It’s possible to think that the floor tile installation job is simple enough that you would be willing and able to do it yourself. Even if your experience is limited, you can learn to install floor tiles professionally by belktile.
Prep the Subfloor
You will need to ensure that your surface is free from any imperfections and debris if you plan on installing it over an existing one. Sometimes, imperfections can be fixed by using waterproof patching compounds. Installing over wood requires that your subfloor be at least 1.5 inches thick. To get the correct floor thickness, you can add a concrete backing board layer if your subfloor isn’t that thick. The concrete backer board is usually 1/4″ or 1/2 inch thick.
You can remove any grease, oil dust, or sealer by scraping, sanding, or chipping away.
Lay the Floor
The layout of the floor tiles must be matched with how straight they can be. Use chalk lines to draw snap lines that intersect at 90 degrees in the middle of the room. Begin at the intersection of chalk lines and create a path that forms a 90-degree angle using tile. Adjust the tiles to the desired side if the distance between the last tile on the wall and the tile you are using is more than 1/2 inch.
Mortar Mixing
You will need to give the mortar the time it needs to react with the water, depending on the type of mortar mix. Mix the mortar with water until it reaches the right consistency. When installing tiles on different substrates, make sure you use the correct mortar mix. Mix the mixture with water within 30 minutes.
Application Mortar
Apply the mortar using the flat side first. Next, apply the mortar using the recommended notch trowel at a 45-degree angle. To maintain the mortar height, continue this pattern horizontally. Only spread the tiles that are covered within the next 15-minutes.
Installation of the Tile
Use a twist motion to press the tile into the mortar. Then, use a rubber mallet to hit the tile with the rubber mallet. Allow the mortar to dry for at most 24 hours. Do not step on the tile. Make sure that the lines are straight and place tile spacers between each one. The last line to install is that line with tile that needs to be cut. Take out any excess adhesive.
Cut tiles (where needed)
You can cut the tile using a nipper, wet saw, or a knife if necessary. Mark the area to be cut with a pencil. You should not use the tile’s centerpieces without the factory edges. If you are going to cover the tile being cut, don’t worry about making it perfect.
Grout Tiles
Mix grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions or until you have a uniform consistency. Mix as much grout as you can in 20 minutes. Mix the pigments until they are evenly distributed and you have a uniform color. Mix again after letting it sit for five minutes. After all, spacers are removed, use a grout float to grout the joints. To remove any excess grout, use a sponge. After applying a dry cloth, the tile joint can be buffed in 30 minutes.
Seal The Grout (Optional)
Seal the grout at 72 hours. This will ensure better results. This will ensure that the grout remains its original color for longer periods of time. The sealer will reduce water seepage below the floor tiles. You can remove excess sealer by using a dry cloth.
