How to Shopping for Your Floor Tiles?

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Shop in store or online. If you want to shop in person, you can visit a home improvement store or a flooring store. You can also source your tiles online. Shopping in person is a great idea because you can see the tiles in person to verify what the color or design looks like. Both options should provide you with samples of the floor tiles you’re considering, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Measure your floor so that you can estimate cost. Knowing how many square feet you need to cover will help you narrow down your choices. Use your measurements to see how many of each tile you would need, then add up the costs to make sure they’re within your budget. If you’re shopping in the store, an employee can help you determine how many wood marble tiles you would need for the space you’re tiling.

Bring photos and swatches of your room’s decor when shopping. It’s hard to determine what the wood tiles will look like in your home, but you can help yourself by bringing items from your home. This could include a photo, a paint swatch, a fabric swatch, or even a piece of your decor that you want to match.

Compare the items from your home to the tiles to see how they look. Bring your partner or a friend for a second opinion. Get samples of the tiles to get an idea of how they’ll look in your home. You can also bring the marble tiles into your home by getting a sample. These are usually available for free or for a low cost. You can request samples from a store or from companies online. Getting a sample can save you from buying a bathroom tile that doesn’t work in your home.

Choose tiles that are rated for use on floors. Tiles design are rated for durability using a rating system called the PEI scale. They can be rated from Class 1 through 5. Floor tiles should be at least a Class 2, but it’s a good idea to choose one that is a Class 3 or higher to ensure that the tile won’t be easily damaged by normal use. Lower rated tiles are better for use on walls or counters.

How to Incorporating Your Own Style in Floor Tiles?

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Select large, irregular, or concrete marble tiles for a modern look. If a classic look isn’t your style, opt for tiles that are larger and offer contemporary styling. Rectangular or hexagonal tiles are also available. Concrete  tiles give a cool, chic finish to a room. Unusual designs, like faux brick, are available in some specialty stores. Large square tiles evoke the lobby of an upscale hotel.

Create your own designs by mixing colors and sizes. Since tiles are available in a lot of colors and sizes, it’s easy to create your own design. You can make a pattern with various colors, or you can mix large and small tiles to create a border or design. Ask an expert at the tile store to help you locate tiles that will fit together. You could also buy tiles that are the same size. A tile cutter can help you trim tiles design to fit the design you want. However, it won’t work if you’re using porcelain tiles, as they’re too strong.

Choose textured tiles for an earthy feel. Some stones are textured, especially natural stone. For example, stone can have a wavy texture, a smooth texture, or a slightly rounded texture as though the floor is really made of rocks. Some mosaic tiles have a faux-wood texture or a faux-brick texture.

Smooth marble tiles are easier to fit with any decor. The texture of the tiles will depend on the material. You’ll get more options with ceramic, porcelain, or stone. Use large tiles to make a large room feel cozier. Large tiles give the illusion that the space is smaller. If you choose cement tiles with a pattern, you can add even more warmth. Additionally, they help you fill that space faster when you’re installing the tiles.

Lay the tiles diagonally to make the room feel larger. Although it’s more difficult, laying the wood tiles diagonally rather than horizontally gives the illusion of more space. Lay the tiles point-to-point instead of side-to-side. You will likely need to use your tile cutter to trim the edge tiles.

You can create this style with both large and small tiles, though smaller tiles will make the room look even bigger. However, they will also take longer to install. If you want to install the tiles yourself, it’s a good idea to avoid porcelain tiles, which will be harder to trim.

How to Selecting a Material for Your Tiles?

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Tiles are a great flooring option that can work for any room. They’re easy to clean, long-lasting, and stylish, but choosing the right floor tiles for your home can feel challenging. Luckily, it’s easy to choose floor tiles if you consider your needs and personal style. You can then select a material, incorporate your own style, and shop for the tiles you want.

Choose ceramic tiles for an inexpensive, classic option. Ceramic tiles are popular options because they are inexpensive and fit with any decor. You can choose large tiles or small tiles, depending on your preference. They are easy to install on your own, but you’ll need to work harder at keeping them clean, as they are porous and absorb liquids. For a classic look, choose un-textured, solid color tiles. Show your personal style with fun colors, designs, or textures.

Select porcelain tiles for a durable option that’s still budget friendly. Porcelain tiles are one of the most durable on the market, and they’re also water resistant. Another perk is that they’re easy to clean. Porcelain tiles have a classic look that is easy to fit into any style. These tiles can be more expensive than other options. If you choose porcelain tiles, it’s better to get them professionally installed, as they are very difficult to cut.

