Project Description

How to Install Floor Tiles

Installing floor tiles is easier than it sounds. With some instructions, even an inexperienced person can do it. Most DIYers can handle the work pretty easily. You don’t need to buy tools for the work; you can rent them. However, the task can be time-consuming in some cases. In this post, we will show you how you can install tiles pretty easily. Here are the steps:

Prepare the floor

In order for your tile project to be successful, it’s critical that you ensure your subfloor is appropriate for the installation.

The surface you are working on should be clean. If there are still some imperfections, don’t worry. Use a waterproof patching to solve this solution. If you are working on a wooden subfloor, you have to make sure that it is at least 1.5 inches thick. For this, a concrete backer board can be helpful.

Plan the tile layout

To start planning the layout of your tile, you must first find the center point of the room. To do this, measure the four walls of the room and find the mid point. Then, snap chalk lines– one from the midpoints of two opposite walls, and another from the mid points of the two other walls. The room’s center point will be where they intersect. Make sure that the chalk lines are square by marking points three feet on one chalk line and four feet on a perpendicular chalk line, starting at the intersection.

Complete the layout carefully and make the lines straight. Your approach can vary depending on the configuration of your room. Tiles should be installed along their spacers. At the centre of the room where the intersection is, a path should be formed with the tiles, which should look like a 90 degree angle.

Safety and comfort

Be sure to wear safety glasses and rubber gloves. When you mix and apply mortar. Wear knee pads because they will help you evenly distribute your body weight and save your knees.

Mix mortar with water

The mortar materials should be stored in the right temperature. Make sure the temperature is between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit. The consistency should not be too thick or too watery. You may need to wait for some time while water reacts with the mortar component. After mixing your mortar with water, however, you should not leave it for more than 30 minutes.

Now install tiles

To make the tiles adhere to the mortar, hit them with a rubber mallet. The lines should be uniform and tile spacers should be used between each tile. As you work, you will need to check the level of the tiles. To do that, use a spirit level. You must be careful while measuring the tiles. To get an adequate size of the tile, keep adjusting the layout. When you reach the last line, you may need to cut the tile. The last tile should not be less than half of its width. When you have installed all the tiles, leave them for 24 hours to dry. During this time, do not step on the tiles. If there is excessive adhesive on the tiles, remove it.

Cut tiles

Sooner or later, you will need to cut tiles. As stated above, you will need to cut tiles when you reach the last line. You can use a wet saw or nipper for this task. To mark the portion needed to be cut, use a pencil.

Before starting to cut, tiles should be measured and cut. It will help you maintain precision.

The task will be easier for you if you can use a diamond-tipped cutting disk. Other tools such as an angle grinder and a tile scorer do not serve the purpose very well. However, these tools are very useful if you need to fit tiles around edges or into corners.

Mix and use grout

Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and mix grout. Try to achieve a smooth consistency. Do not mix a large amount because it has to be used within 20 minutes. Mix carefully to disperse all pigments and obtain a uniform color. After removing spacers, apply grout using a grout float. To remove excess grout, you can use a sponge.

Finish the work by sealing the grout

It is good to seal the grout 72 hours after applying it. The result is a more lasting color of the grout. It will also prevent water from sealing below the floor tile. If there is excess sealer left, use a dry cloth to wipe it off.