Victorian Path & Porch Tiling

Not every patterned tile is made for outdoor use. Front path tiles and porch tiles need to be rated for external use, with low water absorption so they don't crack when water in them freezes. Check the tile manufacturer's guidance before buying, and use an adhesive and grout suitable for outdoor use and frost.

A tiled path is only as good as the base underneath. Old concrete may be cracked or breaking up, and a new base may be needed where the ground has settled. Robert checks the existing surface before quoting, so any preparation is planned from the start rather than found halfway through.

Water must run off a path or porch, not sit on it or flow towards the front door. Paths and porches are laid with a slight fall away from the house, towards the garden, a drain or the pavement edge, so rainwater clears quickly and the tiles dry out between showers.

The finished level of a porch or path next to the house should stay below the damp-proof course, so rain can't splash or soak into the walls above it. If adding tiles on top would bring the level too close to the damp-proof course, the old surface usually needs to come up first.

Smooth tiles can be slippery when wet, and a front path sees wet shoes in every season. Choose tiles with an anti-slip or textured finish made for outdoor use, and check the slip rating, especially on porch steps.

Victorian-style paths are usually framed by a border, often with a rope-style or plain edging along each side. The border is set out first so the pattern sits centrally down the path, with cuts hidden at the edges. Porch steps and the threshold at the front door are finished neatly, with the step edges planned so the pattern meets them cleanly.

The real patterned porch photo shown here is part of Robert's work gallery. For patios and larger outdoor areas, see Outdoor & Patio Tiling.