Deciding for a tile covered wall or floor could be pretty expensive as compared to other materials. A carpet or linoleum can be easily rolled out to cover the floor; the same thing goes with a coat of fresh paint. Apart from being inexpensive, a Formica counter top would look nice too. But people who don't even know how to install tile would choose ceramic or porcelain tiles over other materials.
Installing tiles is not much of a challenge. While the job can be done by the pros in no time, this would rob you the satisfaction and the sense of achievement in doing some home improvement project by yourself. However it is important to know how to do it if you do not want your project to look like a patch up job. The following are easy steps that will guide you on how to install tiles.
Check the base surface. It should be able to hold the weight of the tile. Take note that a wooden floor is not a suitable base surface. Aside from moisture concerns, wood is not stable and could result to broken tile joints.
Plan the tile layout. Measure the area of the wall or floor to be covered with tile. Calculate the number of tiles to be used based on the size of the tiles.
Prepare the tiling base. Thoroughly clean and dry the surface. Fill cracks with filler and remove any old glue and adhesive. Dry set the tiles. Of course you cannot do this on the walls! By laying the tiles without the adhesive you will be able to see the end result. Aside from that, dry setting will eliminate tile wastage.
Apply the adhesive or thinset and install the tiles. Use a special trowel to apply the thinset. The notched edged will serve as a guide so that only the right amount of adhesive will be used the excess adhesive will seep out of the tile joints which you can use further.
Install the tiles starting from the center working outwards. Be sure to review the work done once in a while. Correcting mistakes would be hard if the tiles have already set. Cut tiles to fit corners and edges. It would be ideal if you can use a wet saw with a diamond blade but if one is not available you can use a tile nipper. Bite off pieces of the tile until the marker is reached. Smooth tile edge with sandpaper.
Apply the grout. Use a rubber float to push the grout between the tile joints. Ensure that the joints are filled with grout. Wipe excess grout with the rubber float held at 45 degree angle. Once the grout has set, use a sponge to clean the surface of the tile. The sponge should be frequently rinsed to completely remove the excess grout from the surface of the tile.
Think of the benefit you get if you know how to install tiles, a yellow tile on the backsplash, a glazed one on the countertop, a border tile for the bathroom, a plain unglazed tile for the wall - no matter what shape, size, color and design, a tile will most certainly create a dramatic change in any room.
If you would like to learn more before you start your project so you are totally prepared. Then you need to CLICK HERE to learn what you need to do. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Rorrer |
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