how to use external levelling compound to tile a patio

External levelling & tiling

Renovating an old patio or resurfacing damaged external concrete doesn’t mean that large-format tiles are your only option. By levelling uneven surfaces first with the Dunlop LX-500E Exterior Leveller, you can create a smooth, stable base that opens up your design options, from intricate mosaics and geometric patterns to smaller-format tiles that require tighter tolerances. This two-step system combines fast-setting concrete resurfacing with flexible tile adhesives to deliver a durable, weather-resistant finish that can withstand frost, drainage demands and the British climate.

  • Product categories

  • Wall Substrate

  • Floor Substrate

  • Tile Type

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    • CF-24 Flexible Tile Adhesive

      Flexible standard setting tile adhesive suitable for fixing porcelain, ceramic and mosaic wall and floor tiles both internally and externally.    

      Grout after 24 hours
      Highly flexible
      For ceramic, porcelain and non-moisture sensitive natural stone tiles
      Interior and exterior use
      Suitable with underfloor heating
      Extended open time
      Find out more Where to Buy

    • CF-03 Flexible Fast Set Tile Adhesive

      Fast setting, flexible tile adhesive suitable for fixing porcelain, ceramic and mosaic wall and floor tiles both internally and externally.

      Grout after 3 hours
      Flexible
      For ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles
      Interior and Exterior
      Suitable with underfloor heating
      Find out more Where to Buy

    • GX-500 Flexible Grout

      A flexible wall and floor grout available in eight colours with matching silicones. For use with ceramic, porcelain, natural stone and mosaic tiles.

      For porcelain, natural stone and ceramic tiles
      Up to 15mm joints
      8 colours with matching silicones
      Reduced efflorescence
      Suitable for external use and wet areas
      Suitable for underfloor heating
      24 hour setting time
      Find out more Where to Buy

    • LX-500E Exterior Leveller

      A fast setting exterior concrete resurfacer and levelling compound that’s suitable for levelling concrete surfaces such as garages, car ports, workshops, shed bases and paths.

      2 to 20mm bed depths
      Walkable after 2-3 hours
      Light rubber wheeled traffic after 48 hours
      Ideal for garage floors, shed bases and paths
      For Interior and exterior use
      Find out more Where to Buy

    how to level and tile a Pation outdoors: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

    External tiling system

    01

    BASE ASSESSMENT

    Begin by inspecting the existing concrete to ensure that it is
    structurally sound and free from loose or friable material. Remove any contaminants, such as moss, oil or debris, and repair any cracks or movement issues. Newly repaired concrete must be fully cured, typically taking six weeks, before you can proceed.

    Base Preparation

    02

    SURFACE PREPARATION

    Prepare the concrete mechanically to remove weak surfaces and create a keyed finish. Clean thoroughly to remove dust and residues, and degrease any contaminated areas. Ensure the patio’s overall slope directs water away from the property at a ratio of typically 1:35 to 1:80. Dampen with clean water applied with a brush or broom, and apply the DUNLOP LX-500E EXTERIOR LEVELLER whilst it’s still wet.

    Surface Preparation

    03

    smooth & level

    Mix the leveller with clean water until it is pourable; a 20kg bag will require approximately 3.6 to 3.8 litres of water. Allow to stand for 2 minutes then re-mix for 30 seconds. Spread it over the prepared substrate using a steel trowel or float, to a depth of 2–20 mm. The surface will be ready for foot traffic in 2–3 hours, and will be ready for light traffic within 48 hours.

    Mix and Apply

    04

    FIX

    Select either Dunlop CF-03 or CF-24 Adhesive for tile fixing. Apply the adhesive to the levelled floor using a notched trowel, working in small areas. Press tiles firmly into place ensuring solid bed fixing is achieved, using spacers to maintain even gaps to a minimum

    Fix

    05

    FINISH

    Once the adhesive has set, apply DUNLOP GX-500 FLEXIBLE GROUT. Mix with water to a smooth paste and allow to stand for 2-3 minutes before remixing. Work in small areas, completely filling joints using a rubber squeegee or grout float. After about 15 minutes, clean excess grout diagonally across joints with a damp sponge. Polish tiles with a clean, dry cloth once grout has started to firm up.

    Finish

    Note: Always refer to the respective product datasheets before application.

    External levelling and tiling thumbnail

    How To Guide

    Download this handy how-to guide for external patio levelling and tiling, offering a simple step-by-step overview covering:

    • Preparation and priming
    • Mixing and applying the leveller
    • Fixing tiles with adhesive
    • Grouting and sealing joints

    Top tip

    “The biggest mistake I see with patio renovations is rushing the leveller cure time. Yes, LX-500E is walkable after 2-3 hours and you can tile after 4 hours, but if you’re working in cold weather or damp conditions, give it a bit longer. A properly cured levelling layer is the foundation of everything above it. Test a small area first – if the surface feels cool to touch or shows any moisture, wait. Those extra few hours now will prevent adhesion failures and tile movement later.”

     

    David Hilton – Dunlop Adhesives Training Manager

    Dunlop and the Flying D device are trademarks of Sumitomo Rubber Group and are used under license by Building Adhesives Ltd.

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