DIY Tiling: How To Install Tile Floor By Yourself

Tiles are ideal for wet places like kitchens. Their designs work well with the countertops offered by granite suppliers in Denver. Installing tiles yourself can be troublesome but with the right steps, tools and material, is completely doable.

Prepare Subfloor

The subfloor should be clean, dry and flat. And most importantly, it should be able to support the weight of the tiles above.

If you have plywood or OSB subfloor, then you may need a water-resistant cement backer board as your underlayment. It might not be necessary for concrete floors though.

To install the backer board, you need to apply a thinset. Then place the board on the thinset and make adjustments before it dries. Screw the boards to the subfloor below.

Create Layout

Creating a layout on the subfloor will help you center and lay the tiles properly. Create a floorplan on a grid sheet with details like trimmings, doors, etc.

Find the room’s centerpoint by measuring the walls and marking their midpoints. Draw lines from the midpoints of the opposing walls. The point at which they intersect is the centerpoint of the room. You might want to measure the room before ordering the tiles from the tile showrooms in Denver to know how much you need.

Make sure that the lines are parallel to each other so that the room doesn’t seem unbalanced. Leave some gap between the tiles at the edges and the wall so that they have room for expansion without cracking.

Test Layout

Do a dry run by placing tiles on the floor without mortar. Stop at the edges when you can’t place a complete tile. Use spacers to account for grout in your layout.

Prepare Mortar

Follow the manufacturer’s directions to prepare the thinset. Keep in mind that mortar can’t be used immediately, so you need to wait five to ten minutes. Thinset also hardens fast so you should prepare small batches and apply tiles accordingly. Never pour water on the thinset once it has started hardening. It could weaken the layer.

Use a trowel to apply thinset to the subfloor. The larger the tiles are, the larger the notch should be. Scoop a generous amount from the bucket and spread the mortar with the flat side of the trowel. Press it into the backer board at 45 degrees to ensure that it adheres. Use the notched side to comb the layer.

Test Mortar

Spread some mortar in the center of the room. Put the first tile flat on the thinset with mild pressure. Slide it a quarter inch back against the ridges before sliding it back in place. Pull up the tile to see if the mortar covers its bottom completely.

If not, you might not have mixed the mortar well or applied the right pressure. Make corrections accordingly before moving ahead.

Start Laying Tiles

Once you’re sure that you have the right consistency, wipe the first tile and relay it while ensuring that it’s properly aligned. Press it well into the mortar.

Place spacers on the side where you will add tiles, one on each end. Ensure that they stick up and out. Ensure that they don’t stick to the mortar, else they will be hard to remove. Never place them on their sides at the corners where four tiles meet.

Set the next tile by aligning it with the first one and hanging it down. Twist it a bit to secure its placement.

Apply mortar in sections as you install tiles. Remove a small amount around the edges as you go. Never allow it to start drying as you go. You’ll need to remove and apply a new layer if it does.

Clean tiles before placing them to ensure that they adhere properly. Clean any mortar that ends up on top of the tile to ensure that it doesn’t dry.

Apply the full tiles first, then measure and cut the partial tiles along the edges.

Apply Grout

Remove the spacers and apply painter’s tape on the neighboring floor, trimmings and boardings. Mix the grout according to instructions and spread it in arching motions. Remove excess grout with a float and press the grout into the gaps. Mist it twice a day for three days to cure it.

Clean the excess grout with a sponge and clean water. Wring the sponge until there’s no water coming out of it. Use clean water. Seal the grout once it has cured and wipe excess sealer. Avoid applying it on glazed tiles.

Once done, install the trims and baseboards.