Porcelain tiles are fully suitable to be used for a do-it-yourself project at your home. They posses some amazing looks, are scratch resistant, durable and are also stain resistant. They can be easily considered for sweeping or vacuuming while removing the dust and debris. Smile For Tiles has a range of porcelain tiles suiting every household budget. To achieve an efficiency level similar to that of a professional engaged in tile installation process, do consider the following steps at the time of laying the porcelain tiles sourced from Smile For Tiles:
• Demolish the old stuffs: Start with removing the old flooring, the subflooring, nails, trim, staples etc. Clean the surface and ensure that it is perfectly in a single level condition. Remove all dust and dispose of the debris accumulated.
• Thin set the subfloor: To avoid cracking of tiles, use cement boards instead of wood. Under the cement boards lay a thin set layer having a fast settling time. Prepare the thin set in a bucket by adding water to achieve a consistency similar to that of a peanut-butter. Apply using a trowel of 1/4” x 1/4” size and square-notched shape.
• Install the cement boards: Cement boards of similar shape and size are readily available in market. Lay them on the already installed thin set. After layering of the same, nail down them using roofing nails. Keep a distance of eight inches from the centre between every nail and a distance of 3/4” from the sides. Using the cement board tapes, cover the seams of the cement boards.
• Finding the starting point: Identify the room’s centre point. Draw to chalk lines from this point covering the rooms’ length as well as width. Ensure that the two lines are in square of each other.
• Ensuring Correct Tile Layout: To make sure that there is no mismatching of the tile layout, do lay the tiles without applying the cement beneath the tiles. After the desired layout is achieved, then only pour the cement.
• Cement Laying: Read the cement manufacturer’s instructions for use. Use a notched trowel, in general case, to pour out the cement. Apply the cement to at least ¼ space of the floor and let it dry till it becomes tacky but not sticky. The drying process, in general requires a minimum of 15 minutes.
• Tile Laying: After the desired cement consistency is achieved, do being the tile laying process. Starting from the portion of the chalk line lay the first tile. Ensure that the first piece is fully centered and in a straight position. Now one by one lay down the tiles along with the tile placers. Make sure that there is no extra gap between two tiles except for the tile spacer to rest firmly. While layering, put the tiles directly down using a firm action. Starting from the middle region move towards the wall area and continue the same for all sides of the room. After reaching to the end row, mark the tiles for a perfect cut to ensure that you get the correct size of tile for installation. Repeat the marking process in for every end row and also in case of pipe fittings, heater vents, tap or shower fittings etc. Remove the tile spacers after finishing every one quarter part of the room.
• Grouting: Once the tiling layout is finished, grouting can be started. Pour and mix the grout within a bucket. Apply the grout onto the joint lines using a grout float. Continue the process for the whole room floor. Wipe out the excess grout using a damp and clean sponge. Leave the grout for drying.
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