How To Install Ceramic Tile Flooring

Whatever size, colour and type of ceramic tile flooring you choose; the method still remains the same. Now, you don’t have to call the installers to do the job for you. There are some simple steps that can take you through laying the tiles yourself. With benefits like saving money and external labour, this write up can be a blessing in disguise for you. The only things you need beforehand are – an idea of the kind of pattern that would be the most suited for your home and the amount of money you plan on spending. Ceramic tiles add value to your floors as they come in various colours and patterns. This can automatically transform your flooring into something unique and spectacular! Dramatic or simple – both of these looks can be achieved easily. Surprise your guests with the new tiles that you’ve got installed! Read onto this article to know more about how you can install the ceramic tile floorings all by yourself.

Installing Ceramic Tiles

You Need:

Ceramic Tiles
Chalk Line
Carpenter’s Square
Plastic Spacers
Measuring Tape

Method:

Before laying the tiles, the floor must be prepared. The foundation must be made of plywood and if it is made of particle board, you need to replace it with plywood. Level the flooring after preparing it.
Determine the size of the room to be tiled. Measure the room with a measuring tape. Assume the room is about 12 feet from one wall to another. Measure the distance of the opposite walls too and say it is around 7 feet. Total area of the room is around 84 square feet.
Remember that this is only for a squared dimensional patch of ceramic tile installation. Depending on the area, purchase the number of tiles that will fit.
For a simple look, use 12 x 12 inches tiles and a traditional grid design placement on the floor. But, varying patterns can be incorporated using the same method. Pick the colour or pattern of your choice.
Find the center point of the room to determine where to lay the first tile and the consecutive ones. Mark the mid points of the distance between both the walls. Using a chalk line, anchor one end of the midpoint of one wall and stretch it to the midpoint of the other. Snap the chalk line and you will find a straight line on the floor.
You will find four quadrants at the end of this. Lay the first row of ceramic tiles (without adhesive) along the chalk line. Use spacers between each tile so that they are equally spaced. Install a temporary board at the end of each row.
Put the ceramic tiles along the board perpendicular to the first row. Measure the spaces at the end of each row to know how much you need to move to the center row to achieve equal borders on all walls.
Once the surface is prepared, smoothen the adhesive on the floor and set the first tile in place at the corner lines made by the center point. Continue along the line and arrange the tiles consecutively.
Make sure the surface is leveled as you go. Let this dry for at least 24 hours before grouting the joints.
Apply the mixture containing the grout between the tiles and wipe off the excess while it is still wet.

The entire flooring takes a while to cure but once done efficiently, you will have envious flooring to your credit!

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