How To Tile - Mitre10

Step 3
Ensure you use a non-slump wall tile adhesive to allow you to tile from the top of the wall down. Apply the tile adhesive horizontally, using a trowel. Cover no more than one square metre at a time.

Step 4
Apply tiles by pressing evenly to get a good adhesive coverage. Insert tile spacers to allow for even gaps. The next tile should be placed up against the spacer, making sure not to press too hard, ensuring the joints are free of tiling adhesive to allow for the application of the grout. Check your work to ensure it is plumb, level and square every square metre.

Step 5
When tiling close to any obstructions/floor/bath allow a 6mm gap for sealant.

Step 6
Allow tiles to set for 24 hours, then remove tile spacers. If you can’t remove all the spacers, dont worry, you can grout over them

CUTTING TILES

Use a suitable tile cutter for the type of tile that you are using. See the tile cutters specifications for details. When cutting curves use an angle grinder with a diamond blade or alternatively, a pair of hand nips can be used. For cutting holes, use a drill with a diamond cutter and water. Make sure you only use your drill on a low speed.


	Handy Hint If the floor is cracked, tile either side of crack. If the crack is tiled over, t hen the tile will also crack.

TILING FLOORS

Concrete floors should be crack free and flat. If you find there are cracks, these should be filled with a suitable concrete repair product. Any non-flat surfaces should be levelled with a suitable floor leveller that levels from zero to 25mm.

Wooden floors should be level. If they’re not, use a suitable timber floor leveller prior to the application of any fibre cement sheeting.

Step 1
Identify the floor surface to be tiled. Take note of the concrete or timber floor, if there are any cracks or unlevelled surfaces, these must be remedied before tiling commences.

Step 2
If the same tiles are being used on the wall and the floor, start by tiling the floor first so you can line up the tiles up to match.

Step 3
Find the centre of the room and square off the area to be tiled.

Step 4
Lay tiles out in a pattern suitable to the shape and size of the room and mark out your tile pattern by drawing it on the floor. Apply the tile adhesive making sure it is applied evenly using a trowel. Cover no more than one square metre at a time.


	Stay Safe Always wear gloves, goggles and a face mask. Dust can be a problem if cutting with power tools. Tile chips can get into eyes and cut edges can be sharp. Tile adhesives contain chemicals and/or Portland cement which can produce adverse skin reactions. Always use an RCD when working with electricity and water.


	Handy Hint It is important the correct tile adhesive is used on the correct substrate. Not all tile adhesives can be used on wooden floors

Step 5
Start laying the tiles at the furthest point from the door. Insert spacers to allow for even gaps and easy removal after the adhesive has set.

Step 6
DO NOT walk on tiles for at least 24 hours.


	Handy Hint When tiling close to any obstructions, allow a 6mm gap for sealant. Apply the sealant before the grout.

GROUTING

Before you start, ensure the grout joints are clean and free from excess adhesive. For porous tiles, dampen the joints with water before grouting to avoid dehydration. DO NOT grout until tiling adhesive has set firmly. Remove all spacers from between tiles before grouting.

Step 1
Mix grout to a smooth toothpaste consistency as per instructions on packaging.

Step 2
Work grout diagonally into joints using a rubber squeegee or grout float. Only grout small areas at a time.

Step 3
With a damp sponge and working in a diagonal motion, wipe the tiles’ excess grout from surface. Change water regularly.

Step 4
When the grout has sufficiently hardened in tile joints, polish the tile with a clean dry cloth.


	Handy Hint To enhance colour of grout and increase stain resistance always use a grout additive when mixing the grout.