Also check out: FAQ What do I need to think about BEFORE the installation?
How can I mix the thinset?
Place
a couple of inches of water in a bucket, then add the dry
thinset. Stir the mix as you add more thinset, until you get
the consistency of mayonnaise. Thinset must be thick enough
to stand up when spread with a notched trowel, but not so
thick that it's difficult to spread.
How
to layout your tiles
The first thing you should do is to draw a floor plan of the room. The plan should include all the details and information which could have any bearing on the carrying out of the project: doors, cabinets, toilet, electricity supplies, among others.
Use the daltile tile calculator to find out your preferred way to layout the tiles.
Subfloor preparation overview (view details here)
Ceramic tile and stones are the heaviest of flooring materials so they require a floor structure that has been designed or reinforced to carry the weight.
Vinyl floor: it is highly recommended to remove vinyl flooring and adhesives first before proceeding to tile installation.
Wood floor: install concrete board tape joints with fiber glass tape, & thinnest joints.
For installations over vinyl or wooden substrates, you will need a high quality latex modified thinset mortar.
Old ceramic tile: clean with degreaser and test a small area over night for bonding.
Bad concrete: smooth with concrete filler, or similar compound.
Old
concrete: clean & remove old dirt, a degreaser
is recommended.
Once
I start the installation, how much time do I have before I
finish it?
The thinset takes a long time to solidify: usually between 2 and 4 hours. Of course, you will do little areas one at a time, so there's no need to hurry.
How should I layout the tiles?
First, you might want to check all tiles. Make certain the tiles are in good condition before starting the installation. Think about mixing your tiles. It is possible that your set of tiles will come in a variety of colors, you should mix/blend them to avoid great variations in the floor pattern.
First, select an area to tile, and dump just enough adhesive to cover it.
| Spread the thinset with the smooth edge of the trowel held at a 30-degree angle. Comb adhesive with notched edge at a 45 to 75- degree angle. |
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Twist tile slightly as you press it into adhesive, and check proper alignement with a straight liner.
To level the tiles, press them into adhesive with a beater block that will cover several tiles at the same time.
What about grouting?
When the adhesive has set for 24 hours, remove the spacers between the tiles. Use a grout float to apply the grout, force it down the joints, and remove any excess with a sponge. Make sure that you use the grout float DIAGONALLY or you will remove grout from the joinsts. Wash the tiles with the sponge to make sure there's no grout on them.
A sponge is one of the main tools to have. Always keep a sponge and a bucket of water closeby. You should use sponges to wash cement products frequently, and keep them handy to clean tile or grouts throughout the installation.
Be careful... if you start washing the grout off the tiles too soon, you might wash down the joints at the same time. However, if you wait too long, it is even worse: you will have a very hard time cleaning the tiles.
The open time for grout depends on the weather. If it's hot and dry, it will set very quickly. When the group feels firm, start washing the tiles to remove any excess grout. Wash over the entire area you tested.
Start with small areas to exercise your skills.
How long will it take for the thinset to cure?
You should wait at least 24 hours before walking on your new floor. Some installations will take longer, and you should check this with the manufacturer.
Also check out: FAQ What do I need to think about BEFORE the installation?
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