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What Should I Know About Installing Tile?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

The process of installing tile can be impacted by a number of different factors. One of the most important factors that will make a difference in the installation of tile has to do with where the tile is placed. Along with this consideration, the type of tile also dictates some of the things that you should know about installing tile. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind if you plan on installing tile on a floor, the bathroom walls, or on the ceiling.

When most people think in terms of installing tile, the first thought that comes to mind is flooring. The tiles may be destined for use in several rooms of the house. You may choose to install bathroom tile, kitchen tile, or perhaps parquet tile in a living room, hall, or den. Before you install tile, it is important to choose tiles that are formulated for use in the room you have in mind. There are subtle but key differences between the tiles used in rooms with higher humidity levels.

There are a number of factors to consider before installing tile.
There are a number of factors to consider before installing tile.

As you select tiles that are made of materials appropriate for the space, your next step is to determine which type of tiles you want to use for the project. It is possible to utilize tiles that are manufactured with the adhesive already applied to the back of the tile. These are often great for people installing tile flooring for the first time. For more advanced do it yourself homeowners, tiles that make use of pasting and grouting to achieve the right look may be preferable. However, keep in mind that if you have to apply the adhesive yourself and grout the tile afterward, the project will be more labor intensive.

Different rooms might be best served with different types of tile.
Different rooms might be best served with different types of tile.

Once you are sure that you have the right type of tile for the job you plan on doing, there is the need to prepare the surface where the tile will be installed. For the best results, it is a good idea to strip the floor of any other type of covering. This includes taking up old tile. While it is possible to install tile flooring over existing tiles, the results are usually not as effective as starting with a bare floor. Make sure to inspect the floor carefully so you can address any imperfections that result in an floor that is not smooth and level.

Humidity levels are among the factors that decide what type of tile are appropriate in a room.
Humidity levels are among the factors that decide what type of tile are appropriate in a room.

After inspecting and cleaning the surface, you need to prepare your tools and place the tiles within easy reach. This will cut down on the amount of time you spend moving back and forth to get what you need for a given step. In order to achieve a uniform balance, it is a good idea to lay a line of tile in the middle of the room, then move toward the opposing walls on either side of the center line. Once you pick up the rhythm, installing tile will move much quicker.

When installing tiles, grout should sit for 72 hours or longer after being applied for it to completely dry.
When installing tiles, grout should sit for 72 hours or longer after being applied for it to completely dry.

One final tip that applies to installing tile of any type is to be patient. Depending on the size and choice of materials, the tiles will take time to set and cure. Make sure you read the installation instructions that come with the materials, especially if you are using pre-pasted tiles. This will cut down on your frustration, and also help you to set reasonable expectations for declaring the job complete.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • There are a number of factors to consider before installing tile.
      By: yuriy
      There are a number of factors to consider before installing tile.
    • Different rooms might be best served with different types of tile.
      By: Arpad Nagy-Bagoly
      Different rooms might be best served with different types of tile.
    • Humidity levels are among the factors that decide what type of tile are appropriate in a room.
      By: Aleš Nowák
      Humidity levels are among the factors that decide what type of tile are appropriate in a room.
    • When installing tiles, grout should sit for 72 hours or longer after being applied for it to completely dry.
      By: forestpath
      When installing tiles, grout should sit for 72 hours or longer after being applied for it to completely dry.