This blog post will walk you through the process of getting your floor ready for tile installation and important things to consider when placing tiles on a concrete floor. Anyone can do this; the steps are listed below.
What are the crucial of the steps?
• To make sure you purchase the appropriate quantity of product, first measure the square metres of your floor you want covered. In your final calculations, we always advise factoring in at least 10–15% for cuts and waste.
• Clear the surface of any dirt or debris and remove any existing materials from your floor, such as laminate flooring or outdated tiles. To guarantee that the floor is completely level and flat, use a self-leveling compound; this will greatly simplify the installation procedure.
• Before proceeding with your installation, we advise letting the compound cure for the necessary amount of time.
Getting your tiles lined up and measured for cutting
• Start by drawing a chalk line across the middle of the room with a level. Draw a chalk line perpendicular to the line's middle. Both lines should form a cross or "x" on your floor and extend across the installation area. You will use these lines as a guide for the initial tile rows.
• Next, use spacers to arrange your tiles across your lines to obtain a sense of your design. If your tiles need to be cut, which they frequently are, attempt to either conceal the cuts beneath a cabinet or other object, or if the installation is wall-to-wall, try to divide the cuts so that the tiles at the beginning and the end have equal cuts. It is best to take your time at this stage and make any required adjustments to your measurements in order to develop an accurate layout that will help with the final installation's appearance and result in a much neater finish. In order to expedite the laying of the complete floor, we advise making your cuts before beginning your installation, making it a simpler procedure.
• To make incisions, lay your tile right on top of the previous set, leaving a little gap between your wall and the tile to be cut so that grout may be placed between your tiles when they are laid. Draw a straight line across to your markings after marking the edges of your tile. If you are laying porcelain, use your tile cutter to score the tile along the line and split it along the cut. If you are using an electric cutter, be careful to wear goggles when using a wet cutter and cut along the specified line. Make sure you have the right equipment on hand for the task at hand because some natural stones need a wet cutter for a better cut.
Putting tiles on the surface you have prepared
• As directed by the manufacturer, mix the adhesive that is suitable for your application. Wearing protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, and a dust mask, is recommended when working with adhesive because it can irritate your skin and eyes and it is not advisable to breathe in adhesive dust when mixing. White adhesive is what we at Stone Deals suggest because it works well for a variety of installations, whether you are putting in all-natural stone tiles or porcelain. Apply the adhesive to a small surface at a time using a special trowel with a notched edge, usually a 1/2" or 3/8" square notch. To make the lines, just drag the adhesive while holding the trowel at a 45-degree angle with its teeth touching the floor. Additionally, coat the reverse of your tiles with a thin, smooth layer of adhesive. To guarantee complete underneath adhesive uniformity for improved adherence, place the tile onto the adhesive-coated floor, apply pressure to build a bond, then move it slightly side to side to collapse your adhesive lines. Using spacers between each tile, place your subsequent tile in the same manner. Remove any extra glue from the grout joints and tile face as you check to make sure each tile is level. Continue doing this all across your floor.
• You can start applying your favourite grout colour after the adhesive has fully dried and set. If you are installing natural stones, this is also the time to apply your first coat of natural stone sealant to prevent stains and to wait the necessary amount of time. Follow the directions on the package to mix your grout. Using the grout float, apply grout to your grouting gaps in a cross-sweeping motion while maintaining a 45-degree angle. To make sure the tile joints are properly filled in and that there are no air pockets in the space, the grout should be pushed over them in two to three directions.
Cleaning new grout of tiles
• Use a fresh, damp sponge to clean up any extra grout within five to ten minutes of application. Waiting too long can make it much more difficult to remove the residue grout from your tile surface. This is typically when the grout begins to leave a slight haze on your tiles. Wipe the floor with your sponge after filling a bucket with fresh water. Avoid using excessive amounts of water or attempt to clean your tiles with a circular motion. Pulling the sponge in your direction is the simplest technique. Polished or textured tiles will require multiple iterations of this procedure
• Dry the entire surface with a fresh, dry cloth.
• The majority of grouts need to be sealed, however some do come with the sealer incorporated in. All natural stones need to be sealed once before and once after grouting. Natural stone sealing is a continuous procedure that ought to be done at least once annually.
Now take a seat back and enjoy your completed installation.
List of tools, equipment & material.
1. Tiles
2. Adhesives
3. Spacers
4. Trowels
5. Levellers
6. A measuring tape
7. Cutting instruments
8. Float grout
9. Sponge
10. Sealer (if required)
11. Equipment for personal protection
12. Bucket
13. Water
