how do I tile a basement floor?

Question

5 year new basement floor. there's some minor floor cracks, nothing jumping up and down. no water issues. I'd like to use a marble mosaic but not sure depending on what's best.

Answer 1

One thing we did in our basement is to use the peel and stick linoleum tiles. When my husband first suggested this (he had seen it on TV), I immediately said no way!! When we went to the Home Improvement Store and I saw how nice the patterns were, I changed my mind. And when I saw it down on my floor, I LOVED it. We used a slate type of floor and since it is linoleum tiles, they are much more flexible.

There was all types including tile, slate, and marble. They look very authentic and very expensive. Do not roll your eyes at my answer. Go to the home improvement store and look at them!!

Answer 2

First of you can not put the tile directly down on the concrete, the cracks will move eventually and the tile will crack. There is a special laminate you can get to put down first I have seen it come in 3'x3' sheets. This will allow the tile to float over the floor so you will not get any cracks. On the same note tiling over an existing laminate flooring is perfectly fine, works the same way.
Dry lay out the tile to have half a tile at the walls and snap a chalk line at the first whole tile from the wall then start laying the tiles with the mud or mastic. You can get little rubber inserts to keep the joints even they work very well. If you have a helper to hand you the tiles the job will go very fast. I did a 12' x 20' room in about two hours using 12" tiles. You mentioned mosaic that might take longer. Regarding spacing and those rubber inserts, they come in various sizes for different spacing, so consider the narrower the grout line the less cleaning you might have to do later on. Don't forget to seal the grout a few days after it is fully cured. You will find it is a relatively easy project to do. I've done two bathrooms in marble, one shower stall and two other rooms my first time trying and they look good, I'm sure you will be proud of the job you do. Make sure you shop around for the tile, some small places have better selection and prices.

Answer 3

Surfaces to receive tile shall be clean and free of dirt, dust, grease, oil and other objectionable matter. Tiles shall be firmly bonded in place. Joints shall be straight, true, uniform in width and solidly filled. Tiles shall be laid out to symmetrize the patterns and so that tiles less than one-half full width shall not occur. Tile shall be cut with a suitable cutting tool and rough edges shall be smooth.
If you follow these rules, you will get a good job. Take it easy

Answer 4

google diy