Is it easy if i tile the floors myself? i have no experience whatsoever! what do i need? and how? thx?

Answer 1

my sister tried to tile the bathroom floor herself and it came out a mess. the grout was nasty and bumpy, the tiles weren't lined up, tile spacing was bad, etc., etc. If you do it yourself make certain you get explicit how-to instructions.

This link will give you an idea of how it is done, but I would also ask Home Depot or whomever you purchase the supplies from how to do it as well. Good luck!

http://www.ceramic-tile-floor.info/tileinstallation.htm

Answer 2

A good book is Setting Tile by Michael Byrne. Some tips:

Use a good underlayment. FiberRock or Hardibacker is the minimum that I would accept. Don't use plywood. It can be done, but you're gambling. Use a good a latex-modified mortar. If you can find it use TEC. Our local Lowe's carries Mapei, not quite as good, but acceptable. Don't get cheap on the price of mortar. If you use a cheap line, you may save let's say 5 bucks a bag. If you put down 200 sq.ft. You will use 4 bags. That's only $20. Considering you just paid maybe $300 or more for the tile, don't risk the job to save $20. Get the good stuff. Porcelain tile is probably the best tile. Extremely durable.

Methods: I don't use spacers, but for a novice, you may want to. My problem with spacers, besides the extra time it takes, is if you get out of square it can screw up the job. If you use them, double check every few rows to see if you are running square and parallel with you starting point. Let the mortar slake. What I mean is mix it to a peanut butter consistency, then let sit for 5-10 minutes. Then remix. This allows the mortar to soak up all the mortar. Most people, even professionals, skip the remixing step, but it will yield a better bond. When you spread the mortar, lay it out a light layer of mortar with the flat side of the trowel, and then notch it. Again better bond. On grout, the most important thing is you don't clean the tile with water, you clean it with sponge. What I mean is when you wipe up excess grout, you want to wring as much water out of the sponge as possible. Excess water can leave soft discolored joints. The water is to get the grout out of the sponge, not to get grout off the floor.

Tools:
Several buckets at least 3-4
High torque low speed 1/2" drill with mixing paddle
1/4" or 3/8" square notch trowel. It depends on the size of tile. Ask the salesman.
4-6 large sponges.
Wet saw, you could rent one for about $40/day.
Tile snapper, not totally necessary, but will speed things up.
Grout Float
Basic Hand Tools: Tape Hammer Framing Square Caulk Line Straight Edge
Knee Pads Rubber Gloves (for Grout)

There is lot more information, but these are the most important tips I can think of right now. Be patient and be precise. Another important tip, if you know someone that has tiled before get their help. Tiling isn't very difficult, but like most other things, it is a mystery until you try it. After you get the hang of it is really easy. If you get into it and need more specific tips or help feel free to email me.


Good Luck

Answer 3

Most hardware Stores have some sort of Seminar on the weekends on how to install wood or tile flooring materials.

One of the things is that you need to be aware of is:

YOU need to have good attention to detail, and do not skip any steps and make sure that the subfloor or slab is level and clean BEFORE you start.

I can say after tiling MY FLOORS MYSELF (and I am an over half-century old female), that I enjoy the final results -- and MY attention to detail (and the fact that I made sure to square up the room and mark everything on the subfloor PRIOR to starting to tile down) made the difference.

And you don't need the fancy tile saws either -- the cheapest one will do -- again, as long as you pay attention to detail, are good with measuring out where the cuts need to be made -- most of the cuts can be done in the first try -- and I NEVER broke a tile that I had to cut to fit.

Answer 4

It is easy if it is a slab house. If you have a raised house that has wooden floors, you need to have the right basis for the tile. And it makes a difference if it is ceramic tile or vinyl tile as well.

Answer 5

It wud be best to read up,
I did the job without any experience and i think it'll be better next time...
you need though grout, tiles, spacers or pieces of cardboard to divide the tiles and of course the adhesive to stick em to the floor, a tile cutters is handy too, (square thing not hard to come by dodgy to use!!!)
Good luck,

Answer 6

It's not as difficult as you'd think. Go to a flooring store and cough up the twenty bucks for a tiling book. That's how I installed a hardwood floor.

Answer 7

It`s so easy you will be surprised. Follow the instructions of the glue you will use, what you really have to be care-full is with the little things to make the division between them, they come in different sizes, be sure you practice the distance before you glue them

Answer 8

If you have a Home Depot, Lowes, Sutherland store or store like that near you, talk to those people and they can help you through it. Some of these stores also give demonstrations for you to learn too...

Answer 9

If you have to make any cuts, then that's not easy, and you need a special saw & blade.

Answer 10

i did my bathroom , entrance , and by the back door myself. looks awesome! get a 'how to' book and read it. the number one thing to know is your subflooring.
for basic instructions go to hgtv.com. they have lots of hints and things to consider before you start your project.