Remodeling Your Bathroom: Installing Tile Floors

The bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in the home. It also has a huge affect on your home's resale value, so it's important that it look updated and clean. If you're contemplating installing new tile floors in your bathroom, there are some important things you should know before you take the leap. Being prepared and knowing how to install tile can mean the difference between a successful installation and a long and difficult one.

Pre-Tile Installation Tips

• Determine the color scheme and preferred materials you want to install for the floors.
• Browse photos and magazines to figure out which styles you prefer.
• Create a budget for how much you plan to spend on the remodeling project.
• Make a list of all the tools and materials you will need to complete the flooring installation.
• Thoroughly research the process of demolition and installation before you begin and make notes.
• When in doubt, look for a quality contractor, such as http://www.kitchenvillage.com, who specializes in tile floor installs.

The Tile Installation Process

• Remove the toilet.
• Thoroughly remove the old flooring including all glue or other materials and make sure you have a smooth, clean surface.
• Check to ensure the floor is level. If not, you can purchase a self leveling material or you may have to install new sub floors. Installing tile on an uneven floor is not recommended.
• Make sure you have all tools on hand before you begin your installation.
• Cut cement backerboard to fit the room. You can use a snap tool or a straight razor to cut the boards.
• Install cement backerboard designed for tile flooring using the proper mastic and screw it down with backerboard screws ONLY.
• Allow a day for the mastic to dry before beginning to install the tile.
• Cut your tiles as you measured them according to the desired layout.
• Mix your mastic in a large bucket to the proper consistency. Note that the type of mastic you use here will depend on the type of tile you've chosen.
• Beginning in the center of the room, trowel the mastic onto the floor and apply the tile.
• Use plastic spacers between each tile as you go.
• Work your way from the center of the room outward, only applying the mastic to the sections as you tile.
• Allow tile and mastic to cure overnight.
• Mix grout (you can choose from a wide variety of colors) in a bucket and begin to apply the grout into the gaps, pressing into the floor with a large grout sponge.
• Once grout is applied, wipe the surface several times with a lightly wet sponge.
• Allow grout to dry, re-install the toilet, and enjoy your new bathroom tile floors!

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