When it comes to installing your new tile flooring, you have two choices. You can either do it yourself or hire a professional company to handle it for you. The choice truly is yours. However, if you decide to go the DIY route, there are some things that you need to know. Here they are, courtesy off tile floor installation dallas.
Prep Your Subfloor Properly
Before you do anything else, you need to remove your current flooring and prep your subfloor. This means that it must be imperfections and debris. It should also be as clean as possible. If you have any problems with the subfloor, you can fix them with a waterproof patching compound. The thickness of the floor may need to be adjusted a well. This can be done with a backer board layer.
Lay Out the Floor
Once you have your subfloor prepped, you need to lay out the tile. This needs to be done before you start installing them. It all starts with chalk lines. Snap them at a 90-degree angle in the center of the room, with lines going in all four directions. Begin in the center and start laying everything out radiating outwards. Make note of the tiles that you’ll need to cut down to size and do this before you start the adhesion process.
Mix the Mortar
Your mortar needs to be kept at between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or else its consistency won’t be correct. It might also try to dry too quickly, which can result in a number of issues. Before you start applying your tiles, you need to mix the mortar following the directions on the package. It shouldn’t be too thick or watery, and the water might take some time in order to react with the mortar mixture properly before you can use it. Any issues with the mortar can have catastrophic tiling results, so make sure to follow the instructions closely.
Tile Installation
Next, you need to install the tiles. Apply a small amount of mortar to the floor – however much you think you can apply in about half an hour before the mortar can set. Remember that too much mortar can lead to uneven patches of floor, so ensure that every bit that you lay down is nice and smooth. Once the mortar is down, start laying down your tiles, gently pressing them into the mortar. You don’t want to apply too much pressure though – just enough to make them stick.
Grouting
After all of your tiles are down, it’s time to apply the grout. Once again, you’ll have to follow the instructions on the package. They usually consist of placing some grout in between the tiles, letting it set slightly, and then wiping away the excess. This is the final touch that your floor needs in order to be completed.
Remember, if you have any question about the tiling process, head to: tile floor installation dallas.