Adding tile to your home does not only add beauty but it is a great investment. I love having tile in my home, not only is it beautiful it is so easy to clean. Just take out the mop. When you have small children and pets this is the answer for you, no more worrying about how to get the stains and smells out. Here is a step to step instructions along with Impact Driver Guide to help you:
Mix the mortar. Mix a batch of thin-set mortar with the acrylic mastic. While you can just use thin-set mortar mixed with water, it will be stronger if you mix it with acrylic. Hold the trowel at a forty-five-degree angle and start by spreading the mixture on an area of about two feet by two feet. Remember not to cover up your chalk lines. As you build up your experience and comfort level, go ahead, and increase the size of the area. But remember do not get too far ahead or it might dry out. Remember to use spacers, little plastic, or wood inserts between each tile.
You use them between tiles to temporarily maintain even grout joints. These come in many sizes. When you choose your tile to think about the look you want and buy accordingly.
LAYING THE TILES:
Lay the first tile in the corner of the right angle, then form a square around it. Wipe off any excess mortar that gets on the tiles with a damp sponge. Work your way across the floor until the room is finished except for the borders of cut tiles. Let the tiles set for at least 24 hours.
CUTTING TILES:
This part most people find the hardest. You will need a tile cutter. You can buy one or even rent one. You can find one at most hardware stores I bought mine from Home Depot. Measure the size of the cut you need to make and mark it, then cut. If you do find this too difficult some stores will do it for you.
GROUTING:
If your tiles are glazed you can grout at this point. If they are not then you must seal them first. Sealing is a must or they will stain easily. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for that. For grouting, you will also follow the instructions. You will use an item known as afloat. This looks like a trowel except it is thicker and lighter and is used for spread grout. The best one to get is rubber, it is a little more expensive but it works better it doesn’t leave as much grout behind. Which means less cleanup time. Place a dollop of grout on your float, holding it at a forty-five-degree angle, then spread the grout in a horizontal line across the tiles. Make sure you have packed the grout in spaces, leaving no gaps. Wipe off the excess grout before it dries.
If for some reason after reviewing your floor you find a broken tile, don’t get excited! Just chisel out the grout around the tile, then tap the tile with a hammer to break it and then pry it up. Remove as much mortar as possible, then set a new tile in fresh mortar. Let dry and then grout.