Opt for cork tiles if you want soft, quiet floors. Cork is a recent trend that can be a nice addition to any room, if you like the look. It’s great for people who want a floor that absorbs impact, and it’s also resistant to water and germs, making it a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms. You can find natural cork or colored cork.

Select bamboo floor tiles for a durable, sustainable option. Bamboo is becoming a popular choice for people who want to use environmentally-friendly materials in their homes. Bamboo tiles look similar to wood flooring, but they’re made of the fast-growing grass. You can find bamboo tiles in strips or planks. Bamboo also holds up well in homes with pets.

Choose rubber floor tiles for a modern, industrial look. Rubber tiles are quiet, durable, and easy to maintain. They also come in a variety of colors. Rubber tiles might be a great option for homes with active children, as they’re softer and hard to damage.

Invest in natural tiles if you want a long-lasting option. Natural tiles include materials like slate, limestone, and granite. Although they can be very expensive, they also last the longest, compared to other tiles. Natural tiles look best with traditional, classic, or rustic decor. However, you can make them fit with any style if you choose a neutral color. You can also choose from different textures and colors to fit the style of your home.

How to Fit Wall Tiles?

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Tiles are the way to go if you want to cover rough plaster, protect a wall from moisture or just add colour to a room. Whatever the shape or size of the wall you want to floor tile, the technique is basically the same and doesn’t require any specialist DIY skill or tools. Unlike paper or paint, you don’t have to spend hours preparing the surface for tiling, just a few minutes setting out the positions.

Prepare the walls. To prepare the walls, repair any large holes with plaster filler and brush on a coat of plaster stabilizing solution if the surface is powdery. Estimate the number of tiles. To help you work out where to place your tiles, make a tiling gauge from a piece of straight wooden batten. Use this to estimate how many marble tiles you’ll need – starting at the top of the skirting board, move the batten up the wall one tile width at a time.

If a narrow strip is left at the top, move the bottom row up by half a tile width to give an even finish. Mark out the horizontal rows with pencil – be sure to use a spirit level to ensure they’re horizontal. Tack the batten along first pencil line so that the casstle tiles can be positioned against it. Do the same to identify where to place the vertical lines – start at a corner and use a plumb line to fix the position accurately.

Spread the adhesive. Spread the adhesive/grout over about half a square metre of the wall, starting in the corner made by the two battens. Use the notched side of the spreader to form even ribbons of adhesive. Start to tile, pressing the polished tiles gently onto the wall until you see adhesive squeeze out around the sides.

Ensure that the tiles are level. Press spacers into each corner and hold a spirit level across the marble tiles to see if they form a flat surface. Continue to tile, working on about a square metre at a time until you have fixed all the whole wall tiles. Neaten up. Leave to dry fully before removing the timber battens. Cut the tiles to fit into any gaps. For hard ceramic tiles, the glazed surface must be scored and the tile design broken along this line. Tile cutting jigs are inexpensive and are much easier to use than freehand tile cutters. Use a saw tile to cut a tile to fit around an awkward shape such as a pipe or architrave.

Add grout to the wood tiles. Check that all the spacers are removed and wipe off all tile adhesive from the tiles before starting the grout work. Select a grout colour that matches the spots tiles (it can be a slightly different colour) and mix as instructed by the manufacturer. Smooth the grout into all the gaps around the tiles. Wipe off excess using a damp cloth. Leave to dry completely before showering or bathing.

What Should We Do After Apply Tiles to Concrete?

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Install the floor tiles. Lay the tiles into the mortar and using the spacers, make sure you are running even with the chalk line. As you move on to the subsequent rows, use the spacers to keep your pattern square. Once a tile is set, try to avoid touching it again.

Clean the area. Wash the wood marble tiles off with a damp rag as you go to prevent clumps of mortar from drying on the surface. As you get to the end of the room, make sure your cut pieces fit properly, and then leave the mortar to dry for the manufacturer’s specified length of time.

Apply grout. Mix the grout as specified on the package and begin liberally spreading it over the tile design using the grout float. Use the float to make sure that there are no low spots, and then use a damp rag to wipe any excess grout from the face of the tile size. Don’t worry at this point if the tile appears a little cloudy. Once the grout has had time to set up, repeat the process, again using the float to squeegee and extra grout off of the face of the tile.

Aside from being available in many different colors, grout comes in two varieties: sanded and un-sanded. The sanded variety is used when the gaps between your cement tiles is bigger than 1/8″. The sand gives the grout additional strength. Anything 1/8″ or smaller will be just fine using un-sanded grout. You will most likely find that you want to use the un-sanded grout in the smaller gaps because it finishes much smoother. Working sanded grout into a small gap can be frustrating.

