Bathroom flooring always plays an important role in the bathroom appearance. The beautiful bathroom tiles give a soothing experience. They are the most used part so need to be strong and of good quality. The suitable color bathroom tiles help you give a new look to the bathroom. And if you are planning to change your flooring then it includes few simple steps:
Step 1: Clean the Floor
The first and the foremost step is to clean up the floor so no debris are over as the dirt would hamper the adhesion of the thin set to the subfloor. You can use a shop vacuum to clean the minute dust after removing the larger debris.
Step 2: Lay the Tiles
After cleaning process start the laying of the tiles. Start with the full sized tiles be placed at the most visible corner as they are noticed the most on entering. Now start laying the other tiles to see whether the pattern reaches up to the other corners and the walls in the manner that pleases the eyes. Until you get the desired location keep shifting the tiles.
Step 3: Mix the Mortar
The mortar used in laying tiles is basically called a thinset and it comes in two forms: one in the box ready for mixing and the pre-mixed tubs. The pre-mix is expensive but is easy to use and makes the job simple. And if you prefer the mixing mortar then do it outside as the powdered form can create a lot of dust.
Step 4: Spread the Mortar
It is advisable to start with less number of tiles. Spread the mortar enough to cover 2 to 3 square feet by the notched trowel holding at 45 degree angle for keeping the even thickness of mortar on the backer board.
Step 5: Press the First Tile in Place
Now place the tiles on the mortar and apply maximum pressure. Give the tiles a slight twist back and forth to make is set completely in the mortar. Now use a 2 x 4 board covered with the cloth to protect the tile and tap the board with the hammer. Directly tapping the board may damage the tiles so this precaution is taken.
Step 6: Install More Tiles
Keep laying the tiles by spreading the mortar in the small areas. Use spacers for the tiles alignment. Use a board that checks the levelling of the several tiles and ensures that the tiles are in level with the other tiles. If any tile appears above the level just tap it with the padded board and in case if any is below the level just pull it carefully and re spread the mortar below it and bring it up to the proper level.
Step 7: Cut Tile to Fit
Now if the tiles don’t fit in then use a scoring tool or snap cutter to cut the tiles and make them placed properly. But if there are many tiles to be cut or to be notched then hiring a wet saw is a good idea.
Step 8: Grout the Floor
After the complete grounding of mortar spread grout with the rubber float into the grout lines. If the grout gets spread on the tiles’ surfaces then remove it with the float as well as use a damp sponge to clean the face of the tiles. As soon as the grout will dry a little there will be a haze on the tile’s surface which can be wiped off with the cloth. You can even follow the manufacturer’s instruction for curing the grout.
