How to Make a Tile Patio, Continued

When removing the excess grout from the tile, tip the float up about 45 degrees, swiping it from corner to corner. This will help you avoid raking the grout back out of the joints.

After grouting a section of the patio, clean off the tiles with a damp sponge, being careful not to wash the grout out of the joints.

8. Expansion joints
Grout all of the joints except if there are any that run along an expansion joint. If there are any of these expansion joints, use a piece of foam, called backer rod, to fill the joint between the tiles to prevent any grout from going into these joints. The expansion joint has to be handled differently than the rest.

The expansion joint is filled with a more flexible material called Concrete Crack Sealer, which is self-leveling. Match the color of the grout as closely as possible. Fill the joint up to the top and it will eventually flatten itself out.

The new patio is light, bright and cheery making it a much more pleasant place to sit and relax.