Knowing how to lay ceramic tile is not too
difficult, but if you've never done it before and aren't very handy to begin
with you might be better off with a professional. Having said that many
homeowners have attempted their own remodeling, but the fact remains
that there are some projects, such as installing ceramic tile floors and even
painting that are tackled by the homeowner.
When installing ceramic tile for the first time, make sure you do your
homework. So why would you install ceramic tile floor? Most people believe,
and rightfully so, that installing ceramic wall tiles and flooring is an
attractive and hard wearing surface ideally suited to an installation in
bathrooms and kitchens. |
|
|
Some homeowners lay their ceramic
tiles in areas other than wet areas like family rooms and dining rooms. These
installations tend to be found in parts of the world that typically have long
hot summers and mild winters, or humid tropical climates. The benefit is having
a cool, hard wearing and easy to clean surface.
Patience and resilience are prerequisites on how to lay tile, having the correct
tools for the job is a must. Preparation is the key. If you are installing
ceramic wall tile start with the walls first if you are have a project that
involves both wall tiling and floor. Floor tiles are typically thicker than wall
tile as they do not require the thickness needed for impact resistance that
floor tiles require.
Gather your tools, do a check to see if they are all there. Grout, measuring
tape, sponges, adhesive, markers or pencils, glass cutters, tile spacers,
rubber mallet, steel square, trowel and buckets are some of the tools you will
need.
Pre installation floor and wall preparation is key to a successful install. All
old flooring and wall paints must be removed, thorough cleaning of the surfaces
and any undulating surfaces need to be leveled off first. Some flooring may
require special underlay material which creates a solid secure surface for the
tiles to adhere to without the risk of surface movement creating cracks at later
date.
Concrete floors tend to provide a surface which is stable to lay on, but if the
concrete is new as in a new home, the concrete may settle over time creating
splits and therefore cracking the tiles that were laid on top of it. There is
not much the installer can
do to prevent this from occurring unless the installer lays a cement fiber board
underlay which of course increases the installation cost. in wet areas it is
important to install this cement fiber board first for moisture and movement
correction.
One of the ways the homeowner can express themselves is by being creative in the
design of the tile layout. Many patterns are available which can enhance the
overall effect of the wall and flooring. Dull boring designs can ruin a possibly
beautiful
installation, so some thought before starting will pay dividends for years to
come.
Dry laying a section of tiles before applying adhesive can help in deciding how
the design will be installed. You will get a much better idea of how it will
look and feel before committing to final laying. It is much better to do this now
than after adhesive has been applied. It can also give the installer an idea as
to how many half tiles will be needed and can reveal some difficult cuts that
may be required.
Installing Ceramic Tile
This is where the tires hit the road. No amount of preparation can help an
installer who does not get this right. The skill required to lay ceramic tile is
understated, having the right knowledge can make an installation look and feel
100% better than an installation by someone who did not do their homework prior
to commencement.
Cutting and fitting tiles is one area most homeowners need instruction on how to
best trim and cut those tiles. It can take some skill to get the right cut to
fit around those protrusions like bathroom pipes and electrical fittings. This
is one area that screams of a poor installation if not done properly. The right
tools for the job here really do make a difference. Tile cutters and glass
cutters are a must, further tools if required could include an electric wet saw
but these tend to be only used by professional tile installers or on large
projects.
After installing a few rows of tiles, set them into the adhesive with the tile
leveler and a mallet. After setting all the whole tiles across the room, start
to cut tiles to fit around the perimeter of the room. Tiles can be snapped by
hand or with tile nippers, tile cutters or using a wet saw.
The grouting of the laid surface is a somewhat pleasurable experience as it
signifies the impending completion of the project. After applying the grout
clean the surface with a damp sponge. Finish seams with some silicone sealant in
appropriate areas smoothing the sealant with a wet finger.
Allow all work surfaces time to cure and set, a week is normally enough time to
consider it ready for full human encroachment. Stand back and observe a job well
done. Of course, all the above is just barely a fraction of what information a
homemaker will need to ensure an impressive installation. Reading up and
gathering detailed instruction on ceramic tile installation beforehand will be
the prerequisite of a wise and successful project.
About the
Author: Now that you have a taste of what's to
come you can see there is a lot of information needed to do a good job. See a
review of the best ceramic tile installation guide available at
how to lay ceramic tile Go there now to read a
review of this comprehensive supportive guide which includes video and step by
step instructions.
Find Flooring Contractors. Get Up to 4 Quotes Now. It's Quick, Free, and Easy!
Related Tips and Advice:
|
