Ceramic Tile Installation

A flexing subfloor results in cracked tiles and grout and a lot of headaches.

Ceramic tile installation. Install ceramic tile over a subfloor that s no less than 1 1 8 inches thick. Ceramic tile is a versatile and durable finishing material. Using a slight twisting motion set tiles one at a time and avoid sliding them into place. Find the center point of the room.

Use a tile cutter for small straight cuts. Smooth the cut edge with an abrasive stone. Tiles can be installed as a floor or wall covering nearly anywhere but they are especially useful in bathrooms and kitchens. Successful tiling jobs are a direct result of good planning and a methodical approach.

Ceramic tile is a favored floor covering for bathrooms kitchens and hallways due to its superior water resistance durability and simplicity while many homeowners hire professional tile setters ceramic floor tile installation also qualifies as a do it yourself project that homeowners can accomplish inexpensively and with relative ease. Before you install a ceramic tile floor make sure the floor is smooth and secure. For making curved cuts you can use tile nippers. If there s any movement in the floor while walking across it install a cement board underlayment.

Begin by installing tiles in the center of the room one grid at a time finishing each grid before moving on to the next. If the tile is too thick for nippers try the following. How to install ceramic wall tile. Use a tile saw or wet saw both rentable if necessary for cutting numerous or thick tiles.

To cut a curve mark the cutting line then cut away bits of tile with tile nippers. Take the time to do the right amount of prep work before you begin. Step 2 find the center of the room. A thinner subfloor will cause the floor to flex due to the weight of the tile.

As you near cabinets doorways walls and other flooring stops trim tiles as needed for installation. Most tile manufacturers recommend installing a cement backer board instead of any other type of. First measure across the room and mark the center.