How to Install Ceramic Tile Floor

Flooring is the most important aspect of home decor. A beautiful flooring can enhance the beauty of your home while you can trust a bad one to spoil the entire look of your home. Though, Italian marble flooring is an exotic option, the fact that it doesn't come cheap makes it less favorite among commoners. However, ceramic tile floor in one alternative, that's light on your pocket and also promises to make a lasting impression. Ceramic tile flooring is stylish, smooth and comes in innumerable sizes and textures. You can choose from a wide range of patterns that are available in the market.

Installing ceramic floor tiles is pretty easy and quick as compared to other flooring options. You can seek a sub-contractor to get the job done or you may even consider doing it yourself. If you are planning to do it yourself, make sure you can arrange for all the requisite materials and tools. The materials and tools for ceramic flooring are as follows:

Materials

• Tile adhesive
• Grout
• Ceramic tiles
• Grout sealer
• Tile spacers

Tools

• Tile cutter
• Chalk line
• Grout float
• Tape measure
• Rubber mallet
• Tile nipper
• Notched trowel
• Level

Installing Ceramic Tile Floor
Once you are equipped with the essential materials and tools, the rest is easy. The prerequisite condition for ceramic floor is that the sub-floor should be sufficiently hard and evenly leveled. The laying of tiles should begin from the center, contrary to the common belief that the tiles should be laid from the edges. To facilitate the procedure, find the mid point of the room by intersecting the lines joining the opposite corners. The process for installation of ceramic floor is as follows:

1. Clear the sub-floor of everything. If you have an existing floor, uproot the tiles and level the sub-floor.
2. Nail the hardboard with galvanized screws to attach it with the sub-floor
3. Mix the tile adhesive, preferably a thinset or cement-based, to a desired consistency.
4. For applying the tile adhesive to the sub-floor, use a notched trowel.
5. Apply the adhesive to 2 feet of your working area.
6. Lay the first tile on the midpoint of the room.
7. Choose any direction for laying the second tile and repeat the process. Remember to use a tile spacer to get even spacing for tiling grout. Wipe out excess grout with a damp rag or putty knife.
8. Continue till you reach the end of the row. The space at the end of the row may not be sufficient for laying the whole tile. You'll have to take the measurement and cut the tile with a tile cutter.
9. Take the measurement for skirting tiles and cut the tiles to install them.
10. After you have laid the tiles in the entire room, allow the grout to set for a day.
11. Dissolve some distilled white vinegar in water and use the solution to clean the grout. You'll have to repeat this procedure several times before you get rid of all the grout from the floor.
12. At the end, apply the floor sealer as per the manufacturer's instructions.

Installing ceramic tiles is not all that difficult, provided you know a thing or two about masonry work. After installation, ceramic tiles need absolutely no maintenance. They can last for years without any damage to their appearance.