Understanding How To Install Tiles At Home: DIY Steps!

Posted by Michael Griffin on August 22nd, 2019

You might be thinking that the floor tile installation job looks fairly simple and easy that you might be willing to tackle it yourself. Installing tile in Denver co is not difficult. Even if you have little experience doing this type of work, you can learn new types and ways about how to be an anl installer, or at least learn how to install floor tiles efficiently.

DIY Steps: Install Tiles Quickly!

  • Prep the Subfloor: If you are installing tile in Denver co, do check the area and surface to see if your floor is clean and smooth for better results. Spend time to repair any damage, patches or any uneven area. Remove all grease, oil, dust, or curing compound by sanding, scraping or chipping away any contaminants. Identifying these potential complications in advance will help your installation run smoothly.
  • Begin your layout: In order to have an efficient layout, begin marking the center points of each wall of your room. You can use chalk lines with 90-degree intersection. Do not forget to mark gaps between the last tile and the wall. Once you reach the walls, you'll need to cut tiles for a proper fit. To make a large room seem more manageable, divide each section into smaller grids. 
  • Apply the adhesive: Start by storing your mortar materials at a temperature between 50 to 70 degrees. Be attentive to mix only enough of the adhesive to be used within 30 minutes of the work. Mix it well with water until the desired consistency has been obtained, give it some time to react with water. The mixture should be applied using only the flat side of the trowel, followed by notch trowel, apply it with a 45-degree angle spreading it uniformly. Keep following the process until the entire area is covered. 
  • Rule of thumb: Do not spread a larger area of your adhesive that can be set in 15 minutes.
  • Cut tiles if required: Start by using a pencil to cut the area on the tile surface. You can also use a tile cutter for achieving pinpoint straight or diagonal cuts. You don’t need to be perfect while cutting. Make sure the cuts are made smooth with proper sharp edges.
  • Installation of the tile: Now you have followed each step, you are fully prepared to actually install your tile. You must begin from the center of your room with one grid at a time, finishing each to moving onto the next. Once you are on the go of setting tiles, avoid sliding them into place. Check that all lines are uniform and make sure that you are using tile spacers between each tile. Remove excess adhesive from tiles. Once your grid is completely installed, tap all tiles with a hammer or woodblock. Allow your hard work at least 24 hours to set before walking on it. Oh, and of course, spend an extra 20 minutes to admire the care and time you have spent on your new floor.
  • Grout the tiles: Mix the grout until a uniform consistency is achieved. Mix it the way it can be applied in 20 minutes until all the pigments are dispersed. Let it stand for a few minutes, and apply the grout into the joints when each spacer has been removed. You can use a sponge to remove the excess grout if required. If you are trying to seek better results, seal the grout for at least 72 hours after the application. This sealer will not only help to maintain the color of the grout but also reduce the amount of water that is seeping below the floor tile. Do not forget to wipe off the excess sealer with a dry cloth to ensure cleanliness.

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Michael Griffin

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Michael Griffin
Joined: May 16th, 2018
Articles Posted: 174

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