How To Tile - Five Ways to Start Correctly, Now

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:12:00 -0400

Does it have to be difficult when you learn how to tile? Of
course not. You can learn how to tile quickly, easily and
effectively in your home or elsewhere. Tile is exceptionally
good as flooring material because easy to maintain and clean,
and lasts for a long time as well. Once you learn the basics of
tiling, you can start to do the job yourself in no time. Here
are some things you should know before you begin to lay down
tile.

Before you begin, do a detailed sketch of your layout. Draw the
entire layout on paper to scale. The best way to do this is with
graph paper, because each of the squares can represent one tile.

In this way, you can also get an accurate count of how many
tiles you’re going to need for the finished job. You should also
have additional tiles on hand in case you break tiles along the
way or have extra on hand to make repairs on down the line,
several years later. If you’re prepared ahead of time, you can
get started on the right path and stay there, too.

Next, prepare the floor underneath the tile everywhere you plan
to lay tile. When you learn how to tile correctly, you’ll need
to prepare yourself and your work surfaces correctly, too.

The floor you’ll be working with should be level and flat. It
should also be rigid, without any give. If it’s not, the grout
may crack. If your floor isn’t level or flat, the tile’s not
going to look right. It should also be properly cleaned
underneath, or the adhesive isn’t going to seal the way it
should.

When you begin to lay tiles down, you should lay whole tiles
down first. As you progress, you’re going to begin to fit cut
tiles into the places whole tiles will not fit, but you’ll do
this later when you have already begun to work with the pattern.

If you lay whole tiles down first, you can get a better idea of
where the cut tiles will be needed. If you have any doubts, hire
someone who is a professional tile cutter to cut the tiles for
you so that they’re done properly.

Another important part of this entire process is that you need
to do the grouting properly. Grouting is a very important part
of the process and can actually ruin your results if not done
properly. Practice grouting with several practice runs before
you need to do it in earnest.

Finally, you should seal your grout after your project is
finished. Unfortunately, many people overlook this part of the
process, but it’ll help make sure that your God stays clean and
that dirt and other debris that can be absorbed over time stays
out. If you seal your grout, you’ll prolong its life and you’ll
give your tile flooring a great look that’s going to last you
for a long time.

Find out more cool tips on How To Tile

How To Tile Blog

How To Tile - Five Ways to Start Correctly, Now