Dec 13, 2021
You can’t deny that many homeowners pay professional tile installers for ceramic tiles to be installed into their homes since it has a certain beauty to it that gives a certain charm to any area, whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom, or living room. However, it makes no difference if you’re an experienced tile installer or if this is your first time. Ceramic floor tile installation is also a do-it-yourself activity that can be completed at a low cost and with minimal effort.
With that in mind, we have prepared a comprehensive AllHome guide on how to install ceramic floor tiles that will last for years.
First and foremost, thoroughly evaluate the surface on which you want to place the floor tile. Keep in mind that no matter how tough and long-lasting ceramic tiles are, if the subfloor is uneven or thin, they will break. As a general rule, the subfloor should be no less than 1 1/8 inches thick. Otherwise, it may expand, resulting in grout failure and tile shattering. If you’re unsure about the stability of the base, you should leap on it. Yes, it may appear ridiculous, but it’s a great technique to see whether there’s any flex or movement. A concrete slab is the best foundation for a floor installation project, although wood can also work if it’s strong.
You must first determine how many ceramic tiles you will need and where you might position it before you can begin the installation procedure. You’ll need to determine the center of the surface you’ll be laying the tiles on if you want the final product to seem smooth and symmetrical. Measure the surface from the sides once you’ve located the starting point using a Stanley Measuring Tape Lacquer Bi-Material 3.5M.
When tiling a wall, you’ll want to start with a level topline. Because few walls are perfectly straight, mark the top line using a level. Set it at a height that will prevent you from having to cut very thin tiles (or very thin shards from practically whole tiles) to make it flush with the floor. Make a top-line on your walls, then a middle line as well. Before you start tiling, make sure you’ve laid out all of the walls you want to tile.
Find the center of the surface first to make your completed ceramic tile surface seem symmetrical. Then take measurements from both sides. If you’re tiling a tiny space, pay extra attention to this step since big tiles on one edge and thin tiles on the other will make the work seem unbalanced.
Snap a set of perpendicular chalk lines like TOUGH NOTCH Aht79 Chalk Line 30M W/50G Blue Bottle from AllHome once you’ve determined the center and baseline from which you’ll work. These will divide the room into four quadrants that are nearly equal in size. In each of the four portions, you’ll want to work outward from the central point.
If you believe the preparation is finished, you’re in for a surprise. While you may be excited to begin laying the ceramic floor tiles and seeing your idea come to life, you must first check that the plan is level. So, before you start laying the tiles down with mortar-like ABC ZEMBOND Mortar & Plaster Aid 4 Liters, dry-fit them over the surface to see if the arrangement is level and if any alterations are needed. Assess that the spacing between the tiles is consistent. To make the grout lines narrower, resist the desire to push tiles closer together. If you’re using huge ceramic tiles, make sure there’s enough room between them. Otherwise, the grout may fail to adhere correctly and break down early, perhaps resulting in leaks and water damage.
After you’ve figured out the plan, mark the outer border of the tiles with a pencil so you know where to put the furring strip. This phase will provide you with a clear picture of when you’ll be putting the tiles in place with mortar.
A rail tile cutter may break apart tiles quickly and cheaply when only a few are needed. Place the uneven, snapped sides toward the wall, where they will be hidden by baseboards. For completely straight cuts, purchase or rent a wet tile saw. Only cut around pipes, toilet bases, and other non-linear cuts using the tile nipper. When cutting tiles, always use safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying fragments. Precision is crucial, so you’ll need tools that are both accurate and high-quality.
With your margin trowel or the flat side of your notched trowel, pick up a small quantity of thin-set mortar such as the FORTRESS BONDING Tile Adhesive 25Kg and place it on the cement board. Spread the mortar across the surface with the flat side of your notched tile trowel at a 45-degree angle until it covers an area extending beyond the edge of a tile. Switch to the notched side of the same trowel and comb the thin-set by drawing the trowel in straight lines while holding it at a 45-degree angle and pushing hard to the cement board. The trowel’s notches automatically control the quantity of thin set that is applied to the surface.
Place the ceramic tiles such as ROSSIO Ssc J68518 60 x 60 Cm Tile on top of the thin-set in a gentle manner. Push the tile down with your fingertips to firmly secure it in place. Spread the glue across the tile’s surface by twisting your wrist slightly as you do so. Begin in the center of the room and work your way outwards. To avoid lippage, use a steady finger pressure as you go.
You may start preparing and applying the grout such as the ABC Tile Premium Grout 2kg after the adhesive is dry. To make a smooth but firm paste, combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Spread the grout evenly and press it between the tile joints with a blunt stick. After the grout has cured, polish the tiles with a dry towel. Remove any filth or haze with vinegar. Last but not least, use a grout sealer to guarantee that everything stays put.
Installing a ceramic floor tile is indeed challenging labor. It may be a long and tough procedure, but the end outcome will definitely be worth it. Not only that, but you can be certain that your ceramic floor tiles will survive for years since you followed all of the correct processes, you were patient, and you didn’t miss any of the preparation steps.
For more information about ceramic tiles or any DIY renovations, you can read our blog or watch our videos on our YouTube channel.
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