This will impact how well your tiles adhere to the subfloor. You can also use a grout additive that provides stain resistance during the curing process. Back-buttering is a useful way to help ensure proper coverage, particularly when installing 12" x 12" (305 mm x 305 mm) and larger tiles. If you find alignment issues while the mortar is still wet, you can straighten them before continuing. Mortars cannot be used immediately and must be allowed to stand for five to 10 minutes after mixing. It is sag-resistant and ideal for setting tile on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. 2. ), the Schluter®-Shower System, and KERDI-BOARD. Place two spacers along the side where you will add a tile, one on each end. The drier the grout is on the tile surface, the harder it is to remove. Thin-set is cement-based, but some mortars are labeled as “non-modified” and require a latex polymer admixture. The combed channels will flatten out and compress when the tile is placed, ensuring the proper amount of mortar is present beneath the tile. Finish Laying Full Tiles Sorry, something went wrong. Use your trowel to scoop out a generous amount of mortar from your mix bucket. Use a Layout Back-buttering is a useful way to help ensure proper coverage, particularly when installing 12" x 12" (305 mm x 305 mm) and larger tiles. Before grouting, remove all your tile spacers. Because of the method used to remove ceramic tiles (smashing into pieces) this type of flooring is not recyclable. When tiling a floor, be careful to remove excess grout promptly to avoid grout haze. Please try again later. Mix at a slow speed (<300 rpm) for 5 minutes. If the mortar skins over, remove and re-apply fresh mortar. Mist the grout twice a day for three days to slowly cure it. 2. You’ll then be left with the space between those tiles and the wall where cut tiles are required. Once your tile floor is complete, it's time to apply the grout. ", Step 8: Follow gypsum manufacturer’s directions for additional substrate preparation. Grout fills the spaces between the tiles. The dust can affect how effectively the tiles adhere to the mortar. 3. This will ensure the mortar fully adheres. Great for re-grouting – SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout is suitable for re-grouting applications where existing grout joints are powdering, dusting out, or need to be replaced. When installing a tile floor, you will need a tile cutter, a rubber mallet, tile spacers, a level, a tile trowel and thin-set mortar or another type of mortar. Porcelain tile must be installed using a polymer-modified thin-set to achieve the right bond between the tile and the substrate. ", Step 2: Put the first test tile onto the thin-set bed. tiles were mounted on mesh. For installing Schluter membranes, use 7.5 – 8.5 qts (7.1 – 8.0 L) of water to 50 lbs (22.7 kg) of mortar. Wait at least 12 hours at 70° F (21° C) before grouting. Yes! Keep in mind: Tip: Do not add water after the thin-set begins to harden. SimpleSet White 3-1/2 Gal. If you drop water on existing grout and it seems to soak in, it’s time to reseal. Installing a tile floor in any of these rooms will give you an easy-to-clean, waterproof floor that holds up against weather and wear. Test the Layout Shelf Life and Storage: 2 years from the date on the side of the bag if unopened, not allowed to freeze, and stored off the ground in a dry, cool area protected from direct sunlight, heat sources and the weather. Correct as necessary before you proceed. Step 5: Cutting technique Once the tile covering is set and grouted, remove the spacers from the grate frame and insert the grate. Clean the mixing paddle promptly after use so the mortar does not harden on it. Wipe up any excess sealer within 10 minutes. Tile comes in a variety of styles, colors and patterns. sheet costs about $15. If you’re using glazed tile, be extra careful to only seal the grout. Use these tips to get started: Tip: Research how to prepare a subfloor before you begin your DIY tile floor project. Mix tiles from all the boxes so that minor color differences from each dye lot won’t be noticeable. Make sure to observe the open time of the thin-set mortar. Using care not to release the membrane from the substrate, periodically remove and check tile to ensure sufficient coverage is being attained (>80% for dry applications, >95% for exterior or shower applications – see ANSI A108.5). ", Step 7: Gather Tools & Materials Before grouting, remove all your tile spacers. 