I have a screened porch on concrete slab. I would like to put a nicer floor in. Can a ceramic tile floor work outside in a cold climate (Chicago)? If not what are the other options for finishing the floor? Wood deck on sleepers?
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I don't see why you couldn't. You would want to use a tile that won't absorb much moisture. Install it with a thin set mortar and get the tile to fully adhere to the substrate. You can check this by pressing a tile into place and then removing it to see if the tile is fully covered in mortar. You need to have the use the correct notch in the trowel for the tile size you select, and have the mortar of a consistiency that lets you push the tile into it to get full adhesion.
What you don't want is to trap water under the tiles. If that happens you'll have tile breaking up as the water beneath freezes. I can't advise you on exactly what grout you should use, but seek advise from a tile shop that sells to professionals. Ask about sealing the grout too, this is something you may want to do occasionally to help keep water from infiltratng under your tile.