Installing tile floor, like most tile installation projects, takes place step by step and sometimes layer by layer. In the case of tile floors installation happens in 5 steps. Following are the basics to install your own floor or maybe to understand the scope of the project even if it will be done by a professional tile setter.
The Base
Ask yourself if the existing floor is suitable for a base. That partly depends on the surface finish of the material and partly on the stiffness of what will be the base. Many materials will work as a base, even old vinyl flooring, but the material must often be properly prepared to insure that the tile adhesives will stick. Often the best base is formed easily by putting down a layer of cement board. That forms the perfect surface for good adhesion as well as stiffening the underlying floor.
Layout Before Laying Tile
Rooms are never perfect rectangles so it is good planning to plan for dealing with all obstructions in the planning stages. Make a plan on paper and maybe then lay on the design on the floor with chalk. That way you can practice layouts to make the best use of materials and time. Laying out dry tiles to check for fits and clearances also saves time and mistakes too.Hi,
Cutting Up
One key part of most projects is the cutting of tile. Plan for how you will make the cuts. Often cuts required can be marked on paper then transferred to the tile itself. Curved cuts can be used to help with the curved cuts. A snap cutter works for straight cuts and a wet saw handles straight cuts and L-cuts as well as removing most of the material for curved cuts.
Trowel Mud Work
Mud or adhesive is put on using a trowel straight on one side and notched on the other. Work a small section at a time first applying mud, thinset, to the floor base and then to the back of a tile. Set the tile in place and use guide lines on the floor to help place the tiles. Also you may use special plastic spacers to help maintain equal spacing between tiles. The tile are set in place by tapping a 2×4 held on the top of each tile. Tap the board with a rubber hammer.
All But Finishing Up
Let mortar cure for about 24 hours and then clean tiles and area between tiles using a brush. Then apply grout to the spaces between tiles. Apply grout with a rubber faced trowel held at a shallow angle. Remove excess with the grout float held at a steeper angle. Wipe tile to remove any excess grout. Finish by applying a sealer after the grout has dried.
Installing tile floor puts down a durable surface that is easy to maintain and lasts for a very long time. Since the labor to install tile flooring is a major cost of the project, it is possible to save money if you can put tile down yourself. Proper preparation makes for a quicker project as well as one done with less waste.
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