subject: Tile Floors: Tips For Installation Success [print this page] Tile floors are an investment into a homeTile floors are an investment into a home. If done properly, they will look fantastic and will provide you with long-term beauty and durability. In many situations, they will also add to the value of your home. Yet, these things only occur when the tile is laid properly. The following tips will help you to accomplish that goal.
- Before you begin to lay the tile, lay out the pattern. This will allow you to get the best overall finished product since you will be able to notice any problems.
- Keep the floor tiles centered in the room. Measure the walls on opposite sides of the room to find the center. Use a chalk line (snapped) across the length of the room. Repeat the process for the width of the room. The intersection point is where you should begin the tile work.
- Your goal is to work with as many full tiles as possible, rather than having to cut many tiles to fit. If you start from the center of the room, this is possible.
- Many of today's tile floors have grout. If the grout lines are not properly in place, the entire project will have a reduction in quality. Many tiles have spacers built into them today. If not, use plastic spacers to create even placement. Even a very small misalignment will be evident here. Be sure to remove the spacers before they adhere to the adhesive.
- Do stay safe. Some adhesives are toxic to inhale. Work in a well ventilated room.
Tile floors will look great if you take the time necessary to lay the tile properly. It is rarely an easy project, but it can be a successful one.
