How To Install Ceramic Tile

Slide 1: Do You Want To Know How To Install Ceramic Tile?

Slide 2: If you aren't a pro tile setter, you're going to need some help.

Slide 3: "Here's Where You Can Get That Help"

Slide 4: How to Install Ceramic Tile By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ken_Marlborough]Ken Marlborough Ceramic tiles, kiln-fired clay items, have now become a popular flooring option, due to its features such as durability and ability to resist fading, staining, scratches, and other chemical and thermal reactions. Installing ceramic tile is a skilled combination of art and science. It can be easily installed by anyone with the help of appropriate tools and installation brochures provided by manufacturers. Among the basic tools required for installing ceramic tiles are tape measure, hammer, chalk line, fiber glass tape, rubber gloves, tile nippers, dust mask, safety glasses, tile cutter, and marking pencil. Though installation of ceramic tile is not a complicated task, it does involve some detailed steps such as preparing tile surface, laying out the wall, applying adhesive or mortar, setting tile, and caulking. Ceramic tile can be installed on any surface such as drywall, plaster, cement block, and even in existing ceramic tile. The surface for the tiles should be flat, smooth, and free of dust and debris. Additionally, if there is any loose paint or crack on the surface, it should be scraped off and patched with some water-proof substance. Laying out the wall is perhaps the most important step in the installation process. It includes determining the level line, planning starting point, and checking whether any irregularity has been caused by fixtures like kitchen cabinets and tubs. The next step is to evenly apply ceramic wall adhesive on the surface using a notch trowel. Pro-mastic and pro-flex platinum are the most commonly used adhesives for ceramic tiles. After having applied the adhesives, carefully place the tiles one by one on the surface. Equipments such as tile spacers can be used to give adequate space between the tiles. Sometimes, for fixing tiles on the edges cutting may be required. A masonry drill can be used for the cutting purposes. For making curved cuts, micro cutter or wet saw can be used. Before allowing the tiles to settle, they should be leveled using a hammer. When tiles are settled, fill in the gap between the tiles with grout. Seal all grout joint to avoid grout porosity. The final step in ceramic tile installation process is caulking. This is primarily done to prevent water from seeping into bathtub edges or corners of the wall. [http://www.e-CeramicTile.com]Ceramic Tile provides detailed information on Ceramic Tile, Ceramic Floor Tile, Ceramic Tile Design, Installing Ceramic Tile and more. Ceramic Tile is affiliated with [http://www.i- Mosaics.com]Mosaic Arts. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Marlborough http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Install-Ceramic-Tile&id=409666 How To Lay Tile - 7 Sure Fire Ways To Mess Up By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Steve_McIntyre]Steve McIntyre Installing tile is an expensive option compared with other forms of decor. It is important you know how to lay tile. You certainly do not want to make these mistakes. 1 Not Planning Tile Layout Result: too many tile cuts Solution: plan where any pattern, border or accent tiles will go before you start tiling. An important element of knowing how to lay tile is being able to visualize the finished tile effect. 2 Incorrect Tiling Base Result: loose tiles, cracks Solution: Fill in any cracks with appropriate filler. Hammer down any protruding nails. Remove any glue or cement residue with a blade scraper. Thoroughly clean the surface. Cement is by far the best base for laying tile. Cement backboard is excellent for wooden floors, walls and counter tops. 3 Not reviewing work at regular intervals Result: poorly laid tile or grout errors that are very difficult to correct Solution: Inspect your handiwork every 15 minutes. It's easier to rectify mistakes before tile or grout has set. 4 Using The Wrong Adhesive Result: tiles come loose, water seepage, cracks in tile Solution: Choose an adhesive suitable for the use of area where you are laying tiles. For example, waterproof for wet areas, flexible additive for floors. 5 Excess Grout Result: overall appearance of tiles is spoilt Solution: Use straight edge of grout float at a ninety degree angle to scrape off excess. When grout is dry, clean and polish tile. Grouting tile correctly is essential for a quality finish. 6 Using Wrong Grout Result:water seepage or cracks over time. Solution: Use a grout suitable for how tiled area is to be used. Waterproof grout for wet areas, specialist grout for exterior use or food preparation areas. 7 Miscalculating Number Of Tiles Required Result: You run out of tiles. Solution: measure the area very carefully. Calculate the number of tiles needed in each pattern/color. Allow extra tiles for awkward shaped areas. Add 15% to allow for mistakes, cuts and spares. Buy all the tiles at the same time. Make sure they come from the same batch to avoid shade variations in the color. Find out [http://tiletechnique.com]how to avoid lots of other mistakes when installing tile and learn the tricks of the tiling trade. Discover [http://tiletechnique.com]how to achieve a professional finish to any laying tile project. Get it right first time, learn how to lay tile with this set of [http://tiletechnique.com]instructional videos Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_McIntyre http://EzineArticles.com/?How-To-Lay-Tile---7-Sure-Fire-Ways-To-Mess-Up&id=785230