Laying of floor tiles may seem seem to be a very tricky task that’s beyond the abilities of some homeowners, but in reality, it’s a task that most DIYers can handle - as long you don’t rush the process. With a little patience here and there, you’ll be amazed with how far you can go. The materials are quite easy to work with and tools, only requiring a little practice to master. However, if you don’t have the necessary confidence to pull this off, we’d strongly recommend that you call in a professional who can guarantee the best results for help. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of laying floor tiles.
• Floor Preparation
✓ The first step is to prepare the floor by moving all objects like mortar, adhesives and more.
✓ Use concrete patching compound to fill ill low spots and cracks, until the floor is levelled.
✓ Ensure the floor is dry and clean.
• Pattern Layout
✓ Take the measurement of each wall’s length while also taking into account the room’s diagonals.
✓ To help place the tiles in an orderly manner, make use of a chalk to mark down lines on the levelled surface in question and ensure it’s parallel to the walls.
• Adhesive Preparation
✓ Mix the appropriate amount of water with the adhesive (bonding agent).
✓ The mixture should be toothpaste-like thick to ensure the durability of the tiles.
• Tiles Placement
✓ Depending on the tile’s size, evenly spread the mortar on the floor using a notched trowel.
✓ Lay the first tile on the bonding agent (adhesive or mortar) and apply a gentle and little pressure on the tile.
✓ Repeat the technique for other tiles using plastic spacers to ensure the edges and corners are properly aligned.
• Tiles Cutting
✓ Cut the tiles (if necessary) with the help of a wet saw or scoring cutter featuring a diamond-tripped blade.
• Grout Application
✓ Filling of the tiles’ gap is done using the grout. It can be applied to the joints with a rubber float.
✓ After application, allow the grout to set up for some minutes.
✓ Use sponge and a bucket of water to clear out any adhesive leftover.
• Grout Sealing
✓ Use a foam brush or applicator bottle for the sealants’ application.
✓ Clean out excess sealer within 10 minutes.