Laying Ceramic Tile

When you are remodeling your house or some parts of it, the quickest and the most easiest way to transform its look is to install tiles. Installing tiles are an inexpensive way to give the room a lift and there are a lot of materials and patterns that you can choose from. Ceramic tiles are durable, chip and scratch resistant and they can be easily cleaned. So they are the best option for both floor and ceiling tiles. Installing ceramic tiles yourself can save you a lot of money and with a bit of patience and effort your work will rival that of a professional.

Laying Ceramic Tile Flooring

Ceramic tiles are the best options for bathroom or kitchen remodeling. There are many ceramic tile flooring ideas that you can choose from for remodeling your floor. The first step is to prepare the floor on which you are going to tile. If you have a cement floor, sand away any rough edges and repair any cracks on the floor with concrete epoxy. Before using adhesive to lay the ceramic tiles, place the tiles on the floor so that you get an idea of the kind of pattern that you would like to create. This will also give you an indication of the number of ceramic tiles that you need to cut to size in order to get an even flooring. After you are satisfied with the layout, mark the positions of the borderline with a chalk line to ensure that it is in a straight line. Any border tiles that needs to be cut in order to fit them, measure them and note down the measurements and number the tile in the order that it will be installed on the floor. Now cut the tiles with the help of a hand held tile cutter or a table mounted tile saw.

Prepare the cement mix and apply a thin even layer with a trowel. Place the tiles carefully onto the wet cement and press them firmly. Use tile spacers in between to ensure that there is even spacing for the grout. Work steadily by applying cement on a small area and then laying ceramic tile over it so that the cement does not dry out. Once you have placed the ceramic tiles on the floor, remove the tile spacers so that they do not get attached to the cement. Repeat the same procedure on the entire floor until you have finished laying all the ceramic tiles. Place the border tiles in the same way ensuring that the cut section of the tile is attached seamlessly and evenly. Allow the tiles to adhere to the cement mix and dry for at least 24 hours before you begin grouting the tiles.

Purchase the grout from a local hardware store in a color that closely matches that of the ceramic tiles. Prepare the grout according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. Use a padded grouting tool to apply the grout into the spaces between the ceramic tiles. Once you are done filling the gaps in between the ceramic tiles, moisten a sponge and remove any excess gout that has spilled out from between the gaps. Apply a slight pressure with your hands to seal in the grout and use a waterproof caulk around the edges of the walls so that moisture does not seep in to the floor. Allow the grout to dry for about 2 to 3 days and use damp sponge once again to wipe any excess grout residue.

Work slowly but steadily while laying the tiles to avoid any mistakes. Once the tile has set into the cement, it is very difficult to make any changes. For laying tiles that looks professional and well finished, apply a good quality silicone sealant to protect the grout from stains. Clean your ceramic tiles at least once a week to increase their life and keep them in the best condition.