If you are planning to update the look of your home, there are many areas you can consider for a fresh new look. You could easily change the paint colour, or the window coverings. Hanging new artwork or getting new area rugs are also quick and relatively easy ways to update your interior. While these options are also relatively inexpensive, they don't carry the same impact as changing your flooring. The average homeowner might shy away from a DIY flooring project, thinking that it is too advanced for their skills. There is also a concern that it may be time consuming and messy. While that is entirely possible, read on to find out just how easy it can be to tile your floors with
ceramic tiles, and do it with relative ease.
First you will have to make sure you have all the supplies you need which most well stocked ceramic tile distributors in Ottawa will be able to provide you with. In order to install ceramic tiles you will need:
- thin set or mortar, either pre-mixed or powder that you can mix yourself (pre-mixed is easier);
- a tile saw nippers and sand paper;
- a v- notched trowel and grout float;
- grout and grout colouring if desired;
- tape measure, pencil, and wax pen for marking cuts;
- sponge, bucket of water, dry lint-free towel, latex gloves; and
- tile spacers in your chosen grout line size.
Have your design plan ready. You can do this with a drawing if you intend to have a pattern, or laying some tile out on the floor to ensure spacing and cutting needs before laying down mortar. After you have all your tiles ready, you should wipe down the sub-floor with a damp sponge to ensure there isn't any dust or debris that could hamper the setting of the mortar.
You are ready to start spreading mortar. To do this, take some on your trowel, and spread it evenly in a quarter-moon pattern until you have an area that has an even amount of mortar to get you started. Lay a row of tiles, placing spacers between each and along the wall. Press down on the tiles firmly and check for set by trying to lift the tile slightly. Once you have laid out all of your tiles, it will be time to clean up any mortar that may have gotten on the top of the tiles. You can do this by wiping it off with a damp sponge, and then drying with a lint free towel. You also want to make sure at this time that your grout lines are free of mortar as well. Mortar showing through can ruin the look of our grout lines. You are ready now for the grout. Wearing latex gloves spread the grout evenly in the spaces. Ensure that the grout is pressed firmly and completely within the lines. After this is done, you will take your grout float and use it in a squeegee fashion to clean the remaining grout off the tiles as you make sure all the lines are completely full.
Wipe the excess from the tiles using a damp sponge, in a circular motion. Dry the tiles afterwards with a lint free towel, and make sure all grout is cleaned up. Your tiles will set and dry over a 24-hour period. Once they are set, you can sit back and enjoy the beauty and value you have personally added to your Ottawa home with your
ceramic flooring tiles.