Knowing how to lay ceramic tile isn’t too difficult, but if you’ve never done it before and aren’t very handy to begin with, it’s best to have it done by a professional. That being said, many homeowners have attempted their own remodel, but the fact remains
that there are some projects, such as the installation of ceramic floors and even painting, that are addressed by the owner.
When you first install ceramic tile, be sure to do your homework. So why would you install a ceramic tile floor? Most people believe, and rightly so, that ceramic wall and floor tile installation is an attractive and hard-wearing surface, ideal for kitchen and bathroom installation.
Some homeowners place their ceramic tile in areas other than wet areas, such as family rooms and dining rooms. Thesis
Facilities tend to be in parts of the world that tend to have long, hot summers and mild winters, or humid tropical climates. The benefit is having a fresh, resistant and easy-to-clean surface.
Patience and resilience are prerequisites for laying tiles, so having the right tools for the job is a must. Preparation is the key. If you are installing ceramic tile, start with the walls first if you have a project that involves both tile and flooring. Floor tiles are often thicker than wall tiles, as they do not require the necessary thickness for the impact resistance that floor tiles require.
Gather your tools, do a check to see if they’re all there. Grout, tape measure, sponge, adhesive, markers or pencils, glass cutters, tile spacers, rubber mallet, steel square, trowel, and buckets are some of the tools you’ll need.
Pre-installation floor and wall preparation is key to a successful installation. All old paint on floors and walls must be removed, surfaces thoroughly cleaned, and corrugated surfaces must be leveled first. Some floors may require a special underlayment material that creates a solid, secure surface for tiles to adhere to without the risk of surface movement creating cracks at a later date.
Concrete floors tend to provide a stable surface to lay on, but if the concrete is new like in a new house, the concrete can settle over time creating cracks and therefore cracking the tiles that were laid on top. There isn’t much the installer can
do to prevent this from happening unless the installer lays down a fiber cement board underlayment which of course adds to the installation cost. In damp areas it is important to first install this fiber cement board to correct for moisture and movement.
One of the ways the homeowner can express himself is to be creative in the design of the tile layout. There are many patterns available that can enhance the overall effect of the wall and floor. Boring and dull designs can ruin a possibly beautiful image.
installation, so a little thought before you begin will pay off for years to come.
Dry-laying a section of tile before applying the adhesive can help decide how the pattern will be installed. You’ll get a much better idea of how it will look and feel before committing to the final placement. It is much better to do this now than after applying the adhesive. It can also give the installer an idea of how many half shingles will be needed and can reveal some tricky cutting that may be required.
ceramic tile installation
This is where the tires hit the road. No amount of preparation can help an installer who doesn’t get it right. The skill required to lay ceramic tile is underestimated, having the right knowledge can make an installation look and feel 100% better than an installation done by someone who didn’t do their homework before starting.
Cutting and laying tile is one area where most homeowners need instructions on how to best trim and cut those tiles. It may take some skill to get the cut just right to fit around those protrusions, like bathroom pipes and electrical fixtures. This is one area that screams of a bad installation if not done correctly. The right tools for the job here really do make a difference. Tile cutters and glass cutters are a must, other tools if required could include an electric wet saw but tend to be used only by professional tile installers or on large projects.
After installing a few rows of tiles, set them into the adhesive using the tile leveler and a mallet. After laying all the tiles throughout the room, start cutting the tiles to fit around the perimeter of the room. Tiles can be broken by hand or with tile nippers, tile cutters, or a wet saw.
Having the surface grout laid is a somewhat pleasant experience, as it signifies the imminent completion of the project. After applying the grout, clean the surface with a damp sponge. Finish the seams with a little silicone caulk in the appropriate areas by smoothing the caulk with a damp finger.
Allow all work surfaces to cure and set, normally a week is enough time to consider it ready for full human encroachment. Step back and take a look at a job well done. Of course, all of the above is just a fraction of the information a homemaker will need to ensure an impressive setup. Reading and collecting detailed instructions on ceramic tile installation beforehand will be the prerequisite for a smart and successful project.