PICTURE CERAMIC TILES

Ceramic floor tile installation

Tiling your own floor is a big job, but it can be done. Take a look at the following steps to get an idea of what you're undertaking.

1. Prepare your floor for tile installation by thoroughly cleaning, checking and fixing the integrity of the underfloor and make sure there is no trace of previous floor coverings.
2. Choose a pattern. There are three basic types to choose from:
   
   • Jack-on-jack - Looks like a checkerboard and is the most popular pattern.
   • Running bond - Has offset grout lines on each row.
   • Mosaic - A free-style type pattern usually done with small tiles that can be used to create shapes, patterns or be completely random. Don't actually do it free-style, though. Lay the pattern out first.
3. Layout the floor tiles. Begin by measuring out the centre of the opposite walls and snap a chalk line to mark the center of the room - this will be where you want to begin laying your tiles. Dry fit the tiles first, running them down the centre line of the length and width of the room.
4. Install the floor tiles on top of the adhesive, which has been spread using the notched edge of the trowel and create beaded ridges. Use spacers on all corners of the tiles to ensure even spacing. Clean up excess adhesive between and on top of the tiles before it dries using a rag soaked in solvent. Use the tile leveler and mallet after laying a couple of rows to set the tiles in the adhesive. After completing the bulk of the floor, cut and fit tiles for the perimeter. You can use your hands, tile nippers, a tile cutter or wet saw to cut the tiles.
5. Grout the edges using standard grouting methCeramic tile repaiDo you have one cracked, chipped or otherwise broken tile in your ceramic tile floor? If so, don't worry - you can fix it! It's easyRemove the grout from around the broken tile with a small chisel.

Lift up the edges of the damaged tile with either the chisel, a screw driver or whatever else you have on hand. Be sure not to touch any of the surrounding tiles with your tool, as you may cause further damage.

Thoroughly clean out the area. Apply adhesive as above and set new tile. Allow the adhesive 24 hours to dry thoroughly and apply grout