There is little more satisfying than accomplishing a tough job without outside help. Installing tile can be a simple, straight forward process that can be accomplished by a homeowner with a little patience and a few days time.
Getting Ready
Before beginning the project, take some time to be sure everything needed is already at hand. This will include the tile, thinset – use white if working with natural stone, glass or light colored porcelain tiles, grout, a grout float, a trowel, tile spacers, a tile saw and appropriate blades, a sponge, a bucket for water and one for mixing grout.
If the tiles being used are rectified, have very straight edges and can be installed with an 1/8” grout joint or less, the grout used should be unsanded. If the tiles have rough or uneven edges, use a wider grout joint and spacer, with a sanded grout.
The larger the tile, the larger the spaces in the trowel teeth will need to be. Speak to the seller about what size tile is being installed and ask for the correct size trowel recommendation.
The area to be tiled should be clean of debris, dry and level. If needed, pour a self leveling agent over the surface to even out depressions and allow the floor to dry before beginning.
Practice using the tile saw to make cuts. It helps to have an extra box of tiles to practice and get comfortable with before beginning. Mark the tiles with a thin pencil mark, and cut slowly to ensure an even edge.
Do a Dry Layout
Before beginning to lay the tile or make cuts, it’s advisable to do a dry layout of the material. This means practicing piecing together any patterns that are being installed and positioning the tiles where they will go on the floor. Begin in the middle of the farthest wall from the door, and work outwards toward the two sides. This will ensure symmetrical cuts on the two edges of the room, and help make sure that the tiles will fit properly.
Work in Sections
Spread a small amount of thinset to work with at a time, this will help ensure that the tiles have plenty of time to be placed properly before the thinset dries. Make cuts ahead of time, during the dry layout, and be ready to lay each section as the thinset is spread. Be sure to get enough thinset on each section, and that the trowel marks are consistent and even. Work carefully, and be sure to take time to place spacers and press each tile firmly into the thinset, wiping away the excess before moving to the next section.
Grouting and Cleaning
Once the tiles have been laid, allow the floor to set for approximately 24 hours before walking on it. If using natural stone or polished porcelain, the tiles will need to be sealed at this step, prior to grouting, and left to dry for another 24 hours.
Prepare the grout according to the manufacturer’s specifications, and begin to grout from the back corner forward. Pack the grout securely between the tiles with the grout float, stopping to wipe up extra with a wet sponge before moving on to the next section. Take care not to over wash the grout during this step, as this can lead to a loss of color.
Allow the grout to dry for 24 – 48 hours, and remove any grout haze by brushing a dry paper towel over the surface of the tiles.
If desired, the grout can be sealed at this point, and a color enhancing agent applied to natural stone to deepen the color of the material.
Be sure to apply any baseboards, moldings and thresholds after the floor has been laid. Tile floors are installed prior to wall tile, but after a tub has been put in place. Remember to add caulk to any joints that may need flex, such as at the join of tiles and tubs, or floor and wall tiles.
Listen to the tile sales people if they recommend a professional tackle certain materials, such as ungauged slates, and ask for any tips for the material being chosen. Don’t be afraid to ask, as many sales people have undergone training in installation of the tiles they sell.
Don’t rush the job, remember to ask for help if needed, and enjoy the satisfaction of a beautiful new floor, and a job well done.
 |