4. To DITRA or KERDI products: 1.a. Excess or standing surface water must be removed prior to installation. We still warrant the use of unmodified thin-set mortar meeting ANSI A118.1 to install tile within our systems... More than one standard may apply to the product. ", Step 3: You can remove the old grouting compound with a grout saw or a grout removal bit in a rotary tool. Cement mortar is commonly used to attach tiles to drywall or flooring. Do not allow the thin-set to skim over or start drying as you go. 2. Schluter SET® is a premium unmodified thin-set mortar specifically formulated to use with Schluter® membranes and boards. ", Step 5: Layout lines must be square, otherwise you will end up with odd-shaped tiles at the walls. You can do this with either matching bullnose tile trim or wood quarter-round moulding. Pre-Mixed Thin-Set Mortar SimpleSet pre-mixed thin-set mortar is a SimpleSet pre-mixed thin-set mortar is a no-mix, no-mess alternative to traditional thin-set mortars . Finish laying tiles in your first quadrant. Tip: Follow the tile manufacturer’s recommendations when choosing a trowel. Others require a latex polymer admixture. It will also account for the space needed for the grout line. Protect baseboards, trim and neighboring floors with painter’s tape. The best way to ensure square lines is to make a floor plan by drawing the walls of the room as accurately as possible on a sheet of grid paper. Lay the tile flat and then with mild pressure, slide the tile 1/4-inch back against the thin-set ridges, then slide it back into place. When you’re ready to start applying mortar, spread the thin-set with the flat side of the trowel. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on when to apply your sealer. 3. Seal the Grout Schluter SET® is a premium, unmodified thin-set mortar for use as a bond coat within tile assemblies that is optimized for use with Schluter® membranes and boards. Because it's completely impervious to moisture, backerboard is the ideal substrate for tile; it is now required by code in many areas for new work if you don't opt for a full mortar (mud) job. Make sure to observe the open time of the thin-set mortar. If an installation is to be completed in cold temperatures, the space must be heated before, during and after the installation to ensure proper curing of the mortar. c. Tile: Solidly embed the tile in the mortar, pushing the tile in a back and forth motion to collapse the mortar ridges. We used 4d finish nails to anchor them until the mortar set (Photo 12). Sealing your grout is essential to keeping grout lines clean and looking like new. This guide also covers how to prep your space, what type of tile tools and supplies you'll need and how to install tile flooring properly. Combustion heaters must be vented for carbon monoxide safety. The impact of luxury vinyl tile vs. ceramic tile comes down to their lifecycles. Tenting of working area may be necessary to shade the surfaces from direct sunlight and/or rain. Install cut tiles in small groups to avoid mixing too much mortar and risking it drying out before you can use it all. ", Step 10: If you have areas on your test tile that are not covered with mortar, it means you didn’t mix the mortar properly, didn't spread the mortar evenly or waited too long to set your first tile and the mortar started to dry. Stop when there is not enough room for a full tile. For jobs that require cutting many tiles, a wet saw is best. Mixing  Set your second tile by aligning the edges and corners then hinging it down. Clean all excess mortar from tile and joints while mortar is still plastic using a sponge and clean water. At the beginning of your tile floor installation, always do a test to ensure the consistency of the mortar is appropriate. Periodically remove and check tile to ensure sufficient coverage is being attained (>80% for dry applications, >95% for exterior or shower applications – see ANSI A108.5). Lay a single half row of floor tiles in both directions without mortar, starting at the center point and working outward. Inspect your subfloor and correct any dips, cracks or uneven places that will cause your tile to buckle or not install properly. The emergence of tile adhesive has brought more choices for tile installation. Learning how to lay floor tiles is a fairly simple process, but it's something that takes a bit of preparation. If you do this, they become embedded in the mortar and can be hard to remove. Spread thin-set onto a small test area at the center of your layout. Using an appropriate sized notched trowel, comb additional mortar using the notched side of the trowel. ", Step 9: Like paint, grout can come in a variety of color options that match or complement your tile. Install Thresholds and Baseboards ", Step 6: Remove any remaining grout haze by using an old T-shirt