Floors

Ceramic Tile Installation

Ceramic Tile brings a surface, richness and color to a space that Linoleum has thus far to really imitate. Tile floors can be installed in any room nevertheless they are mainly commonly seen in bathrooms and kitchens. I predominantly like them in entryways, where they serve as a conversion point from the exterior to bulky carpeted or hardwood floored rooms. They make for trouble-free sparkling up and are impervious to water harm.

Tile Types
Ceramic tiles come in two basic types. Glazed and Porcelain. Glazed holds up the best for intense traffic areas and porcelain works well in bathrooms. Porcelain is usually more expensive, so consider your resources and the size of the area you want to tile. Tiles also come in numerous shapes and sizes. For flooring, though, I would recommend using bigger tiles up to 12? x 12?.

The base foundation
For correct installation the base foundation or the underlayment is important. Normally it consists of ¾? to 1 ¼? of plywood. Tiling over Linoleum or existing tile is also feasible, as long as it is solid. I also recommend when Tiling over Linoleum that you first apply ring nails or screws 6? on center over the complete area. Tiles can also be installed straight over concrete. Make certain in all cases that the floor is level and free of dust and rubbish prior to putting in place. There are leveling compounds that you can apply previous to applying tile if needed.

Preparing the place
Ahead of actually installing the tile, it is best to place it out in the room to see how it will look. Pay close attention to how it runs out toward the walls, in the corners and next to cabinets, tubs and toilets. The secret is to lay the tile out such that short tiles do not show up in greatly visible spots. Once you have finished this, make two marks with a pencil outlining the largest part centered tile. These lines should be at a 90 degree angle to each other. Furthermore take note of the wall that is most visible from all the others. Now take away the tiles. Next draw or snap a line perpendicular to this wall that is in line with one of the marks you made on the floor.
Next, sketch a perpendicular line to this first line. This subsequent line should be centered with the first line and reasonably in line with the second mark you made on the floor. Once you have completed this job, re-layout a number of the tiles along the perpendicular lines and examine if they run out in a way that will limit cutting and stubbed tiles. Once this is completed, eliminate the tiles and prepare for the actual installation.

Installing the tile
Yet again, make sure the area is liberated of any dirt and dust. Next apply the ceramic glue or mastic to the flooring, starting in the center, where the two perpendicular orientation lines intersect. Apply enough material to cover 6-10 square feet, if no cuts are required. If cuts are required limit the amount of mastic application to about 2-4 square feet. When applying the mastic, first spread it with the flat end of the trowel. Lay it on relatively thick, approximately 1/8? to 3/16?thick. After that twist the trowel around and run the notched edge over it. This creates ridges in the mastic that helps to hold the tile down more firmly. The bigger the tile, the larger the notches should be. For example, I use a ¼? notched trowel for 12? x 12? tiles.
Only make up sufficient ceramic adhesive for 30 minutes, as this substance has the tendency to solidify up quite rapidly.
Once the adhesive has been applied, start on installing the tiles working from the center outward. On bigger tiles you must back butter them. In essence, apply a thin coating of mastic to the back of the tile prior to laying it on the floor. This will help ensure a good connection.

As you close to the walls or edges of cabinets, tubs and toilets, you will need to cut some of the tiles. I very much recommend the use of a Wet-Saw. A Wet-Saw will permit you to make very precise cuts, both large and small. You will as well save money, as you will waste fewer tiles with bad cuts or broken down tiles. Wet-Saws are not that pricey and once you see your complete product you will without doubt be installing more tile. Wet-Saws can also be rented as a cheaper choice.
When applying tiles, you may want to use Lugs. Lugs are effectively spacers that come in different thicknesses. I usually like to have no more than a ¼? space amid the tiles. Employing Spacers will guarantee uniformity with your tile spacing.

After the tile has been entirely installed, let it to sit for 24-48 hours prior to applying grout and walking on it. Grout comes in several different colors and is very easy to install. Simply mix the grout with water or a special bonding agent and apply with a rubber trowel. Run the trowel on a bias when going over tile corners.
Once the grout has been applied, right away wipe the tile of excess grout, with a wet mop and a bucket of water. Wait 30 minutes and once more wipe the tiles down of any remaining grout. Wait an extra 60 minutes and go over. Let the grout sit up for 24 hours and it is ready for use.

Some tips for care and maintenance of ceramic tile floors

In terms of floor cleaning, the ceramic tile is the easiest surface to keep. All you need are the usual cleaning tools, a little household cleaner, and water. There is no any easier way to clean a floor!
Numerous manufacturers advise using an all-purpose cleaner, like Mr. Clean or Lysol, for instance. One of the owners of the famous fastfloors.com online store has gotten brilliant results on surfaces and grout with Colgate Fabuloso. However, be advised that cleaners containing ammonia or acids should not be used on a few surfaces. A further concern when choosing a tile cleaning product is the compatibility of the cleaner with grout. Certainly, it is always better to verify your flooring manufacturer?s recommendations.

Follow these usual steps for light cleaning of ceramic tile:
? Remove the dirt with a broom or a vacuum cleaner.
? Mix some cleaner with warm water, following the cleaner instructions on the proper ratio.
? Use a cotton mop or sponge to clean the floor, then rinse with clean water, and allow to drye. Rinsing is important because dried detergent dulls the finish of the tile and can also trap abrasive particles. Also, you should dry the tile with a soft towel to prevent water spots if your tile has a polished finish.

For seriously dirty floors, let the cleaning combination immerse into the filth for 5-10 minutes ahead of mopping or scrubbing. Clean little areas at once and do not let the cleaning mixture dry on the surface. Be certain to rinse the area thoroughly before cleaning further. More complicated dirt and stains could require scrubbing with a harder pad or brush.

To decrease the possibility of stains and heavy soil accumulation, follow these easy steps:
? Clean up any spills immediately.
? Place dirt catching mats at every room that has an entrance from outside.
? Sweep and mop habitually.

Using this suggestions and following your flooring manufacturer?s recommendations, you?ll keep your new tile shining for a long, long while.