Like many other materials that you can use for home renovations, ceramic floor tiles come in a wide variety of different shapes and colors. One of the differences that you’ll need to look at is the whether the tile is glazed or unglazed. There are several tools that can make the job easier for you as well as some materials that are suggested by the professionals. You’ll need, among other things, a rubber float and a notched trowel as well as a sponge and tile cutter. For a more complete list, it’s best if you consult with your local home improvement store.
There are a series of steps ,however, that are generally the same no matter what kind of tile you are laying. Begin by laying out the floor and snapping chalk lines to guide your work. Using the trowel, apply only as much adhesive as you will need, before it dries. Next, you’ll want to press the individual tiles into the adhesive, giving each a slight twist to make sure that the tile underside is completely covered with adhesive.
After that, you’ll want to make sure that all the tiles are completely embedded in the adhesive by tapping them down gently with a padded board and a hammer. Once the tiles have cured, you’ll need to clean out the grout joints. This is done before you actually mix the grout and spread it into the joints. You can remove the excess grout by dragging a rubber float across the joints at a 45% angle. Afterwards, you should clean off any remaining grout with a sponge and clean water. Clean the sponge frequently and work in a circular motion. As well, you should change the water as soon as it becomes completely cloudy. After the tiles are as clean as you can get them, let the surface dry.
Once you’ve got all that done, you’re ready for the final stages of the procedure, and for that you’ll need to seal the unglazed tiles with some kind of transparent sealer. Most of the manufacturers will suggest that a roller be used and remember that diagonal strokes force the sealer into the grout joints better. If the tiles are glazed, you should be careful to apply the sealer only with a brush to avoid any kind of damage to them.
Remember too that the unglazed choice is the best for bathrooms and kitchens and the reason for this is simple. Most of the unglazed tiles provide better traction in wet conditions. Regardless of the kind of sealer that you finally end up choosing, you need to pay special attention to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that they are laid down and cared for properly.
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