3 Simple Steps to a Beautiful Tile Floor Surface
Before you get started:
Tools you will need:
- Chaulk Line Tool
- Tape Measure
- Framing Square
- Pencil
- Carpenter's Level
- Tile Nippers
- Rubbing Brick
- Tile Cutter
- Straight Edge
- Tile Spacers
- Buckets
- Towels for Clean-up
- Grout Sponge
- Rubber Gloves
- Mixing Paddle
- Drill
- Notched Trowel
- Grout Float
- Access to Clean Water
Choosing your setting materials:
Select the mortar (thin-set) that corresponds with your tile type. TEC™ Skill Set™ offers options for a wide variety of tile types including porcelains, ceramics, glass, quarry, stone, and other tiles. We also offer mortars that specialize in large tile applications.
3. Tile should be clean and dry.
- Sanded grouts are typically used for floor applications for grout joints 1/8” to 1/2”.
- Superior grout products for any floor application include Power Grout™ or DesignColor™ grout with Grout Boost® grout additive. Available in a wide array of designer colors, these products provide stain resistance, high performance and ease of use.
1. Prepare the Surface
Surface preparation is one of the most important steps in the tile installation process. Remove anything that will be in your way. Cover all surfaces that you are not tiling to protect them.
Basic Substrate Preparation:
- Substrate (tiling surface) must be free of contaminants.
- Clean and dry.
- No grease, sealers, dirt, dust, debris, wallpaper, etc.
- Roughen (abrade) all latex based painted surfaces, existing ceramic tile or laminates (if you are tiling over them).
- Ensure there are no holes or voids in the substrate. Use an appropriate patching product such as TEC Skill Set Fast Setting Patch to repair voids.
- Substrate must be structurally sound and solid
- No loose areas or “bouncy” floors. Loose or “squeaky” floors should be glued, nailed or screwed down tightly
- Substrate must be flat and even before tiling
- Use a 6' or 8' long straight edge (2" x 4") making sure there are no gaps greater than 1/4" when straight edge is placed across the tiling surface. Use an appropriate patching or leveling product, such as TEC Skill Set Self Leveling Underlayment.
- If you are tiling over concrete: new slabs must be cured at least 28 (3) days. Patch holes, dips and cracks.
- If you are tiling over plywood: plywood should be APA Grade Trademarked Exposure I (Underlayment grade or better). You must have 2 layers of plywood with a minimum total thickness of 1-1/8" over floor joists that are spaced 16" apart. These two layers must be fastened with adhesive and screws or nails per manufacturer’s instructions.
- If you are tiling over old tile or vinyl linoleum: any loose tiles must be secured. Linoleum should be stripped and cleaned of any waxes or dirt. Linoleum must be noncushioned and fully adhered to substrate.
- Any section of wallboard or other surface that has been damaged by moisture must be replaced. If installing new backerboard be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions.
