Patio, path and exterior tiling in London
TLS Tiling lays exterior tiles across London and around 20 miles beyond — patios, garden paths, entrance steps, thresholds and balconies. Outdoor tiling stands or falls on the base and the fixing system, so we check falls for drainage, use frost-resistant tiles with external-grade adhesive and grout, and set out cuts and steps so the finish stays level and safe underfoot. We fit the tiles you supply; tiling only, no groundworks, drainage or landscaping.
What's included
- Checking the existing base is sound, level and falling away from the building
- Priming and preparing concrete or screeded bases before tiling
- Setting out patios, paths, treads and risers so cuts land sensibly
- Fixing frost-resistant porcelain, slate or stone with external-grade adhesive
- Grouting with a weather-resistant grout and sealing movement joints
What's not included
- Excavation, groundworks, drainage or laying new concrete bases
- Supplying, selling or sourcing tiles — you supply them
- Landscaping, decking, fencing or brickwork
We are a tiling-only specialist and fit the tiles you supply.
How we do it
Our process
- Step 1
Free quote
Send photos of the patio, path or steps with rough measurements by WhatsApp.
- Step 2
Base check
We assess the substrate, falls and drainage and tell you honestly if it needs work first.
- Step 3
Prep & set out
Base primed, layout planned around thresholds, steps and drainage points.
- Step 4
Fix, grout & seal
Tiles fixed on a full bed, then grouted with external grout and movement joints sealed.
The materials
Frost-resistant 20mm and standard porcelain, slate, riven and sawn natural stone, plus external-grade adhesives, weather-resistant grouts and uncoupling membranes where the build-up calls for it.
Areas we cover
Exterior & patio tiling across London & within ~20 miles. Send your postcode and we'll confirm we can reach you.
Questions
Exterior & patio tiling — your questions answered
Which tiles are suitable for a UK patio?
Frost-resistant, low-porosity porcelain is the usual choice, with slate and dense natural stone also working well. Avoid indoor-only ceramic — it absorbs water and can fail in a hard frost.
Do outdoor tiles get slippery?
Choose an anti-slip rated tile (commonly R11 or above) for patios, paths and steps. Polished finishes are not suitable outside.
Can you tile over an existing patio or concrete base?
Yes, if it is sound, stable, free of movement and falls away from the house. If it's cracked, hollow or ponding water, it needs sorting first.
Do you lay the concrete base?
No — we are a tiling-only specialist. Your builder or landscaper prepares the base and we tile it.
Why does a patio need a fall?
Water must run away from the building, usually around 1:80. Without a fall, water sits on the surface and shows up as staining, algae and frost damage.
What adhesive and grout do you use outside?
External-grade cement-based adhesive laid as a full solid bed, with a weather-resistant grout and flexible sealant at movement joints and perimeters.
Can you tile exterior steps?
Yes — treads, risers and nosings are set out so heights stay even and the edges are safe underfoot.
When is the best time of year to tile outside?
Spring to autumn is ideal. Adhesives and grouts should not be laid in frost, and heavy rain during curing can weaken the finish.
Do you supply the tiles?
No — TLS Tiling fits the tiles you supply. You choose and buy your tiles, and we install them with care.
Do you do full bathroom installations?
No. We are a tiling-only specialist, so no plumbing, electrics or sanitaryware fitting. We handle the tiling side of the job.
Which areas do you cover?
London and surrounding areas up to around 20 miles. Message us with your postcode and we'll confirm.
How do I get a quote?
Call or WhatsApp 07351 201581 with photos and rough measurements, or use the contact form. Quotes are free.
Recent work
Exterior & patio tiling projects in London
Other tiling services
Get a free quote for your tiling
Send photos of the job on WhatsApp and we'll come back to you with a free, no-obligation quote.