Installing Tile Flooring Tips - How to Install Tile Flooring

There are many different types of tile flooring; installing tile flooring is pretty standard among many of them. This article will reveal a step by step guide on how to install tile flooring at home.

Preparation
Preparation makes up about 80% of the job, just like with any home project. This is especially true when preparing to lay a tile floor. When you actually begin laying tile, the hard part is over.

The first step is to completely remove the existing flooring and any debris associated with it. This may involve a fair amount of stripping, chiseling, and chipping. Basically, do whatever is necessary to remove everything.

The next step is to inspect the sub-floor and make any necessary repairs. Anything that will prevent your new tile from laying as flat as possible must be addressed. All moisture and mildew must also be removed. Cracked tile will result from neglecting to take care of these problems in advance.

Look again, to make sure all remaining debris from the previous floor is removed, especially around the edges. Even the smallest piece of old tile can prevent your new floor from lying properly.

Preparation is just as important if you are laying a brand new floor in a new home or addition. Everything must be level and all gaps must be properly filled in. If they're not, the new tile will begin to crack when the pressure from walking is applied to it.

If the floor is concrete, it may be necessary to install a sub-floor of plywood, cork, or pressed wood. This will provide the level surface necessary to properly accept the new tile.

Installing Tile Flooring – How to Install Tips
If you have prepared the floor properly, you shouldn't have much trouble completing the rest of the job. The directions that come with your tile should include the following information.

Determine how many tiles will be necessary to complete the job by doing some simple calculations. This includes partial tiles that may be needed around the edges. You'll need to decide if you want partial tiles all the way around, or just on one edge. You can then incorporate that into your calculations.

Lay down some practice tiles so that you can become familiar with the method of installation, whether it be tongue-and-groove or otherwise. If the tiles have flat edges, lay a few without adhesive or grout to make sure you know what you're doing.

Once you're comfortable, remove the backing from the pre-applied adhesive and begin installing tile flooring. If you want the partial tiles all the way around the perimeter, you'll want to begin in the center of the floor. You can start on the edge if you want the partials to be only on one edge.

If your tiles are not tongue-and-groove, lay some without adhesive and use a thick pencil to make lines between them.

Apply tile adhesive if there is no backing on them already, and press them into place. Make sure that the tiles are all along one line. You can do this by using a drafting T-square. Make sure this is done before the adhesive sets. You can then make sure they are straight in the other direction. The tiles will usually dry in place by the next day. After that, you can apply the grout between the tiles with a caulking gun. Make sure you wipe off any excess before it dries.

When you reach the edge of the floor, use a tile cutting tool to cut any partial tiles around the perimeter. When laying the tiles, leave about 1/8 of an inch for expansion.

         

Flooring Installation and Care