Outdoor tiles not sticking to new outdoor gravel/cement step

Andrewf20

Hi folks,

I just made an outdoor step out of 3:1 gravel / cement mix. However the 600 x 900mm tiles on top are not sticking. The mix underneath has gone hard. : (

There seems to be a variety of grouts and ploybonds etc on the market but im looking for recommendations for what's best, baring in mind that I don't want to make the step higher than it is (or minimise any additional rise as much as possible).

Thanks.

Calahonda52

these tiles will need a full bedding of tile cement, maybe 10mm thick
did u expect them just to stick to the wet concrete?

The concrete needs to fully cure and dry out before you stick tiles on it, depending on the size of the step and the weather maybe 6 months

ps:re the post below

Assuming clean gravel and not over watering, 3 to one is a very strong mix.
http://civilengineersforum.com/concrete-mix-ratio/

the_pen_turner

first of all 3:1 is very weak. (sorry I meant strong)
how big is the step. you say tiles plural so it must be very large
how long ago was the step poured. it would want a long time to cure properly. it would be several weeks minimum
how rough is the step
what primer have you put on the concrete. pva / polybond is rubbish and should never be used when tiling. sbr is the minimum I would use

you say the tiles wont stick.
what did you use to stick them
when did they become loose

893bet

Lol.

So the mix is both very weak and very strong and will take a few weeks to 6 months to dry out!

the_pen_turner

893bet wrote: »

Lol.

So the mix is both very weak and very strong and will take a few weeks to 6 months to dry out!

sorry I meant strong.