i have a little puzzle for you folks

[NMDemDist2]

I am putting in a 450+ foot patio and i have 8) 2' squares where I will need a 4" corner to complete the pattern

we are using mostly the red 12x12x2" concrete tiles, a pattern that uses 8 squares of 16x16x2" with brick (4x8x2&quot borders.

finding a 4x4x2" paver with a color pop is seemingly impossible, so..... I want to use a frost proof Mexican or porcelain tile in those 32 4x4" spots.

how (or what) can i use to build up the 4 inch area where a standard floor tile will work? most tile is 1/4 inch or so. can i just use a bunch of the leveling sand? do i need to put a square of backer board on the tile (it's hopefully going to be a netted mosaic or maybe not..)

i will be finishing with poly sand to bond it all together.

this is the Chihuahuan dessert so it freezes in the winter and bakes in the summer.

suggestions?

[Kali]

1. what is is all sitting on?

husband (masonry contractor) says just use mortar if you are on sand (or floor leveler if on a slab), let it set up then use thin-set to lay the tile.

[NMDemDist2]

2. heavily packed 'driveway chat'

we have this 'driveway chat' they sell around here that is a combo of caliche and limestone. it packed into almost a concrete base. we have 4-6" of it that's been watered and packed repeatedly

it's a solid base for sure, then we're doing the 1" sand from there but we're not mortaring the patio pavers at all

[NMDemDist2]

3. well, couldn't find anything i liked so just used more brick, but finally done!