Diy tile laying

23-05-2018

Useful

The tile is a very durable type of coating with a waterproof surface. The tile favorably differs from other types in the universality and magnificent operational characteristics. For example, ceramic tiles on the floor easily withstand multiple movements of heavy furniture and large dynamic loads resulting from the fall of heavy objects.

Even a beginner can make a high-quality tile installation. Of course, with some theoretical basis and knowledge of the technological sequence of work.

Required Tools

Before you start laying, you must purchase suitable tools and quality materials, as well as prepare the base surface. Undoubtedly, the choice of the tile itself is of great importance. It should be chosen taking into account the operational features of the room for which it is intended.

For facing works are necessary:

toothed half-liner;
level;
tile cutter or grinder;
drawing pencil;
roulette;
dividing crosses;
putty knife;
special scraper equipped with a rubber tip;
primer;
special adhesive mixture;
dry color mix for sealing seams.

Foundation preparation

The surface must be pre-prepared for laying. This involves bringing it into a stable, dry, solid and even state, as well as removing all contaminating layers from it, which reduce the adhesion of the adhesive to the base: dust, dirt, lime, paint, fats and oils, bitumen. After their removal, it is necessary to grind large irregularities with the help of special tools (a grinder, a sanding grid, or an emery sandpaper). Minor irregularities are perfectly removed by a layer of adhesive.

If the tile is laid on a surface with enhanced moisture-absorbing properties, it should be pre-treated with a special water-repellent primer mixture that forms a protective film. This is extremely important for the surface, which includes gypsum.

For rooms of high humidity is extremely important high-quality waterproofing veneered surfaces. In the places of joining the walls with the floor, you should stick a special fixing tape, which will not allow the seams to deform. Then a layer of waterproofing is applied, after which you can begin laying.

Surface marking

For successful tile laying it is necessary to think over its location well. This is done by marking the surface, which is needed mainly for maximum ease of installation, as well as for a better visual perception of the lining pattern.

With the help of the construction level from the middle of the longest wall of the room plots a vertical line. Then a horizontal line is laid along the center of the shortest wall. As a result, two perpendiculars are formed, which divide the entire surface of the room into four equal parts. Laying on such small sectors greatly facilitates the whole process and allows you to avoid displacements and distortions of tile arrays.

Adhesive composition

Glue should be selected taking into account the type of lining, the characteristics of the surface on which the tile is mounted, and the conditions of operation of the room. For each type of tile uses a different glue. Some adhesive solutions are ideal for walls, others for flooring. The right choice of glue is a guarantee of durability of the coating. Of course, there are universal adhesive mixtures, but it is much safer to use specialized ones.

For example, for facing a stable, solid wooden surface, it is recommended to use an adhesive mixture with the addition of an elastic emulsion that enhances the adhesion of the adhesive to the surface of the wood.

Prepared adhesive solution as follows. The dry mixture is poured into clean cold water and stirred until smooth. A large amount of adhesive mass is mixed with a special construction electric mixer, and a small amount of glue can be easily brought to the desired consistency manually. On the packaging of dry adhesive blends, manufacturers always indicate how long the mixture should be stirred, and for how long after that it is usable.

Laying tiles

The adhesive solution is evenly distributed in small areas over the entire plane. Here it must be remembered that an insufficient amount of glue, as well as an uneven distribution of the adhesive solution will not give a reliable adhesion to the surface, because of which the tile will begin to fall off soon, and the seams will crack.

After applying the adhesive, the tile is laid on the place reserved for it and tightly pressed to adjust. In this way, the whole tiled arrays are laid out along the previously marked approximate marking lines. It is recommended to start laying from the center of the surface, gradually moving along the above lines to the door jamb. This method of laying will create the necessary symmetry.

Having finished facing a small area, it is necessary to check the correctness of the geometry of the masonry (verticality and horizontal lines of the tiled array) with the help of a level. At this stage, it is easier to correct the arrangement of the laid tiles, and when the entire surface has been laid out, it is almost impossible to do this.

Tile cutting

As a rule, in the process of laying it will be necessary to cut the tiles. There are many modern tools for cutting tiles - from the usual glass cutter to a special electric tile cutter with a diamond coating, which greatly facilitates and speeds up the work. Previously it should be marked with a marker cut line on the tile, on which then and make the cut.

If there is a need to make a hole in the tile, it uses a regular drill. The main thing is to put the tile on a hard surface to prevent it from splitting.

Grouting

The final step is to begin grouting. To do this, use a special mixture to cover the seams between the tiles. It has decorative and water repellent properties. The grout is applied with a narrow trowel, and the angle between the surface of the tile and the trowel should be approximately 45 degrees. Excess grout left on the surface is removed with a rag or sponge.

After the tile is completely dry and grouted, the lined surface must be thoroughly washed with a soap solution. And then - enjoy the result of their own work.