- Placing ceramic tiles on a deck

Dear Shell,

We have a covered deck, which is above the garage and so needs to have a waterproof covering on it. It is covered with General Paint Spantex paint on deck coating right now. We would like to replace it and were wondering if we could use ceramic tiles on an outdoor deck like this. If it is possible would we have to remove the Spantex coating before the tiles were laid down. We do get a little bit of rain or snow on the deck sometimes as it blows in from the side, would tile be waterproof enough or can it be sealed to keep the water from seeping in. Hope you can give me some advice.

Thanks, Kelly

Dear Kelly,

Yes you can go over Spantex.

1. You must apply a stabilizing wire mesh (diamond galvanized lath) using staples over the Spantex.

2. Apply thin set mortar (reinforced with acrylic binder) over wire mesh.

3. Apply exterior frost protected non-slip tiles. Using exterior grout mortar and epoxy grout.

It's just that easy.

Article courtesy of: Shell Busey