Preparing concrete path for tile - TilersForums.com

[Smith1930s]

Hi everyone,
I'm a competent DIYer and have tiled a couple of bathrooms and recently my kitchen. They've all come out very well - however, I have a friend that wants me to tile their path and I'm not sure which course of action to take in preparing it. You can see in the photo that it has exposed aggregate, is quite bumpy etc. We are going to edge it with Victorian rope edging which will give crisp sides. Could it be skimmed with adhesive? Screed? Mesh or uncoupling mat? Back buttered tiles? The tiles are porcelain rated for external use and I'll use S1 adhesive. I want to take this project on but want to do it properly, first time. (Picture taken for example the tiles are not lined up properly for laying)
Many thanks in advance

 

[eddcottee]

Is there a damp issue on that existing path? It looks as if there might be.

 

[Andrew Owens]

I would use Tilemaster External leveller or another external leveller first and make sure you get 100% coverage on the tiles.

 

[Smith1930s]

I would use Tilemaster External leveller or another external leveller first and make sure you get 100% coverage on the tiles.

Thanks for your input, does seem like the more professional route - my only concern is losing any fall and water potentially pooling ? But external self levelling will definitely make laying tile easier