Most homeowners choose ceramic tile flooring nowadays because of the long lasting beauty and aesthetic quality that it adds to any home. Ceramic is a very durable material which can withstand the constant wear and tear associated with heavy foot traffic. At the same time, it can resist moisture and stains as well. It takes just a simple swipe of the mop in order to get rid of any dirt or spilled drink on this tile. Plus, it can be shaped and sized any which way the owner wants it to be. On top of this, it can also be installed on almost any surface, such as concrete or vinyl. The remainder of this article gives you a quick guide on how to install ceramic tile flooring.
Laying it out
The first thing to do is to lay out the area. First, find the center of the room by measuring its width and length. After this, use a piece of chalk in order to create a guide for the installation of the tiles. The next step is to lay down the tiles without adhesive; this is called “dry setting” because it allows you to see the outcome before permanently installing the tiles.
Adhesive
If you are now satisfied with how it looks, it is time to use adhesive and permanently install your ceramic tile flooring. You will need to use an adhesive known as Thinset. This can be bought ready-mixed from home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s. Now, spread the adhesive on the tile using a double edge trowel. Remove the excess that oozes out of the sides. Experts would start installation in the middle of the room but for first timers, it is recommended to start at the less visible parts of the room. Let it set for two days (48 hours).
Grouting
Now it’s time to apply the grout for the last part of the installation using a rubber trowel. Be sure that all of the joints are filled with grout, and remove the excess by using a sponge and water. Grouts can be purchased in different colors so that you can use one which would coincide with the color scheme of the room. It is also recommended that you use dark coloured grout to avoid dirt being too visible on them.
That’s all there is to it — you have installed your ceramic tile flooring. It is a relatively easy job but as always, be sure to mind what you are doing to avoid mistakes.
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