Installing a Ceramic Tile Can Be Tricky
Installing ceramic tiles can be tricky. Successful tiling jobs are a direct result of good planning and a methodical approach. Take the time to do the right amount of prep work before you begin. Here are 3 tips for a successful ceramic tile installation.
Assess
Begin by inspecting the surface upon which you plan to install the tile. The substrate, or what tile is installed on top of, is just as important as the tile itself. A flexing floor or a wall that is uneven can lead to broken tiles and failed grout. Water-resistant backer board, not drywall, should be used under the tile that is likely to get wet (shower walls and bathroom floors, for example). Whether it’s a backer board, plywood, or concrete, the substrate needs to be sound, clean, and dimensionally stable.
Measure
In an older home, you may find the floor isn’t square, which makes the job more complicated. Use the most obvious wall as a baseline, so those entering the room will see tile lines parallel to that wall; your job will look more even. Once you’ve identified the center and baseline from which you will work, snap a pair of perpendicular chalk lines. These will divide the room into roughly equal quadrants.
Lay out the tiles
After you’ve found the center point and squared the room for floor installations (or determined the top line level for walls), lay the tiles out to see how they will appear. Do it dry, before you mix the adhesive or mortar, within each quadrant of the grid. The space between the tiles should be uniform. Use spacers if your tiles don’t come on mesh sheets. The larger the tile the larger the space should be between them.
If you want to get a reliable ceramic tile installation service in Norman, OK, T.G. Installations is the company you should choose. We also offer other services. If you want to know more about what we can offer you just give us a call at (405) 451-2574.