| Ceramic Tile brings a texture, richness and color to a | | | | flooring, starting in the center, where the two |
| room that Linoleum has yet to truly mimic. Tile floors | | | | perpendicular reference lines intersect. Apply enough |
| can be installed in any room, however they are most | | | | material to cover 6-10 square feet, if no cuts are |
| frequently seen in Bathrooms and Kitchens. I | | | | required. If cuts are required limit the amount of |
| particularly like them in entryways, where they serve | | | | mastic application to about 2-4 square feet. When |
| as a transition point from the outside to large | | | | applying the mastic, first spread it with the flat end |
| carpeted or hardwood floored rooms. They make for | | | | of 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 Types | | | | run the notched edge over it. This creates ridges in |
| Ceramic tiles come in two basic types. Glazed and | | | | the mastic that helps to hold the tile down more |
| Porcelain. Glazed holds up the best for heavy traffic | | | | securely. The larger the tile, the larger the notches |
| areas and porcelain works well in bathrooms. Porcelain | | | | should be. For example, I use a ¼" notched |
| is typically more expensive, so consider your budget | | | | trowel for 12" x 12" tiles. |
| and the size of the area you want to tile. Tiles also | | | | Note: 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 |
| Underlayment | | | | the tiles working from the center outward. On larger |
| For proper installation the base foundation or the | | | | tiles you should back butter them. Basically, apply a |
| underlayment is critical. Typically it consists of | | | | thin coating of mastic to the back of the tile prior to |
| ¾" to 1 ¼" of plywood. Tiling over | | | | laying it on the floor. This will help ensure a good |
| Linoleum or existing tile is also feasible, as long as it is | | | | bond. |
| solid. I also recommend when Tiling over Linoleum | | | | As you near the walls or edges of cabinets, tubs and |
| that you first apply ring nails or screws 6" on center | | | | toilets, you will need to cut some of the tiles. I highly |
| over the entire area. Tiles can also be installed directly | | | | recommend the use of a Wet-Saw. A Wet-Saw will |
| over Concrete. Make sure in all cases that the floor is | | | | allow 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 apply | | | | many 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 Site | | | | your finished product you will certainly be installing |
| Before actually installing the tile, it is best to lay it out | | | | more tile. Wet-Saws can also be rented as a cheaper |
| in the room to see how it will look. Pay close | | | | alternative. |
| attention to how it runs out toward the walls, in the | | | | When applying Tiles, you may want to use Lugs. |
| corners and next to cabinets, tubs and toilets. The | | | | Lugs are effectively spacers that come in various |
| trick is to lay the tile out such that stubby tiles do | | | | thicknesses. I typically like to have no more than a |
| not show up in highly visible spots. Once you have | | | | ¼" space between the tiles. Employing Spacers |
| completed this, make two marks with a pencil | | | | will ensure uniformity with your tile spacing. |
| outlining the most centered tile. These lines should be | | | | Grouting |
| perpendicular to each other. Also take note of the | | | | After the Tile has been completely installed, allow it |
| wall that is most visible from all the others. Now | | | | to sit for 24-48 hours before applying grout and |
| remove the tiles. Next draw or snap a line | | | | walking on it. Grout comes in many different colors |
| perpendicular to this wall that is in line with one of the | | | | and 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. This | | | | rubber trowel. Run the trowel on a bias when going |
| second line should be centered with the first line and | | | | over tile corners. |
| fairly in line with the second mark you made on the | | | | Once the grout has been applied, immediately wipe |
| floor. Once you have completed this task, re-layout | | | | the tile of excess grout, using a wet sponge and a |
| some of the tiles along the perpendicular lines and | | | | bucket of water. Wait 30 minutes and again wipe the |
| observe if they run out in a way that will limit cutting | | | | tiles down of any residual grout. Wait another 60 |
| and stubbed tiles. Once this is completed, remove the | | | | minutes 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 Tile | | | | scraping 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 the | | | | use and admiration. |