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M & N Flooring, Inc.

Installation of Ceramic Tile

How difficult is it to install ceramic tile?

When using the thin-set method in residential areas it's rather simple.  To put it in better perspective, it's easier to install than wood or vinyl shoot goods and slightly more difficult than vinyl tile.  Actually, the subfloor preperation, layout and installation is very similar to vinyl tile.  The only major difference is grouting.

*With proper planning and a little common sense, practically anyone can install ceramic tile, using the thin-set method.

Steps of Installation:

The following information is just a brief description of the various steps involved in the using of thin-set method to install ceramic tile.  These steps are not meant to be an instruction manual, but rather a brief discription to help you with the basics.

First Step

Subfloor preparation

The subfloor preparation is the most important step in accomplishing a satisfactory installation of your ceramic tile.  The subfloor must meet the following requirements:

• structurally sound
• rigid
• smooth and flat
• free of waxy or oily films
• free of curing compounds

Second Step

Floor layout

The floor layout in this step is for a room that is squared off, measured and the chalk lines are snapped.

Once your chalk lines are in place, the installer will layout loose tiles across the floor in both directions to balance the room so that the cut-tiles are the same size on both walls.

Third Step

Preparing the tiles

Preparing the tiles for installation is important due to slight tone variations are to be expected from tile to tile. A professional installer will prevent this from becoming a problem by mixing the tiles from several cartons of tiles before installation.

Fourth Step

Spreading the thin-set

Using the chalk lines as a guide, the installer will begin applying the thin-set on one section at a time.  He will first spread the thin-set using the flat side of the trowel and then immediately comb through the thin-set using the notched side of the trowel.

Note: combing in one direction, do not use a swirling motion which could lead to uneven ridges and air pockets.

Fifth Step

Laying the tiles

The tiles are then placed one at a time in the thin-set, dropping one edge of the tile into the adhesive and hinging the tile down in the direction of the ridges, and then push the tile back and forth perpendicular to the ridges (about 1/4 inch in each direction).  Allow appropriate spacing for the grout.  A straight edge is used to align the tile.

Sixth Step

Tamping

The tiles are then tamped in using a rubber mallet to assure good contact with the thin-set.

Seventh Step

Grouting

The installer will generally begin grouting the following day.  It is important to allow the thin-set enough time to set up before applying the grout.

• First, make certain that all joints are cleaned and free of any adhesive residue.  Ideally, the adhesive should be no higher in the joint than 1/3' the thickness of the tile.
• The grout is applied over a small section at a time and is spread by means of a rubber float or a squeegee.  Rubbing the grout firmly over the surface will both push the grout into the joints and clean off most of the excess.
• When ll the joints have been finished, take the sponge and give the tiles a final cleaning, rinsing the sponge often in fresh water.  Allow the tiles to sit until a light haze has formed, and go over the surface with a soft cloth to remove the haze (do it as soon as possible - otherwise the haze will stick firmly to the tiles).

Eighth Step

Sealing

Grout sealers have long been used to help reduce maintenance and cleaning problems but they should not be regarded as cure-alls.  Tile installations are very durable, but spills should be removed quickly - as they would be for carpet, vinyl, paint or other surface finish.  For light or moderate protection, a silicone sealer can be used. For heavy-duty protection, an impregnator should be used.  Application procedures differ from one product to another, but basically, the sealer or impregnator is applied liberally to the surface of the grout and tile, allowed to penetrate for several minutes, and then the excess is removed with a soft cloth.  As with any other kind of tile installation product, best results are obtained by following the individual manufacturer's instructions.  Before sealing the grout, make certain that there is no moisture on the floor, and that the grout has had ample time (check with the grout manufacturer for timetable).

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