Handyman Secrets – Installing a Tile Floor

 

Installing a tile floor sounds easy, right?

Well, it’s actually a bit more complicated than you might think. For today’s Handyman Secret post, we’re going to talk about installing a tile floor and how to do so properly, as well as the types of tools and materials you’ll need to get the job done.

Installing Tile Floors Properly

The floor we’re looking at today was initially plywood. In order to get it ready for the tiles, we went from the plywood to a half inch cement board product. This cement board can come in a variety of different sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your project.

Next, we mixed in the mortar material and spread it around, followed by a sheet of backer board that we screwed in in 8-inch square grid pattern.

Then we mixed in LFT thinset mortar in to stick the tile on, spread it around. This stuff is long-lasting and so you can rest assured you’ll get your money’s worth if you go with LFT.

Of course, we’ll also sand down any humps or ridges we find before placing the tiles on.

When it comes to installing tiles on your floor, do not use a spacer, especially if you have more expensive tile. This is because expensive tile is typically handmade and there will be variances and irregularities in the size.

If you use a spacer, you’ll be pulling your hair out in frustration. Instead, you have to feel it out with each tile you place down.

Once you get the tile on, you’ll have to let it settle for at least 12 hours. Once the wait is over, you’ll take your grout, mix it with water and dump it out onto the tile, and then fill in the grooves and smooth it out.

Once you smooth it out, you’ll have to wait a bit for everything to settle before grabbing a sponge and cleaning up your floor.

If you’re ever not sure how much water to add for the mortar or grout, then simply look to the instruction — yes, believe it or not, you can actually find the answers you’re looking for by reading the instructions.

Tools You’ll Need for This Projects

In addition to the materials we just walked through, you’ll need the following tools as well to accomplish this task:

Mixture paddle extension – This is a fun little tool you attach to the end of the drill to mix together materials with water. You can always mix with your hands well.

Trowels – Trowels are needed for spreading the thinset, where they’ll create ridges which create the ability to level the tiles easier.

Wet saw – Needed for cutting the tiles. In the video you’ll see a more expensive one with a diamond blade, but you can find one for much cheaper that will work fine as long as you’re not using it every day.

What to do With Heated Floors

Heated floors are a little more complex than regular tile floors because you’ll have electric heat cables strung through the floor.

Instead of backer board, you’ll need to staple down plastic mesh around the cables then pour a self-leveling cement.

Because of the complexity of the process, we recommend seeking out professional assistance with this one.

Count on Treasured Spaces For All Your Flooring Needs

Whether you’re looking to complete a regular tile floor or a heated one, we got you covered. Treasured Spaces is the premier luxury home remodeler in the Twin Cities area. Contact us today to get started!