After selecting the best tile for your needs and determining the amount required, you are now ready to complete your tile floor installation! This is a great project for homeowners to increase their homes value and save substantially over professional installation services. By determining the appropriate base for your flooring, you have taken an important step towards ensuring the longevity of your investment.
If you are installing over a concrete slab, you will need to ensure all cracks are filled. If cracks are still present when the tile is they will be prone to cracking later. There are a variety of products available for crack suppression, and you will need to work with your local tiling vendor to determine which best matches your needs. In some instances, you may need to reinstall a new concrete slab prior to installation. It is also important to note that chemical treatments on the slab will prevent it from bonding properly. To test if your slab has any treatments, drop a small amount of water on the concrete. If the water beads, it is likely the slab has been chemically treated.
If you are installing over plywood you will first need to determine the strength of the wood. As tiling is heavy, the wood must be of a high enough quality and thickness to support the ongoing weight of the floor’s load. Particleboard and interior grade plywood are not considered appropriate for tile floor installation and must be replaced. After the strength of the wood has been confirmed it must be smoothed of any texture variations. The easiest method for this is sanding the floor. Many sanding options are available, from sandpaper to commercial grade sanders available at your local home improvement store. Homeowners with existing vinyl floor will need to remove the vinyl floor first and replace any damaged wood base components.
If you have existing tiles you will be installing over, you have two options. The first is to leave the existing tiles in place and thin set atop them. You will need to measure the clearance between cabinets and doors to ensure the additional height of the new floor will allow for easy opening and closing. Then use sand paper as an abrasive agent on the tiles to ensure new tiles bond properly. The second choice is to remove the existing tiles. To remove old tiles use a hammer to pry each individual piece away from the base. Start with the tiles that are protruding the most and work your way back. This will offer the best “grip” from the hammer for removal.
Home Improvement professionals may be consulting for assistance in determining the best course of action with any base. In most cases, taking a photo of the concrete, wood, or tile in place to a local home improvement store will be sufficient to allow the staff to advise you.