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Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Do-It-Yourself Bathroom Tile Designs

Installing tile yourself can be a challenging job. For those that are handy with tools and unafraid to get dirty though it can give you quite a sense of accomplishment AND save you considerable amounts of money. Here are a few tips to think about before you call off the contractor and roll up your sleeves.

Is your structure sound?

Tile can add a lot of weight to the walls or floors. Analyze the underlying structure carefully and be absolutely certain it can support the weight of the bathroom tile designs you've chosen AND the weight of the mortar and/or adhesive you use.

Is your surface prepared?

What are the qualities of a well prepared surface? It must be:

  • Stable
  • Level
  • Clean
  • Waterproofed (if the area is in a high moisture area)
Be sure to check for and deal with any damage caused by water or moisture before even thinking about adding a tile to the substrate. This is the perfect time to really analyze the wall or floor composition. Spend a little time making sure that there are no loose areas or obstructions sticking out.

Do you have the right mortar or adhesive?

What are the factors you need to consider when choosing your mortar or adhesive for you bathroom tile designs?

  • function
  • type of tile
  • budget.
  • method of installation
  • location
We can separate mortar into two divisions: thin set and thick set.

Thin set has become the industry standard for several reasons. It goes on quickly. It sets quickly. It weighs a lot less than thick set. It costs less. Despite all the benefits, it's not the right choice in every situation.

Thick-set mortar was the standard until the mid 50s before the thinner style was invented. If your structure can support the weight, thick-set is appropriate when you need something that is impervious to water and or have an uneven surface. The thickness of the mortar can compensate for cracks or irregular surfaces due to its bulk. If you have bad walls or need to create a slope to facilitate drainage thick set is the better choice.

Chet has been building homes for over 20 years and is now a published author of do-it-yourself type projects. You can read his website http://www.bathroomtiledesigns.org specifically geared towards bathroom tile designs and bathroom tile ideas.

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