One word of warning: if you are using marble tile on your floor, never use sanded grout! Make sure you install it with 1/8″ or smaller gap because you must use un-sanded grout with marble. The sanded grout will scratch the surface of the marble tile and it is not repairable.

How to Apply Ceramic Tiles to Concrete?

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Installing ceramic tiles over concrete can help to create a more inviting indoor or outdoor living space. Prepare the concrete. Using an acid based cleaner or deep cleaner of your choice, clean the concrete and allow it to dry thoroughly. Examine the floor and see if there are any cracks or pits that need to be fixed and use the proper concrete repair kit to repair them.

A muriatic or other acid-based cleaner is usually the best way to completely clean the concrete prior to installing wood tile. Seal and level the concrete. Once your repairs have dried, take the time to seal the concrete. Once the sealer has dried, apply the concrete patch or leveler and make sure that you have a flat surface with no defects. The floor must be level or your tiles design and grout will form cracks.

Cleaning the concrete should be done before adding a floor leveling compound. A sodium silicate or lithium silicate based sealer will help to waterproof and strengthen the concrete. Because silicates work below the surface, they won’t interfere with adhesion.

Plan the tile layout. Before installing the small tile it is a good idea to lay our your design. Pre-plan which and how many pieces of tile have to be cut and where the cut marble tile will be placed. Chalk lines will become very helpful so make sure you mark the floor.

Mix the mortar. After you have decided where you want to begin, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and begin to mix the mortar. Don’t mix too much in advance, as it will begin to set up on you before you can use it. Using your grooved trowel, begin spreading the mortar over a small area. Never spread out more than what you can cover with three or four floor tiles at a time.

Different kinds of tile require different types of mortar. Ask the sales representative who sells you the glazed rustic tile to help you choose the right one. A grooved trowel will be necessary to spread the mortar. They are available with different sized grooves, so be sure to read the package directions on the mortar to ensure that you buy the right size.

What Should We Do Before Install Tiles on a Concrete Basement Floor?

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At first glance, installing tiles design might seem like tough work. Indeed, very few people choose to install their floor tiles themselves during renovation, instead choosing to let a professional handle it. If you want to tackle the job yourself, a basic overview can help you on your way.

Pick the right marble tiles. Concrete floors are dull, drab and boring, but oftentimes people lack the time or the necessity to lay down an alternative floor. Most often, concrete floors are seen in basements and other out of the way places. However, if you choose to remodel your basement and need a new floor, the first thing to consider is what type of floor you need. Several varieties of cement tiles, including ceramic tile and vinyl, can be used; choose the one that best suits tiles your anticipated use.

Clean the concrete surface. This is a vital step of the project. Accumulated mud, dirt and other debris must be removed completely to ensure that the tiles are laid properly and stick to the concrete. For this purpose, be sure to use a commercial or industrial strength cleaning agent, along with lots of water and a brush.

Perform the concrete repairs and leveling. To lay an even surface, the underlying concrete needs to be uniform and level as well. To achieve this, get rid of any protrusions, bumps or cracks in the surface. Using sandpaper to level the bumps and concrete and other fillers to stop cracks, you should be able to get a smooth surface. Be sure to wash it after this is done and let it dry.

Plan the layout. After preparing the surface, plan how you intend to lay down the polished porcelain tiles. Depending on size and shape, you can have a wide variety of patterns to choose from and you may even decide to get creative with your patterns and create something original. Be sure to plan this out carefully before starting the actual work to ensure that there are no mistakes.

How to Add the Finishing Touches After Lay the Tiles?

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Let dry for 24 hours. Before doing anything else with your newly marble tiles surface, you need to let the thin-set dry for a full 24 hours at minimum. Note, however, that you can gently clean off any wet mortar from the surface of your floor tiles with a wet rag before 24 hours pass. Doing so is even advised, since dry mortar is more difficult to clean off.

When dry, gently tap each tile with a wooden mallet to make sure that it is secured properly. As before, loose tiles can be found by listening for a hollow sound. There should not be any loose tiles at this point, but if there are, remove the problem casstle tiles and reapply thin-set to the back of the tiles. Place the tile back in its correct position in your floor and let the mortar dry for another 24 hours.

 

Grout in between the cement tiles. Mix the grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions and swipe it over the joints in between your tiles, sealing them together. Force the grout in between individual tiles design using a trowel.

Use a sanded grout if you are tiling over a floor and a non-sanded grout if you are tiling over a wall. Let the grout cure for about three days. After the grout has cured, consider coating it with a silicone grout sealer to protect it.

Clean the surface again. Use detergent and warm water to scrub any “grout haze” from the surface of your new wood marble tiles once the grout has cured. This extra step will improve the overall appearance of your newly re-tiled space. This step should also complete the process.

