DIY Guide for Beginners on How to Lay a Tile Floor

So, are you looking to tackle a tile job and want to DIY it?

11:21 21 December 2020

If you don’t have any experience doing so, it might seem like an intimidating undertaking, but follow the tips that we will present to you in this article, and you will surely be able to successfully finish this project by yourself.

 

Planning

 

Do not rush in this part, because the final look of the installed ceramic tiles will heavily depend on it. First, you need to decide how to stack the tiles. Basically, it comes down to the two most common tile patterns that are feasible for absolute beginners which will be discussed in the following text. 

 

Different Tiling Systems 

 

The first system is "fugue to fugue", the tiles are stacked next to each other without spacing. The second is called "open joints" where the space between the tiles is left. If the tiles are of a lower class and there are differences in most of the individual tiles, it is better to opt for an open joint system because this way enables the correction of defects. 

 

Figuring Out the Spacing and Number of Tiles

 

When you have solved that, place a few tiles without the adhesive. As experts on this topic from tilersplace.com explain, this will help you see how many tiles need to be in order. You should start by drawing two lines that are normal to each other. Along these lines, the first rows of tiles will be placed, horizontally and vertically. In this case, one of those two lines is the edge of the terrace, in another a wall, for example, or just some imaginary line. Basically, when you define that line and align the edge of the first row of tiles with it all the other tiles follow that row.

 

Tools and Materials You Will Need

 

For the beginning, you will need some tools like a rubber hammer, brush, cross sticks, spirit level, pencil, meter, grinder, pliers, rubber for applying joints, sponge and also ceramic tiles, tile adhesive, and grout. Once that’s settled, you are ready to go, but let’s talk about the details regarding preparation first. 

 

Mixing the Glue With Water

 

The glue is always poured into the water and not the other way around in order to avoid the formation of lumps. Also pay attention to the type of glue because there is a difference whether the tiles are glued to the wall or the floor, whether the tiles are external or internal. The seller in the paint shop will be able to help you with this choice. 

 

Safety First!

 

Do not forget that the tile adhesive corrodes and irritates the skin. At the bottom of each tile adhesive bag, you will find a symbol for corrosive or irritating material, so, have that in mind. If you do not have rough hands, red and very painful spots will appear on your fingertips very quickly. To prevent this, be sure to use rubber gloves. 

 

Prepare the Substrate

 

The surface on which you intend to stick the tiles must be prepared. This means cleaning, degreasing, and drying it. If there is any trace of old paint, remove it first. In addition, completely free that space from things and objects because they will only bother you when you start gluing floor tiles. 

 

Laying the Tiles

 

For gluing tiles, the surface must be flat. The substrate should be coated with impregnation emulsion. This will enable better adhesion of the adhesive to the substrate, less adhesive will be used during the work, and the ceramic floor tiles will be more firmly glued. If the floor is peeling or if it’s crowned, before applying the emulsion, the entire floor surface should be scraped off and then a thin layer of elastically mixed tile adhesive should be applied. 

Now that you know all the steps, we are going to assure you once again - this DIY project is very much so feasible. The only thing that your success depends on is the research that you have put into understanding the process. You also need to look for a simple guide to quick floor tile repairs in case damage occurs during installation. In addition to talent and knowledge, it is necessary to make sure that you have the best tools with which you will acquire the title of homemaker.