Flooring: Installing Ceramic Tile

Ceramic Tile brings a texture, richness and color to aflooring, starting in the center, where the two
room that Linoleum has yet to truly mimic. Tile floorsperpendicular reference lines intersect. Apply enough
can be installed in any room, however they are mostmaterial to cover 6-10 square feet, if no cuts are
frequently seen in Bathrooms and Kitchens. Irequired. If cuts are required limit the amount of
particularly like them in entryways, where they servemastic application to about 2-4 square feet. When
as a transition point from the outside to largeapplying the mastic, first spread it with the flat end
carpeted or hardwood floored rooms. They make forof the trowel. Lay it on relatively thick, approximately
easy clean up and are impervious to water damage.1/8" to 3/16"thick. Then turn the trowel around and
Tile Typesrun the notched edge over it. This creates ridges in
Ceramic tiles come in two basic types. Glazed andthe mastic that helps to hold the tile down more
Porcelain. Glazed holds up the best for heavy trafficsecurely. The larger the tile, the larger the notches
areas and porcelain works well in bathrooms. Porcelainshould be. For example, I use a ¼" notched
is typically more expensive, so consider your budgettrowel for 12" x 12" tiles.
and the size of the area you want to tile. Tiles alsoNote: Only make up enough ceramic adhesive for 30
come in many shapes and sizes. For flooring,minutes, as this material has the tendency to harden
however, I would suggest using larger tiles up to 12"up rather quickly.
x 12".Once the adhesive has been applied, begin installing
Underlaymentthe tiles working from the center outward. On larger
For proper installation the base foundation or thetiles you should back butter them. Basically, apply a
underlayment is critical. Typically it consists ofthin coating of mastic to the back of the tile prior to
¾" to 1 ¼" of plywood. Tiling overlaying it on the floor. This will help ensure a good
Linoleum or existing tile is also feasible, as long as it isbond.
solid. I also recommend when Tiling over LinoleumAs you near the walls or edges of cabinets, tubs and
that you first apply ring nails or screws 6" on centertoilets, you will need to cut some of the tiles. I highly
over the entire area. Tiles can also be installed directlyrecommend the use of a Wet-Saw. A Wet-Saw will
over Concrete. Make sure in all cases that the floor isallow you to make very accurate cuts, both large
level and free of dust and debris prior to installation.and small. You will also save money, as you will waste
There are leveling compounds that you can applymany fewer tiles with bad cuts or broken tiles.
before applying tile if necessary.Wet-Saws are not that expensive and once you see
Preparing the Siteyour finished product you will certainly be installing
Before actually installing the tile, it is best to lay it outmore tile. Wet-Saws can also be rented as a cheaper
in the room to see how it will look. Pay closealternative.
attention to how it runs out toward the walls, in theWhen applying Tiles, you may want to use Lugs.
corners and next to cabinets, tubs and toilets. TheLugs are effectively spacers that come in various
trick is to lay the tile out such that stubby tiles dothicknesses. I typically like to have no more than a
not show up in highly visible spots. Once you have¼" space between the tiles. Employing Spacers
completed this, make two marks with a pencilwill ensure uniformity with your tile spacing.
outlining the most centered tile. These lines should beGrouting
perpendicular to each other. Also take note of theAfter the Tile has been completely installed, allow it
wall that is most visible from all the others. Nowto sit for 24-48 hours before applying grout and
remove the tiles. Next draw or snap a linewalking on it. Grout comes in many different colors
perpendicular to this wall that is in line with one of theand is very easy to install. Simply mix the grout with
marks you made on the floor.water or a special bonding agent and apply with a
Then, draw a perpendicular line to this first line. Thisrubber trowel. Run the trowel on a bias when going
second line should be centered with the first line andover tile corners.
fairly in line with the second mark you made on theOnce the grout has been applied, immediately wipe
floor. Once you have completed this task, re-layoutthe tile of excess grout, using a wet sponge and a
some of the tiles along the perpendicular lines andbucket of water. Wait 30 minutes and again wipe the
observe if they run out in a way that will limit cuttingtiles down of any residual grout. Wait another 60
and stubbed tiles. Once this is completed, remove theminutes and repeat. If grout is left on the tiles to
tiles and prepare for the actual installation.dry, you will have a great deal of elbow work
Installing the Tilescraping it off.
Again, make sure the area is free of dirt and dust.Let the grout sit up for 24 hours and it is ready for
Next apply the ceramic adhesive or mastic to theuse and admiration.