or cheesecloth. Materials must be acclimated to ambient conditions and installed when the ambient and surface temperatures are within a range of 40°F (4°C) to 95°F (35°C). Do not let it dry. Clean Up Clean tools with water while mortar is plastic. Schluter®-DITRA family of uncoupling membranes: Completely fill the cavities in the membrane. If the mortar skins over, remove and re-apply fresh mortar.6. After the grout is spread, remove the excess with a grout float held at a 45-degree angle. There are several types of grout, and different grouts require different methods. This will allow the floor and grout to expand without causing cracks. Measure & Cut Tiles Curing and Grouting Check your alignment by stepping back every so often and looking down the tile edges to be sure the lines are straight. ", Step 15: Make sure to get the trowel size, mortar type and other tile setting materials such as spacers that are recommended by your tile’s manufacturer. Remove the old grout. 1. Schluter SET® is suitable for use with ceramic, porcelain, and stone tile, including large and heavy tile, in conjunction with Schluter®-Systems’ uncoupling and waterproofing membranes (e.g., DITRA, DITRA-HEAT, KERDI, etc. squares and 1/8-in. It should be completely covered with thin-set. The substrate must be clean, even, and load bearing. If the room is not square – which is common – you will need to adjust the position of one line, and then square the other line using the 3-4-5 procedure mentioned above. Protect the installation from freezing for a minimum of 28 days. Mix grout according to package directions. Know exactly how much you need with our tile calculator. Typically, the larger the tile, the larger the notch should be. Throughout the process, use a damp sponge to clean off any mortar that ends up on top of the tiles. 3. Alternatively, leave tiling a kitchen floor, bathroom floor or other space to our expert tile installation services. The size of the notch determines how much thin-set is left on the floor under the tile. If left to dry, it will affect how well those new tiles adhere when you return to work those areas. Schluter SET® can be used in both interior and exterior systems and is available in both gray and white. For joints up to 1/8-inch, use non-sanded grout. If there are gaps between the tile and the wall, be sure to fill the space with caulk to keep water from getting under the tile or into the wall. Leave an expansion gap between the tiles and the wall as recommended by the tile manufacturer. To finish your project, remove the painter’s tape from any protected surfaces. Application To substrate: 1. 3. Lay out, mark and cut small groups of tiles at a time and leave them in the space where they will be installed. It is made of cement and fine sand and will need to be mixed with water if bought dry. For example, almost all cement grouts have latex polymer in the powder mix. Place a 2 x 4 on top and tap lightly with a rubber mallet. Concrete subfloors typically don’t require backer board. ". The depth and width of the teeth of your trowel depend on the type and size of the tile. Grout sealer provides unsurpassed, invisible protection for grout. Sealers help prevent stains and keep mildew and mold from growing into the grout. Schluter®-DITRA family of uncoupling membranes: Solidly embed into the mortar using a float, screed trowel, or Schluter®-DITRA-ROLLER (please observe the open time of the mortar). Lift up a corner of the membrane to check coverage. Make sure this is fully removed before proceeding. Thin-set mortar is a common bonding agent used to attach tiles to the backer board or concrete subfloor. A 32x60-in. Fit perimeter tiles in each grid last, leaving 1/4" gap between tile and wall. Solidly embed the tile in the mortar, pushing the tile in a back and forth motion to collapse the mortar ridges. Pull the tile up and check the back of the tile. A common mistake is to lay them on their side in the corners where four tiles meet. Doing so weakens the mortar and severely affects the bonding between the tile and substrate. Extended cure times before and after grout application may be required if temperatures are lower. Grout haze happens when grout dries on a tile, dulling the finish. Be careful not to press the sponge into the gaps. Include doorways and floor obstructions such as cabinets and fixtures as well as any tile edging or trim. Because of this, we used a 3/4-inch by 6-inch trim tile at the top of the tile field to fill in most of the gap. Choose Tiles & Prep the Space Measure the diagonal space between each of these two points. Specialized Rapid-setting Modified Thin-set Mortar, Bonded