How To Lay the New Tile?

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Apply thin-set mortar to the floor. Mix a batch of latex-modified thin-set mortar and apply it in a thick, even layer over the working surface, using a notched trowel. As a general rule, it is better to work in small sections that you feel you can complete within 30 minutes or so. If you mix up too much mortar, it could start to skin over and become less effective.

Apply the thin-set adhesive in a single direction. Do not swirl it around. There should, however, be small groves in the thin-set. If there is a crack in your old fool tiles surface, you may need to use a little more thin-set than usual to fill in that crack. The thickness of the mortar should be about 1/4 inch (6.35 mm). Consider using powdered thin-set mortar mix and combining it with liquid latex bonding additive instead of water.

Add more stability with mesh tape, if necessary. When you are tiling over a cracked surface, you should embed a strip of mesh tape into the fresh mortar over the crack. Only use enough mesh tape to cover the crack. The tape will help stabilize the thin-set. As a result, the underlying crack is much less likely to reappear in the new layer of marble tiles. Apply thin-set mortar to each tiles. Mix up additional thin-set as needed and apply a thin, even layer to the back of each tile using a trowel. Make sure that the adhesive completely covers the entire back of the wall tiles.

Again, it is often best to work only with the number of tiles you think you can go through within a 30-minute period. Apply the thin-set in a single direction, creating small grooves with the trowel. The thickness of the mortar on the back of your polished tiles should be no more than 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) thick, if not a little less.

Lay the tiles. Slide the ceramic tiles in place along your surface, positioning them according to your pre-planned arrangement. The thin-set strokes on your surface should run perpendicular to the thin-set strokes on the backs of your tiles. You must lay the tiles design by locating the center point of your surface and working your way out to the outer perimeter, just as you would when tiling over any non-tiles surface.

Add extra mortar to raise up a low spot. When you reach areas of the floor marked as low points, apply enough extra thin-set to the back of the wood marble tiles you expect to place there to raise that tiles up to the level of the kitchen tiles around it. Check the new level of your glazed rustic tiles with a level to verify that it is now at the same level as the adjacent tiles. Since thin-set dries slowly, you should be able to remove a newly placed tiles and adjust the amount of mortar as needed to fix the issue if you do not get it right on the first try.

How to Tile over Floor Tile?

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If you want to replace an old floor tiles surface, you might think that you can only do so by painstakingly removing the old tiles first. As long as the old surface is in a fairly sturdy condition, however, you can lay fresh marble tile over old tiles. Doing so simply requires a little more preparation than usual.

Check for loose tiles. Lightly tap on each old wall tiles with a wood mallet. If the sound is solid, the cement tile is fine. If the sound seems hollow, the tiles are loose and needs to be fixed. Chip away the old caulk or grout around the tiles and use a crowbar to lift up the old tiles. Work carefully to avoid damaging the old tiles.

Mix a small batch of thin-set mortar according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it to the back of the tiles. Lay the old tiles back in its place. If you had to adhere old, loose casstle tiles, wait 24 hours for the mortar to dry before moving onto the next step.

Mark high and low spots. Using a 4-foot (1.2-m) level, look for any abnormal high spots or low spots on the existing wood tile surface. Mark high and low spots with chalk. Use different symbols to distinguish one from the other. For instance, an “L” or flat line for a high spot and an “H” or triangle for a high spot. Make sure that all four corners of your high or low spot are marked.

Grind off any high spots. Use a right-angle grinder with a masonry wheel attachment to grind down any old small tiles currently creating a high spot in your floor. Periodically check your work using a level to verify that the spot is roughly even with the rest of the floor. Note that you can only fix high spots during this stage. You can remedy low spots later on.

Roughen the rest of the tiles. Sand down the entire design tiles surface using a belt sander or orbital sander with an 80-grit belt. Make sure that any surface glaze or finish has been thoroughly scratched.

A rough surface has more grooves in it for mortar to sink in, allowing the mortar adhere better. For that reason, roughing up the surface of the old tiles will make it easier for the new titles to stick in place. Alternatively, you could roughen the common marble tiles by using a bundle of steel wool if an actual belt sander is not available to you.

Remove any difficult grout. Most of the old grout will likely be fine to keep, but you should dig out any moldy or loose grout using a rotary tool or carbide scraper.

Clean the surface. Vacuum the surface with a heavy duty shop vacuum, then scrub down the surface with detergent and warm water to remove any further traces of grime and other debris.

The detergent must have the ability to degrease ceramic surfaces. Rinse the surface with clear water and dry up excess moisture with clean towels or rags. Let the remaining water dry by air for one to two hours.