It is undeniable that when it comes to covering the floor of bathroom, tile is one of the most popular selections. It is not only great choice for the floor but also great idea for the wall of bathroom, because either floor or wall of this area must be planned to resist the moisture & water. Although it is a little more high-priced than fiberglass for the wall and linoleum for the floor but it is so helpful to enhance and encourage the quality appearance of your bathroom. However if you want to tile your bathroom, you must have the right idea and plan to achieve the successful result either for the cost or the quality look!
You can complete this project by hiring a professional builder or you can complete it on your own. The first option is so advisable if there is adequate budget and you want to get the perfect result because the cost is doesn’t matter to your pocket! On other hand, if you want to improve the look of your bathroom as well as your preference and there is a tight budget, why you don’t try to finish this project on your own. With the right preparation and tools you can complete this project as well. All things that you have to prepare before starting to do the project are: grout sealer, soft rags, silicone, grout, tile glue, notched trowel, chalk & chalk box, tile, preferably wet of tile saw, sponge, grout float, rubbing float, thin -set mortar, spacers, and cement backer board!
First, let’s have a look at –bathroom wall tile application-:
1. Although the walls of bathroom usually will not be in directly contact with the water but the bare walls for tile should be with moisture-resistant drywall. And you should use cement backer board for your shower walls. So, don’t miss to screw the cement backer board into its place properly.
2. If you use chalk lines on the floor then it is also better to use this idea on the walls! And it’s better to make the starting lines in the middle.
3. In order to hold and make the wall tile in place, take a look at the surface and then smooth tile onto it! And to spread tile glue evenly you can use the notched towel. Perhaps you have a question why glue is more recommended than mortar? The answer is due to the superior performance of glue that can set quickly. Therefore, always remember that before the glue sets, you have to place the tiles as well onto the surface and as possible do it quickly!
4. Make the result be more organized by using spacers.
5. Take a look at between wall tiles and then apply a silicone caulking onto it! You can use a clean rag dipped (in rubbing alcohol) for quickly smooth off excess! In addition, dry silicone on the tile is something that cannot be removed easily.
Then it is time for –bathroom floor tile application-:
1. Before applying floor tile, make sure you have reinforced the subfloor completely! This is so important to create a solid secure surface. The most popular technique is by using backer board before smoothing a layer of thin set mortar on your floor. You can use several screws to make the backer board down as well.
2. Then determine the first position of the floor for the first tiles, it is better to choose the center of the floor. Make your project be easier by also using 2 chalk lines to make the result be more organized. Both can be useful as guides. Set one of your chalk lines parallel to the longest wall (make sure it is located in the exact center of the room) & other lines perpendicular to your first chalk line between the adjacent walls. This method will be so helpful to avoid the bad effects of an uneven floor area.
3. On the floor surface (at your starting point that you choose), spread & use an even layer of thin-set mortar! Your chalk lines must always be visible to help you to get the right reference. And to spread the thin –set (around 0.25 inch), you can use the notched edge of the trowel.
4. For the first starter tile, place it at the corner of the guidelines & then direct it by encouraging into place on the top of your mortar. Like wall tile application, it is also more advisable to use spacers. Put them on each side & add more tiles, guarding them even with the guidelines & the existing tiles.
5. Keep working until finally you will reach the edge of your wall. Use a tile saw to cut & measure the outside tiles. In addition, choose to use a wet saw instead of a dry saw, because a wet saw is also superior to reduce & minimize the heat that is produced from the saw blade which eventually will be also useful to minimize tile dust & chipping. Before grouting, you have to wait around a day (24 hours) for all tiles to set as well.
6. It is better to concern the package directions to mix grout. There are usually available two options; non-sanded (pre-mixed) or sanded grout!
7. To spread your grout between tiles, you need a grout float! You can use a damp cloth or a damp sponge to wipe off the excess, but make sure to do it after around 25-30 minutes after spreading the grout between tiles.
8. And finally after the grout is completely 100 percent dry then use a dry cloth to wipe tiles. This procedure is purposed to remove and clean any grout haze. And to avoid any stains, you can use a sealer to spray grout.
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Tags: bathroom floor tile application, bathroom wall tile application, tile your bathroom