Installing Tiles

Difficulty of Installation

When using the thinset method in residential areas, installing ceramic tile is rather simple. To put it in better perspective, it is easier to install than wood or vinyl sheet goods and slightly more difficult than vinyl tile. Actually, the subfloor preparation, layout, and installation is very similar to that of vinyl tile. The only major difference is grouting. With proper planning and a little common sense, practically anyone can install ceramic tile using the thinset method.

1. Steps of Installation

The following information is a brief description of the steps involved in using the thinnest method to Install tile. It is not meant to be an instruction manual; rather, it will familiarize you with the basic steps involved in installation.

2. Subfloor Preparation

This is the most important step in accomplishing a satisfactory installation. The subfloor must be structurally sound, rigid, smooth, flat, and free of curing compounds and waxy or oily films.

3. Floor Layout

In this step, the room is squared off and measured, and the chalk lines are snapped. Once the chalk lines are in place, the installer will verify the floor in both directions to balance the room.

Grout is a cement-basedpowder that is mixed with water to fill in the joints between the tiles. There are two basic types of grouts: unsanded and sanded.

• Unsanded grouts are used for wall tiles.
• Sanded grouts are used for floor tiles where the joints are 1/8” and larger.
• On wider joints, it is necessary that a sanded grout be used. The sand prevents the grout from shrinking and cracking during the drying process.
• Grouts come in a variety of colors with the standard size floor grout bag being 5kg
• Grout joints in floor tiles should rarely be smaller than 3/16” because tiles vary slightly in size. The installer will not be able to keep a straight line if the grout is too narrow.
• The standard size grout joint for walls is 2 to 10 mm
• Although all of our grouts are very dense and denser grouts resist staining, there is no such thing as a stain-proof grout. Do not oversell the product.
• Again, Shaw grouts are dense; polymer latex enhanced, and has a flexible formula. This customized mixture is clearly the best sanded grout available today.

Sealers Sealers are used to protect some unglazed tiles from absorbing stains. There are several types of sealers; two of them are discussed below.

• Penetrating sealers are absorbed into the tile forming a stain-resistant shield just below the surface. Some penetrating sealers will darken or change the appearance of the tile. Resealing every 12-18 months is required with most penetrating sealers.