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Installing Ceramic Tile
By Mark Donovan, Fri Dec 9th
Ceramic Tile brings a texture, richness and color to a roomthat Linoleum has yet to truly mimic. Tile floors can beinstalled in any room, however they are most frequently seen inBathrooms and Kitchens. I particularly like them in entryways,where they serve as a transition point from the outside to largecarpeted or hardwood floored rooms. They make for easy clean upand are impervious to water damage. Tile Types Ceramic tiles come in two basic types. Glazed and Porcelain.Glazed holds up the best for heavy traffic areas and porcelainworks well in bathrooms. Porcelain is typically more expensive,so consider your budget and the size of the area you want totile. Tiles also come in many shapes and sizes. For flooring,however, I would suggest using larger tiles up to 12” x 12”.
Underlayment For proper installation the base foundation or the underlaymentis critical. Typically it consists of ¾” to 1 ¼” of plywood.Tiling over Linoleum or existing tile is also feasible, as longas it is solid. I also recommend when Tiling over Linoleum thatyou first apply ring nails or screws 6” on center over theentire area. Tiles can also be installed directly over Concrete.Make sure in all cases that the floor is level and free of dustand debris prior to installation. There are leveling compoundsthat you can apply before applying tile if necessary. Preparing the Site Before actually installing the tile, it is best to lay it out inthe room to see how it will look. Pay close attention to how itruns out toward the walls, in the corners and next to cabinets,tubs and toilets. The trick is to lay the tile out such thatstubby tiles do not show up in highly visible spots. Once youhave completed this, make two marks with a pencil outlining themost centered tile. These lines should be perpendicular to eachother. Also take note of the wall that is most visible from allthe others. Now remove the tiles. Next draw or snap a lineperpendicular to this wall that is in line with one of the marksyou made on the floor. Then, draw a perpendicular line to thisfirst line. This second line should be centered with the firstline and fairly in line with the second mark you made on thefloor. Once you have completed this task, re-layout some of thetiles along the perpendicular lines and observe if they run outin a way that will limit cutting and stubbed tiles. Once this iscompleted, remove the tiles and prepare for the actualinstallation. Installing the Tile Again, make sure the area is free of dirt and dust. Next applythe ceramic adhesive or mastic to the flooring, starting in thecenter, where the two perpendicular reference lines intersect.Apply enough material to cover 6-10 square feet, if no cuts arerequired. If cuts are required limit the amount of masticapplication to about 2-4 square feet. When applying the mastic,first spread it with the flat end of the trowel. Lay it onrelatively thick, approximately 1/8” to 3/16”thick. Then turnthe trowel around and run the notched edge over it. This createsridges in the mastic that helps to hold the tile down moresecurely. The larger the tile, the larger the notches should be.For example, I use a ¼” notched trowel for 12” x 12” tiles. Note: Only make up enough ceramic adhesive for 30 minutes, asthis material has the tendency to harden up rather quickly. Once the adhesive has been applied, begin installing the tilesworking from the center outward. On larger tiles you should backbutter them. Basically, apply a thin coating of mastic to theback of the
tile prior to laying it on the floor. This will helpensure a good bond. As you near the walls or edges of cabinets, tubs and toilets,you will need to cut some of the tiles. I highly recommend theuse of a Wet-Saw. A Wet-Saw will allow you to make very accuratecuts, both large and small. You will also save money, as youwill waste many fewer tiles with bad cuts or broken tiles.Wet-Saws are not that expensive and once you see your finishedproduct you will certainly be installing more tile. Wet-Saws canalso be rented as a cheaper alternative. When applying Tiles, you may want to use Lugs. Lugs areeffectively spacers that come in various thicknesses. Itypically like to have no more than a ¼” space between thetiles. Employing Spacers will ensure uniformity with your tilespacing. Grouting After the Tile has been completely installed, allow it to sitfor 24-48 hours before applying grout and walking on it. Groutcomes in many different colors and is very easy to install.Simply mix the grout with water or a special bonding agent andapply with a rubber trowel. Run the trowel on a bias when goingover tile corners. Once the grout has been applied, immediately wipe the tile ofexcess grout, using a wet sponge and a bucket of water. Wait 30minutes and again wipe the tiles down of any residual grout.Wait another 60 minutes and repeat. If grout is left on thetiles to dry, you will have a great deal of elbow work scrapingit off. Let the grout sit up for 24 hours and it is ready for use andadmiration.
About the author:Me_Donovan@comcast.net www.homeadditionplus.com Over the past 20+ years Mr. Donovan has been involved withbuilding homes and home additions. Mr. Donovan's formaleducation & profession have been as an Electrical Engineer &Marketing Manager.
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