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.
If the flooring in your bathroom is outdated or worn out, consider installing ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles are ideal for areas where they get wet and they are easy to keep clean. Plus, they come in attractive colors and are suitable for all rooms of your home. Here's a look at the process of having new ceramic tile flooring installed.
The Old Flooring Is Pulled Up
The old floors have to be removed so new tiles can be put down. If you have a thinner floor now, such as vinyl, the thicker ceramic tiles might present a problem with height when it comes to door clearance. It's necessary for doors to be removed when installing tile flooring, and you may need to hire someone to shave off the bottom portion of the doors before they can be rehung. In addition to removing doors, the baseboards and trim need to be taken out too. You might do most of this work yourself to save money, but when it comes to removing old tile, you may need to let the flooring installer do the job.
The Subfloor Is Made Ready
Ceramic tile flooring can be put down on plywood or concrete, but the material has to be clean so the tiles adhere. The floor also has to be flat and level so the tiles go down flat. Prepping the floor could take a lot of work depending on the condition of your floors.
The Ceramic Floors Are Installed With Mortar
Installing ceramic tile flooring involves steps. The first step is to plan the layout. The floor installer may mix boxes of tiles so slight color differences between boxes won't be noticeable, and then lay out the tiles in the pattern you want as a test and guide for the permanent placement of the tiles. Next, the mortar is mixed and spread over an area of the floor. Then the tiles are positioned on top of the mortar. The tiles have small spacers between them to keep the tiles apart and leave a space for the grout later. Some of the tiles have to be cut to fit along the walls.
The final step in installing ceramic tile flooring is to apply the grout. Grout is spread over the top of the flooring and then wiped off. The part between the tiles is trapped and stays behind to form the grout lines. Once that's done, the baseboards, trim, and doors can be put back in their original places. You might need to stay off the floor for a day or two until the mortar and grout have set, and then you can enjoy your beautiful new ceramic tile flooring.
Learn more about ceramic tile flooring from a company in your area like Blackwell's Carpet and Floors.
Share20 February 2020
