Starting a large do it yourself floor tiling project.First time attempting. Got any tips?

Answer 1

Certainly the free workshops are a good beginning, and a better experience than trying to interpret from text and two dimensional pictures. I just answered a Tile Q at length.

I'll explain again, at least my proces.

I "square" the room; meaning determine in that space; whether or not the room actually corners at 90 degree angles.

I measure to a center point and snap two perpendicular lines, SQUARED to each other.

I lay out a course, or two of the chosen tile. That allows adjustment in the center point to the perimeters for CUTS. My thought is...when possible have the perimeter cuts EQUAL, at least at the two opposing walls.

Then if you happened to be using 12 inch tiles, for example, you add/lose 3 inches for every 12 ft. in a layout, meaning that even in a 12 ft room, you'd still have to make a perimeter cut, or two.

I do that before ever mixing the first bucket of mortar.

Without knowing your sub floor or its condition, or transition areas it's difficult to detail prepping that, but it certainly should be in your plan.

Once I've taken the time to get the layout figured and the aesthetics in order, then I can begin "setting", and I save all my cuts for last. I also remove any cove base molding and allow in my plan that the tile will end with at least the same 1/4 inch space as the grout lines; then, after the fact, re-install the cove base. For door molding it's a simple matter of a back saw used with a piece of tile as a shim, for the height.

I'm in the process of RE-doing 11,000 sq. ft. that was poorly installed 2 years ago, and I mumble every day,,, LOL.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

Go to Home Depot, they have classes in tiling, you'll need it without going into details which are to detailed to put in here, this is no job for an amateur. I spent the better part of twenty years doing tile work and, I learned something everyday, Two people that worked with me a lot, still have to have help.
I'm not even talking about all the tools you'll need, some special that you have to buy, not rent.

I suggest strongly you take the class before you start any job. Good luck

Answer 3

Please dont attempt large tiling project if it is your first. I know most people know how to lay tiles. Unless you have someone who has the experiance to guide you - dont attempt. You may end up with uneven floor elevation where small pools of water patches appear here and there. Another advice is try to use bigger tiles as they are easier to lay than smaller ones. Large tiles safe time, labour and easier to see its level of elevation.

Answer 4

Make sure the floor is absolutely clean. Buy the Tiling book at Home Depot; it helped me finish a room.

Answer 5

Start in the middle of the room! I've DIY tiled several rooms in my house and it's a pain, but anybody can do it. Those books do help but I think the best advice is start in the middle of the room, have your patience vertue with you the day(s) you do tileing. Good luck, you'll be fine!

Answer 6

Get it on a nutrition regimen!! you will possibly conflict too in case you have been obese and additionally you had to slide around on tiles. My sister's canine grew to become into obese and grew to become into scuffling with her back legs and that they've been informed by using the vet to cut back her nutrition down by using 2 thirds!!! it could appear as if lots yet she has misplaced practically 10kg now!! A nutrition regimen and greater workout is an outstanding answer yet you will possibly no longer have the skill to do the workout bit till the canine has misplaced slightly weight first

Answer 7

Best tip: Don't rush it! LOL, take your time and play relaxing music while doing it. Also, take breaks so you can get up and stretch, your legs will cramp up! Have fun and take before and after pictures! Start a DIY scrapbook if you haven't yet!

Answer 8

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070801192710AAhEy1l&cp=2&tp=2&tnu=42#all-answers

Answer 9

Get some good kneepads!!!