DIY Tile Floor Tips
Tile isn’t just for the bathroom or kitchen! Tile is a great way to decorate any space from entryways to dining rooms to bedrooms. And what really makes this project great is that it’s easy to do for most homeowners-if you have the right knowledge and tools. Use this guide to DIY tile floors and get the most out of your next tile home improvement project.
Prepping the Substrate
Wood floors should have a tile backer board applied to the surface. Concrete floors should be scrapped clean and free from debris. Old tile or other glued on flooring materials will need to be removed down to clean concrete.
Mixing the Thinset
Thinset is the best adhesive for tile floors but you can also use an already mixed tile mastic if you desire. Thinset is easily mixed in a five gallon plastic bucket using a ½” drill and a paddle mixing bit. Add a little water at a time until you achieve a pancake batter like consistency. Let the mix stand for five minutes before use.
Setting Tiles
A layout should be procured starting from the center of the room. Spread the thinset onto the floor using the flat side of a notched trowel, then come back and comb the notches into the thinset. Lightly press the tiles onto your layout and spread the thinset as you work your way along the floor in small sections at a time. Make any cuts using a wet tile saw as necessary. Use tile spacers to keep the tile grooves uniform and even. Wipe away any excess thinset as you work your way across the floor.
Applying the Grout
Grout is mixed the same way as thinset, but the mix needs to be a bit dryer than your thinset. Using a float sponge spread the grout into the tile grooves. Don’t worry about getting grout all over the tiles; it will easily wipe off as you finish the job. Once the grout is well pressed into all of the tile grooves, wait 5-10 minutes before you begin the next step.
Cleaning the Grout
Using a few five gallon buckets of fresh water and a tile sponge, carefully wipe away the excess grout from the floor. Refresh the dirty sponge into the fresh water often to keep the tiles clean. Once you’ve wiped all the tiles clean, wait another 15 minutes and clean the tiles again. Allow it to dry for 24 hours prior to use.
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