Apply Ultra Scape Pro-Prime to the pre-soaked substrate, using a suitable brush, ensuring a thickness of 1-2mm of slurry.

Whilst the Pro-Prime is fresh and wet, lay the ProPave Mortar onto the substrate. Level the mortar to the required thickness; a minimum bed depth of 30mm is required for patios and walkways and 60mm for driveways and high traffic areas.

Next, apply a 1-2mm thick layer of the Ultra Scape Pro-Prime to the base of each tile prior to bedding them into the ProPave Mortar. Use a white rubber mallet to tap the tile until it is level.

Dig out an area to a depth of 150mm or 180mm for a driveway or heavy traffic area. Apply a layer of MOT Type 1 stone and compact down to a depth of 50mm using a mechanical vibration plate or a whacker plate for smaller areas. Apply a second layer of MOT Type 1 stone and compact down again to 50mm. Both layers should total a minimum of 100mm.

Apply a layer of ProPave Mortar onto the substrate then level the mortar to a minimum thickness of 30mm (60mm if using for a driveway or high traffic area).

Then, the same as a concrete substrate, apply UltraScape Pro-Prime to the bottom of the tiles with a brush and then embed the tiles firmly into the ProPave Mortar whilst still wet ensuring full contact with the back of the tile and tapping into place.

MOT Type 1 Stone is a crushed aggregate material which is approved for use in the construction of pavements and highways by the Ministry of Transport. The type number denotes the material size, so Type 1 is graded material sized from 63mm to dust.

As ProPave Mortar provides a porous and permeable substrate which promotes drainage, it lends itself perfectly to using an external brush-in grout. They're quick and easy to use with no special machinery or equipment needed.

Developed exclusively with Ultra Tilefix, the ProPave Grout range uses an innovative resin coated sand which allows the grout (and your Everscape tiles) to be cleaned using a pressure washer, restoring the original colour without any damage to the integrity of the grout.

To install, soak the area with water then sprinkle the grout on the surface of the tile in a line that follows the grout joint. Using the spray setting on your hose and a soft bristle brush, spray and brush the grout into the joints until each one is filled. Top up any sagging joints with more grouting compound, continuing to wash and brush the grout into the joints.

Once the area is complete, allow the water to drain away and the paving area to dry out. Once dry, use a pointing tool to smooth the surface and edges of the grout for a professional finish.

If any residue is left on the tiles it can create a 'rainbow' like film on the tile's surface. Clean it off by using water and sweeping with a stiff brush diagonally to the joint until the residue has disappeared.

Shop the full Everscape range now and learn how to fit them from the comfort of your own home. For cutting and cleaning advice read our outdoor tile maintenance guides.