Tips for Installing Tile like a Professional
If you are curious what it takes to install tile without hiring a professional, read on to learn the necessary steps. You are hired to install some new tiles on a floor. However, you have never or have little experience doing this. Well, not anymore. After you have read this article, you can become kind of a like a professional installer, or at least learn how do pro install floor tiles. Be sure to understand all the process and learn about what needs to be done in order to be successful. Let’s get to work right now.
Step 1: collection of material and required tools
If you want to complete a tiling project you need to know several things which are as under,
Step 2: Turn Off the power
Head to your circuit breaker and turn off the power supply to the area you plan to tile. Also, remove any outlet covers in the tiling area. Collect the following things,
Safety goggles
Chosen tile
Tile spacers
Grout
Plastic sheets
Gloves
Tile cutter
Ledger board
Sponges
Cleaning solution
Power drill
Mixing paddle
Notch trowel
Several buckets
Joint Knife
Measuring tape
Joint compound
Permanent market (if desired)
Step 3: Protect Surroundings
Protect surroundings with sheets of plastic. Cover the outlets, shelves, edges.
Step 4: Move Appliances Away From the Wall
There should not be anything touching the wall. Move the appliances away.
Step 5: Attach Temporary Ledger Board
Screw a ledger board into the drywall to indicate exactly where you should quit tiling.
Step 6: Wall should be Be Properly Cleaned
Before beginning, clean the wall properly with a cleaning solution. Wipe the walls.
Step 7: Complete Wall Preparations
If the surface of the wall is uneven, spread a layer of joint compound, make it dry until it is smooth then apply a primer.
Step 8: Determine the Center of the Wall
Use a tape measure to measure the length and width of the wall and find the center. Mark it with the pencil. This is where you will start lying your tile.
Step 9: Mix Thin-set Mortar
Mix thin-set mortar by following the manufacturer’s directions. It should have a consistency that is similar to peanut butter.
Step 10: Apply the Mortar
Spread a patch of mortar on the wall and comb over it using a notch trowel.
Step 11: Start Tiling
By using a rubber grout float, install the first piece of tile and apply pressure gently.
Step 12: If Needed, Cut the Tile
If there is a tile which needs to be cut, use a permanent marker to mark it and cut it gently with a wet saw.
Step 13: Install Rest of the Tiles
Install remaining tiles. Check the level of the tiles frequently. Make sure that there is no gap between the tiles.
Step 14: Wait 24 Hours
Wait 24 hours to allow the mortar to fully set.
Step 15: Mix the Grout
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the grout.
Step 16: Use a Rubber Float to Apply the Grout
Spread the grout evenly onto the tiles, ensuring that it gets into every gap. Rub it into the tile at an angle for the best results.
Step 17: Clean Up any Excess Grout
After 10 minutes, use a wet sponge to wipe away any extra grout on top of the tiles. If a haze develops, eliminate it with a layer of haze remover.
Step 18: Complete the Tiling
Apply the grout sealer after allowing it to dry for the specified amount of time and add caulk to the expansions between the tile and the countertop.