Fireplace & Ceramic Tile Installation
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For a free estimate
call: (702)341-0031
fax: (702)341-0147
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There's more to ceramic tile than meets the eye. To set up the fireplace you must know the "rules", please call me for your free estimate and remember every fireplace is different and required different setup plan. |
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The pictured fireplace was installed in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas National Golf Course Community. to enlarge image click on the thumbnail |
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If you're putting in a new floor then you need to see the whole "picture" of how you want it to look. Sometimes the job can begin on the floor already in place - even if it's tile, but it's usually best to install a layer of cement backer board first. Most tiling jobs require the help of a professional tile setter, but some don't.
If you're tackling the job yourself, these step-by-step directions will help you get it right - the first time. Some ceramic tile is especially tough to cut. When you're picking out floor tile or any other large tile, take your tile cutter with you to the store and ask the supplier to let you test your cutter with a piece of scrap.
Here are the four most important steps how to install ceramic tiles, please read them carefully:
1. Installing Cement Backerboard
It is always the fun to laying the tiles by yourself, but you must remember to prepare the surface under the tiles properly. It's always more rewarding to lay down tile yourself, but there are some key things you must remember if you plan on doing it yourself.
Any tiles looks good if the surface it is sitting on is smooth, flat and rigid . Sometimes plywood is used, but the better choice is cement backerboard. Backerboard is a thin layer of concrete with fiberglass mesh on both sides. It is designed specifically as a setting surface for all kinds of tile.
2. Laying Out the Tiles
After
the surface is prepared,
you’ll need to
prepare the layout to make sure your tiles will be installed properly. For a
professional looking installation, the layout lines must be square.
To maintain the right gap for the grout joints you need to do a dry layout of the tiles first, and place spacers upright between them.
3. Setting the Tiles
To
install
the tiles always begin at the center of the room and work
your way out. Keep tiles aligned with spacers and follow your working lines.
The key to a perfect job is simply working carefully. If you
put a tile down crooked, pick it up right away and reposition it.
Every tile job involves cutting. You have two ways to set up your cut tiles. First, you can make the cuts as you go along with your job. Second install all the full tiles first, wait 24 hours to let adhesive get dry, and then do all the cut tiles at once.
4. Grouting
The last part is grouting. This is the process of filling the spaces between the tiles. The grout comes in powder form in premixed colors. You must follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix it. To get strong, colorfast and the right consistency grout, always use the least amount of water possible. Only make as much grout as you can use and keep any leftover dry grout for possible future repairs.
Remember, before grouting, let the tile adhesive dry and cure for 24-36 hours. First remove the spacers with a spacer puller and clean any adhesive out with a bristle brush before applying the grout.
