How do I lay tile?

Question

Well today I took down my brick fireplace with a chisel and hammer and want to tile it. I have never done either one and actually learned to remove the brick on yahoo. I have an idea of how to tile because I watched a contractor tile my dining room. I understand what I need to buy and how I use spacers... y questions are how do I mix grout? how do I mix thinset? and I was going to buy a tile cutter at Lowes, something small. I dont need any round or weird angle cuts just straight... is it pretty easy to use a wet saw? Thank you for any help!!

Answer 1

Not such a daunting task for a DIY, but careful consideration is needed.

After installing Thousands of sq. ft. of tile I offer some suggestions.

First of all it sounds like some or all of the installation will be verticle. The "substrate" should be substantial to allow the best adhesion. Without knowing at all what that is, in your case, you might want to create a new sub surface with concrete backer board before a tile install.

As is the case in the trades the old saying "measure twice, cut once" is valid.

For verticle installations certainly begin at the base, and get a thinset, or mastick that sets rapidly, and work it in small, manageable areas at a time. Yes use spacers, either 1/4 or 1/8 inch. You also don't detail the TYPE of tile you plan on using.

MIXING: The consistency of both mortar and grout should be similar to peanut butter and thoroughly mixed, to a point with no "Lumps" The wetter the substance the longer the set/dry time, and it degrades the bonding agents. A SANDED grout is the usual.

CUTTING: As I mentioned, measure first. Square the areas to be covered, LINE then if you have to, defining the pattern in total. Cutting can be accomplished all at the same time once you know what and if any cuts have to be made, but install any "full sheets" first.

If you truly will NEVER do a similar job again, DON'T BUY a tool, rent one. HD and LOWES should offer that option. If you don't have a huge amount of cuts to make you need not even get a wet saw. A hand held DI Grinder with a tile cut wheel is what I most often use, especially for jobs that don't require hundreds of cuts. (I'm working on a tile job now where I have to reset tile in an area 11,000 sq. ft) If you feel you have a steady hand and line each tile cut, the grinder with the cut wheel can work. If you consider "Buying",,, the grinder will also be a more "versital" Tool. There's not much sense in having a wet saw sit around unless you intend to do a lot of tile work, or decide to go into the trades.

Also when you've troweled the grout into the seams, diagonally across, with the rubberized tool, and have the PROPER sponge, start with a merely moist wipe to get up excess. As the grout sets, which happens pretty quickly, then you can go to a slightly wetter sponge. In the end what you'll have is a film of dust on the tile which is easily removed once the grout has set.

For a "newbie" I'll also offer this. Depending on how far UP a wall you want to take the tile, I suggest install a single, bottom course of tile, brace it even, as it sets in the mortar, then once set, begin your next course.

One final suggestion, even though you state you've OBSERVED someone else installing tile. Since you might be going to an HD or Lowes anyway, call first, and ask when they hold "Tile Clinics"/demostrations of how to. Here, local to me they usually happen on weekends.

Certainly and finally, finally,, the job can be messy, and you should already know to prepare for that,,,and please don't use the tools to cut, RIGHT at the JOB SITE,,,smiles.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

A wet saw is easy. Easier than other tile cutters. Mix the thinset to peanut butter consistancy, maybe a little thinner. Grout is mixed to pancake batter consistancy.

The worst you will do is have to pull the tile off if you screw up. Make sure you use a level to make sure you start out straight. You will do fine.

The easiest thing to do is find a friend who has done it before and knows their stuff. :) Oh, if you are laying it on brick or cement, wet it before you spread the thinset or it may peel off.

Answer 3

If you want to save tiles and you're cutting ceramic, I'd opt for the wet saw. You can rent them for about 25 dollars a day from either Home Depot or Lowe's.
It sounds like you'll be tiling vertically, so you'll want your thin set to be firm, not mushy. Just add water and stir till you get a nice thick consistency. ( Do not have your AC running. AC draws the moisture too quickly and the tiles will fall.)
You'll have to invent a formula for your grout so the color is consistent. ( I cup of water to I cup of grout, etc.)
And you're right. It's easy to use a wet saw. Good luck.

Answer 4

grout is easy just follow the directions and you lay tile VERY carefully oh yeah a wet saw is easy and fun to use you can also slice rocks with a wet saw really cool

Answer 5

save your money on the cheesy tile cutter and just rent the wet saw, the cuts are so much nicer and cleaner.