Laying down tile flooring is a job that many homeowners can do on their own. Yes, professional installers can do the job much more efficiently and effectively; however, this is a DIY project that can be completed in just a few days. If you’d rather have your tile flooring installed by pros, contact Finishers Unlimited for a free quote. The following information covers tile flooring from start to finish.
Tile flooring is an inexpensive and attractive
flooring option that offers an abundance of colors,
shapes, and textures for buyers to choose from.
Begin by preparing the base floor by removing all wax, old glue, oil or other residue with an environmentally safe chemical or cleaner. This is very important as new adhesives will not adhere where oil has been previously. Next, re-nail any loose spots on wood floors. This will insure a smooth and professional finish once the new tile is laid.
Start From the Center of the Room
Always begin a tile floor from the exact center of the room. Locate the center by measuring the distance from each wall and mark the center spot on the floor. For rooms that have irregularities, simply ignore those areas and stick to the center of the main room. Use chalk to draw a line from the center of the room to the wall in either direction. Tile will be laid out on these lines.
Lay Out Loose Tile on Floor
Begin at the center of the floor and lay tiles along the chalk lines drawn on the floor. If the center is not correctly marked this procedure allows for corrections to be made before the tile is put down. After the tile has been placed along the chalk lines and the remainder of the floor toward each wall, measure the remaining distance between the edge of the last tile and the wall.
Making a Plan for Tile Application
At this point, consider any designs that you may want to incorporate into the tile and plan this out in advance of laying the tile. It is also important to consider that if you are using tile of all the same color, there may be a slight color variation from different boxes of tile, so plan for this as well. Careful planning in advance will result in the best finished product.
Applying Cement to the Floor
Thoroughly read all instructions on the adhesive product purchased. Some adhesives are applied with a roller while others are applied with a brush or notched trowel. Begin by applying the adhesive over one fourth of the floor. The cement will dry to the proper consistency in about 15 minutes. However, the exact time may vary depending on conditions such as the humidity and temperature in the room where you are applying the cement. Once the cement is tacky to the touch the tiles are ready to be laid.
Laying the Tile
Begin laying the tile at the chalk markings at the center of the floor. The first tile laid is the most important, so be sure that it is laid straight and exactly square on the floor. If the first tile is off center, all of the remaining tiles will also line up incorrectly. Continue laying the remainder tiles as according to the plan working from the center of the floor toward the wall. Repeat until the project is complete.
For further questions about kitchen and bathroom remodels, call (734) 243-3502 to speak with Finishers Unlimited and discuss your available options.
– Monroe, Michigan
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