Framing Ceramic House Tiles

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neven

neven

CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Joined
Apr 10, 2007
Posts
269
Loc
San Antonio, Texas
I need to frame 5 tiles to be displayed on the exterior of a home in Durango Colorado. Would it be possible to use a wood frame outside? Has anybody done this? I plan on using a "tile person" to help me set the tiles. I am just not sure what the best way to frame the tiles for outside use.
 

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Done several, using either metal or wood. Tiles were mounted with tile mastic to masonite then framed. The wood was oak which I sprayed with an outdoor urethane over the original finish. All seem to be holding up nicely here in Colorado.
 
Mik's advice is important. Frame mouldings are not made for outdoor use, so be sure to use a good hardwood and apply a few protective coats or polyurethane or acrylic over the factory finish.

Or, if you use an aluminum sectional frame, prepare to replace it in a few years, after the anodized finish fades. The license plates on my van are in Nielsen frames, and they look terrible after about three years. The cast-metal corner caps are pretty well obliterated, too.

I suggest using no paper or paperboard products in the framing. If I were you I would mastic the tiles to a piece of fluted polypropylene -- PVC sheet might be better -- and cover the back with a tight piece of the same plastic.

I suggest sealing the rabbet on the front with silicone sealant, too. Do not leave the rabbet exposed, as that would harbor insects and might a place for trapped moisture to make a mucky mess.
 
No paper like Jim said. To attach frames to house we used security hangers with the t-screw attached to house and two plates on top of frame. I sprayed the entire frame, front and back with several coats of outdoor urethane before I put the tiles in the frame. Like Jim said, for wood use a hardwood frame, like oak, ash or maple. Sorry no pictures.
 
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