The timber decks installed during the Celtic Tiger era have long since reached their sell-by dates. Here's what to do with them

Building advice 

DEAR Kieran,

We are replacing an old patio. We previously had wooden decking laid but it didn’t weather well and we are hoping to install Mediterranean-style porcelain tiles instead. They are 7.9ins by 7.9ins. Would you be able to advise what type of groundwork needs to be carried out to lay the tiles? We have been advised that we need to pour a concrete base and put the tiles down on that. I am just concerned that if the base isn’t perfectly level we may end up with puddles when it rains. Any advice would be greatly appreciated on this option or an alternative that you could recommend.