Primary Things To Consider For The Ceramic Tile Project

The first step to laying ceramic tile is centered on choosing the type of tile you'd like. You might prefer glazed or unglazed, decorative, or painted ceramic tile. Before you are able to begin your project, you need to first consider choosing the tile as by far the most significant choice when contemplating the steps to laying ceramic tile.

The moment you've got an idea of the look and type of tile which you would like, you'll be able to begin comparative shopping for rates to meet your budget. You ought to determine if you would prefer to tile your entire home or simply an area, and if you would like to additionally tile walls or create decorative backsplashes as well. You are able to locate tiles through home improvement stores and specialty tiles shops in your region.

Once you have chosen your tile, your next essential decision to make in the steps to laying ceramic tile is to plan your design. The creative process is over, and now it's time to start preparing for the labor and installation of the project. You'll have to figure out how many tiles you are going to need to complete your project, and also you will should plan for the tools necessary to get the job completed.

The Do It Yourself Approach For Tiles

Laying a tile floor consists of the following measures - readying the subfloor, installing the tile, grouting and sealing the tile, and installing moldings and transitions. Materials needed for a project like this will obviously incorporate the tile but also sanded grout, thinset mortar plus a grout sealer. You will also require a lot of tools to get the job done as well. These include: measuring tape, chalk line, notched trowel, wet saw, spacers, grout float along with a sponge.

Surface and Room Preparation

Whenever you are ready to commence your job, you are going to need to prepare the room where you'll be working. This consists of removing furniture and safeguarding delicate features that may be at risk during the installation process. This includes door and wall moldings, fixtures, and finishes.

A solid and level surface is necessary for installing a tile floor. A concrete floor needs to be correctly leveled. A plywood subfloor must be reinforced by adding a quarter cement board, screwed into the plywood floor. In case you already have vinyl flooring within the room, and the floor is solid (such as over a slab of concrete), you can tile right over it, nevertheless it's better to remove the vinyl and start with a clean subfloor.

Lay Out the Tile First

To make sure that that the tile will look best, you ought to lay the tile in the order that you want for your completed look. When thinking about the steps to laying ceramic tile, putting the tile in the order you want is extremely important to your completed design.

Installation of the Tiles

In small areas you need to really plan your layout meticulously. You should measure very carefully and lay out tiles so that there is never under a half-tile on any wall. If this happens, adjust the layout so that there are two larger tiles on either side. This will require more cuts, but will create a better completed product.

Soon after measuring and snapping chalk lines to mark the center of the area, begin spreading your thinset mortar in a single quadrant. Your mortar will specify the size of trowel to use based on the size of the tile you're installing. If the instructions suggest adding an epoxy additive (for versatility in damp places), you ought to do this as well, because it can help stop cracking in the long term.

Set each tile with a gentle push/twist into the mortar bed, and tap into place using a block of wood or rubber mallet. Insert rubber spacers in between each tile and at the corners. A lot of pros don't use spacers, but for the beginning do-it-yourselfer, they're crucial for a perfect layout.

The tiles along the edges will almost always need to be cut using a wet saw. It's most effective to make several cuts at once, and after that move on to the subsequent section of floor. Cut your tiles to ensure that the gap across the edges is the same width as your grout joints. This will give a uniform look in locations where the gap is going to be visible.

The Grout Process For Tiles

As soon as the mortar has set up, you can take away the spacers and scrape out any large pieces of mortar that got into the joints. Mix your grout according to the manufacturer's recommendation. Prepare yourself a rinse bucket by adding a cup of vinegar to two gallons of water.

Beginning in one corner and working in a little area, begin spreading grout and working it into the joints with your float. Hold the float at a forty-five degree angle to the floor along with the grout joints so that you don't scrape out the grout. Make sure that each of the joints are totally filled, and remove as much grout off the tile surfaces with your float as possible.

After completing a little region, wipe down the extra grout using a damp sponge with rounded corners, rinsing and ringing out the sponge frequently. Be certain not to take away any grout from the joints. At this time you need to also shape the joints making use of your finger or even a tool with the appropriate shape. Complete the rest of the floor in the same manner, but leave the gap around the perimeter of the room open.

Your grout might have to be sealed, particularly if it is sanded grout or is inside a wet place like a bathroom. Grout sealer is accessible at most home improvement shops. Stick to the manufacturer's recommendations for grout curing time and sealer application. Or often you may even have access to a tile store in your area that has a resident expert who can help.

Finishing the Room

Where the tile meets the walls, you'll need to cut and install shoe molding. Cut to length, attach to the baseboard with finish nails, caulk and paint the shoe molding precisely the same color as the baseboard for a great finished look.