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We're installing our tile floor in a kitchen. Now we've already laid our
foundation,
and you'll want to do the same. To see how installed our underlayment,
watch How to Prep for Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Floors
at Lowes.com/videos. Now before we get started,
be aware that the steps in materials for installing a tile floor
are different than installing wall tile. If that's what you're doing
ask a Lowe's associate for help selecting the right materials.
You can even find product guides in store to help you. There are different
patterns you can use when laying a tile floor.
Now we're going to use a simple stacked pattern using 12 inch square tiles.
If you buy something different for your floor, we carry many different sizes,
types, and designs of tile at Lowe's. Now if you're not confident installing a tile
floor,
see a Lowe's associate. We install many types of flooring. Always follow local building
codes
and read all the manufacturer's instructions. Also make sure the subfloor
is uniform,
level, the right thickness, and a good condition. An associate can help you with
anything you might need to repair your subfloor.
Now if you remember from the previous video, we mark reference lines on the
back or board
to help us lay the tile square to the room. We'll start laying our tiles
in the center of the room and work out. That way the full tiles will be in the
center
and the cut tiles will be along the edge. We're almost ready to lay the tile
but before we do, we'll pull some of the tiles out of the boxes
and mix them with different packages, just in case there might be a
color difference between the boxes. We'll set our tiles in thin set mortar.
We'll mix it in a bucket to the recommended consistency.
Then starting at the cross section in the middle of the room,
spread the thin set with a trowel. Work within a three foot section at a time,
and try not to cover your reference lines. Once the thinset mortar is down,
comb over it with the notch side of the trowel at a 45 degree angle.
Comb it in one direction without making swirl patterns
to ensure uniform application. Remove any excess with the trowel
and place it back in the bucket. Now lay out your tiles along a reference lines.
Just slightly press and twist, and use spacers between the tiles.
Keep laying the tile. Periodically lift one to make sure the mortar is
sticking.
Where it isn't you can apply additional thin set to the back of the tile.
If you're not getting good adhesion, use a trial with larger notches.
Any mortar on the face of the tiles can be wiped away with a damp sponge.
Once a few of your tiles are set, check for any high spots
using a level. Even them out using a rubber mallet.
Then keep checking as you cover the room.
Continue laying the tile in three foot sections.
As you can see, we're going to have to cut the tile along the cabinets and
walls.
For small straight cuts you can use a tile cutter.
For this larger job, a tile saw is easier and faster.
Along the carpet were stalling tile edging strip.
We spread a little thin set, set the strip in the mortar,
then cut the tile to fit. Okay, all the tile has been set,
now we let the thin set mortar dry for at least 24 hours.
The next step is to grout the joints. Mix the grout following the
manufacturer's instructions.
Making sure you have the right water to mix ratio. Usually the instructions call
for a pace like consistency.
Apply the grout with the rubber grout float, pressing the grout into the joints.
Then run diagonally across the joints removing as much access as possible.
After twenty minutes white the grout lines in a circular motion
with a sponge and clean water. Any residue that remains
can be removed with grout haze remover. After you finished with the grout avoid
heavy traffic for 72 hours.
It'll take about three weeks for the grout to cure completely.
Then apply a grout sealer to the joints.
The last step is to attach any trim work or transition strips.
This kitchen had a plain floor without much character,
but after adding floor tile, we've updated the look and given the
homeowners a
durable floor. If you want to see other projects that can update your home's
interior,
visit Lowes.com/videos.