The flooring that you install in your home should last several years before you even have to consider replacement. If your flooring isn't lasting that long, chances are, you aren't choosing the type of flooring that will fit into your lifestyle very well. This blog is all about choosing flooring that will fit into your lifestyle and last you many, many years before you have to rip it up and replace it. You will also find tips for keeping it looking like new as it survives the abuse that your family, friends and pets put it through during the course of the year.
Tile flooring installation is a great DIY job that will save you a lot of money in the process. However, doing it correctly is very important in order to make sure that no damages occur while the flooring is installed. The following tips will allow you to install your flooring properly and give it a professional finish.
Always have a clean and level subfloor
When installing tile flooring, it is essential that you have a clean and level subfloor to lay your tile down. Be sure to chip away any old mortar before laying your tile down and vacuum away any dust. This will make sure that you can lay your mortar down properly.
You can also use a level to make sure that the floor is even and perfectly flat. If you find any dips in the flooring then you'll need to fill them in with self leveling compound and smooth the subfloor out using a trowel. Having a prepped subfloor is essential to having a professional end result.
Comb the mortar before laying tile
After laying your mortar on the subfloor, be sure to comb it before laying down the tile. You can use the ridged edge of your trowel to comb the mortar. This is a necessary step to take as it will allow the tile to properly set into the mortar and last years without damage.
Use tile spacers and plan
You only get one chance to lay the tile down properly so be sure to plan out exactly how you intend on laying the tile on the floor. Plan it exactly using the space you have and the tiles you have. If you need to cut any tiles then do so in order to make the pieces fit perfectly.
Using tile spacers is a great way to make sure that the flooring looks even and professional. They will allow you to lay down a perfect grid formation with continuous spacing throughout the floor. Lay the tile spacers in between the tiles when you're setting them into the mortar. When you're happy with the layout of your floor then you can remove the spacers and continue with the finishing touches.
Always allow the tile to fully set
After you've laid down the tile and finished the job, the final step of the tile installation process is to wait. In many ways, this is the most important part of the job. Do not walk or place any heavy furniture on the floor until the mortar has completely dried. This could take a long time but making sure you wait will be worth it in the long run and could easily prevent you from having to do any repairs in the future.
Share29 December 2015
