Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Installation

Porcelain and ceramic tiles have become one of the most popular choices among homeowners. These tiles give aesthetic appeal to your house. Whether you are renovating your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or entire living space, to get a successful result you need to understand the complexity of the installation. Proper planning is helpful in the installation of the tiles. To know more about the porcelain and ceramic tile installation process, read this blog completely until the end.

Tools Required

• Tile Spacers


• Tile adhesive or "mastic"


• A notched trowel


• A tile saw or a tile scorer


• Grouting material


• Rubber float(a putty knife will scratch the tile face)


• Tape measure


• Bucket (with warm water)


• Sponge

Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Installation Preparation And Planning

Before you start ceramic or porcelain tile installation, it is important to plan your installation and before planning it is important to first prepare your surface for tile installation. You must first clean the surface thoroughly and make sure that there is no dirt and debris left on it. In case there is dirt on the surface, it will make it uneven. If there are any cracks or imperfections, you will have first to get it fixed to have a stable foundation for the tiles.

Laying Backer Board:

Before fixing the tiles, you will have to lay backer boards that are either made of fibreglass or cement sheets. These should be around 3 to 5 feet or the tiles might pop off.

Evaluating The Surface Of The Room:

To evaluate the surface of your room, you need to first measure the area of your room that needs to be tiled. The number of tiles you need will be based on the size of the tiles and the design you need for your floor. You can use a measuring tape to measure the distance between the opposing walls. Also, see that you measure the dimensions based on square meters to get the right length.

Deciding The Design And Size Of Tiles:

Tiles come in various sizes and so many different designs to choose from. You can see all the designs and depending upon your budget and choice select the tiles for your home. When it comes to size, tiles come in different sizes starting from 4 inches to 12 inches in length. They can also be longer depending upon your need. One of the things that you need to take care of is to buy some extra tiles. It is said that 15% more tiles should be bought for the safe side.

Choosing Tile Colour:

Tiles come in different colours and patterns. There are a lot of options for you to choose from when it comes to the colour. The choice of colour varies from person to person depending upon their personal choices. Some of the most common options people prefer are white, grey, terra cotta, blue and so on.

If the colour of the tile is darker, the colour of the grout must be lighter and if the colour of the tile is lighter, it should be darker. You can choose the colour however you want the tile to look. Make sure you take time before buying tiles as they are costly and it can be a headache to replace them.

Ceramic And Porcelain Tile Installation

• Adhesive Is Applied First: When it comes to installation, the first and foremost step is to apply adhesive to the substrate with the help of a trowel. Always choose an adhesive that is suitable for the type of tiles that you are choosing for your flooring. Apply the adhesive in small sections to make sure that the adhesive doesn’t dry before the tiles are laid.


• Placing The Tiles: Once you apply adhesive, start focusing on placing the tiles. Slowly place the tiles on the adhesive and press it firmly to make sure the adhesive doesn’t spread much or cause damage to the tiles. To mention uniform gaps between the tiles, you can use spacers in between them. Keep laying the tiles and adjust the level if needed.


• Cutting Of Tiles: Once you’ve placed the tiles, it is important to cut the tiles properly. To achieve precise cutting you will require a tile cutter. This cutter is useful in shaping the edges and corners of the tiles. Make sure to wear safety gear while cutting the tiles. People use a wet saw for complex cutting.


• Grouting: Once the tiles are fixed, start focusing on the grout. After the adhesive is set, remove the spacers and start the grouting process. For this, you need to apply a rubber float and press it into the spaces between the tiles. Wipe away the excess grout using a wet sponge before it dries. Once it is cleaned, wait until the grout gets cured.

Finishing Touches

Sealing The Tiles:

Porcelain tiles are generally water resistant but still, some tiles might require sealing for protection. Sealing will also help in preventing stains from the tiles. When it comes to porcelain and ceramic tile installation, they necessarily need sealing as most of them are unglazed and have a porous surface which will allow water to move into them.

Cleaning And Maintaining The Tiles:

After the installation of tiles, the most important thing is to maintain them. Firstly once they are installed clean them thoroughly so there is no residue left near them. And make sure the cleaner that is used for cleaning is suitable for the tiles. Later it is important to maintain the tiles regularly. This regular maintenance routine will help in preserving the tiles for a longer period.

Conclusion

Porcelain and ceramic tile installation can be difficult but also can be made easy by using the right techniques. From the right planning to using the right tools, if everything is done professionally, then installation can be fun. To master the art of installing tiles you also require the right tools and techniques. Get your porcelain and ceramic tiles today and install and transform your space beautifully.