Ceramic tile can be a wonderful addition to a bathroom, kitchen, or even an entryway. If you want to complete this project on your own, there are some tips and tricks to keep in mind. These tips will help you create beautiful flooring without any mistakes.
Install Underlayment
You never want to install ceramic tile directly to subflooring. Underlayment that has been cut into sections allows the flooring to adjust should the house settle. This will prevent the tiles from breaking. Underlayment should be 3/8 inch thick and should have 1/8 inch expansion gaps between each sheet.
Choose the Right Adhesive
There are two types of adhesive: organic and epoxy. If you’re installing the tile in a room that sees a lot of water, such as the bathroom or kitchen (especially near your door thresholds where people track water), you want to use epoxy to prevent the adhesive from breaking down and allowing the tiles to come loose. Adhesive should be spread ¼ inch thick and should only be spread in areas that you’ll be able to complete before the adhesive dries.
Use Spacers
If you want your tiles to be evenly spaced, you must use spacers. Spacers can be picked up in any home improvement store that carries tile supplies. Spacers can be purchased in different sizes based on the look you’re going for.
Press Firmly for Good Adhesion
Not getting tiles perfectly adhered to the adhesive can result in the tiles coming loose at a later date. If pressing firmly doesn’t seem to do the job, use a rubber hammer to tap the tiles into place.
Check That the Floor Is Level
Throughout the job, use a long level to make sure the floor remains level. If you wait until the end you may find that the entire floor is an uneven wreck. This will result in having to redo the floor, which can be time consuming and expensive.
Don’t Walk on the Flooring Until the Adhesive Dries
Read the instructions on the adhesive package to determine how long the adhesive needs to set before you can walk on it. Walking on the adhesive before this time can result in the tiles sliding, which will ruin the entire floor.
Grout in Small Sections
You never want to grout large areas of the flooring at one time. If the grout dries on the tile, it can be almost impossible to remove. Instead work in small sections and clean the tiles of the excess grout with a damp sponge before moving onto another section.
Installing a ceramic tile flooring is easier than you might think. The key is following these tips and tricks so that your flooring looks perfect upon completion.