waterproofing and vapor-retardant membrane, Uncoupling membrane specifically designed for DITRA-HEAT-E-HK electric floor heating cables, Waterproof, multifunctional tile substrate and building panel, Uncoupling membrane with integrated sound control and thermal break, Using a Prefabricated Shower Tray and Ramp, Continuing Education for Architects & Designers, Thin-Set Mortar One-Year Limited Warranty.pdf, Lifetime Thin-Set System Extended Limited Warranty.pdf, Suitable for use with ceramic, porcelain, and stone tile, including large and heavy tile, Lifetime warranty when used with applicable Schluter. Comb the thin-set using the notched side of your trowel, holding it at a 45-degree angle and lightly pushing the trowel teeth to the floor. This is known as “slake time” and allows the chemicals in the mortar to fully activate. Recommended to bond porcelain, stone, marble, granite and … Work diagonally across the joints to avoid dipping into the joints. You must keep these arrows pointing in the same direction to ensure pattern alignment. Make sure it lines up with the chalk lines at the layout’s center and that it is fully pressed back into the mortar. The room’s center point is where the lines intersect. Try to remove all the haze before it dries completely and becomes harder to remove. If the distance between the two is exactly 5 feet, the lines are square. After the grout is ready, spread it in sweeping arcs with the rubber grout float held at a shallow angle. As soon as one section is complete, wring the sponge until no water drips from it before cleaning. Spray the backer board as you work, otherwise the backer board will soak up water from the mortar, causing the mortar to dry too rapidly. Thin-set mortar doesn’t grab right away; the tiles will slip down if unsupported. Apply the Grout Use a Tile Trowel ", Step 14: Any leveling of the subfloor must be done prior to application of Schluter SET®. 4. Tip: Expect your grout sealer to last an average of one to two years before needing to reapply it. Do not add more water after mixing. The tiles won’t be clean on the first pass so be patient. Add any desired thresholds between your tiled floor and neighboring floors. If you have trouble, try adding a grout haze remover solution. Check that the chalk lines are square: Mark points 3-feet on one chalk line and 4-feet on a perpendicular chalk line starting at the intersection. Apply a thin layer of the mortar with the flat side of the trowel to produce solid contact with the substrate. Direct sunlight or high temperatures may cause flash setting or skinning of the mortar. Mortar ridges should run in one direction. To summarize, SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout is the grout that “Locks in color, and blocks out stains!” Related Documents: SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout DS 681.0 Protect the installation from traffic and water exposure for a minimum of 24 hours to allow the mortar to set. As you lay each tile, check them for dirt or dust. It has a limited working life, and if you’ve mixed too much, it will start to harden before you’ve had a chance to use all of it. Follow the tile manufacturer’s recommendations. Clean tools with water while mortar is plastic. 6. Apply Mortar in Sections Maintain ambient and surface temperatures between 40°F to 95°F (4° C to 35° C). Excess water can affect the consistency of the grout. Take a damp sponge and make light passes across the tiles diagonally to clean off the excess grout. When using DITRA-ROLLER, place a weight (e.g., bag(s) of mortar/grout or box of tile) not to exceed 75 lbs (34 kg) on the DITRA-ROLLER shelf. For Schluter® membranes the mortar should be mixed to a fairly fluid consistency, but still able to hold a notch. Grout fills the spaces between the tiles. Wipe them clean if needed. For installation of tile, use 5.5 – 6.5 qts (5.2 - 6.2 L) of water to 50 lbs (22.7 kg) of mortar. ", Step 12: 5. In most cases, allow the grout to cure for about three days before using a sealer. When determining how much material you need for your DIY tile floor, don't guesstimate, calculate. Test the Mortar & Lay the First Tiles It also won't crack and can be replaced easily. If you have a plywood or OSB subfloor, install a water-resistant cement backer board as your underlayment. ", Step 13: Tip: Plan your flooring installation so that you have an exit without stepping on any tiles before the thin-set hardens in about 24 hours. Lift up a corner of the membrane to check coverage. spacers in the decorative band (Photo 12). Curing and Grouting Maintain ambient and surface temperatures between 40°F to 95°F (4° C to 35° C). For gypsum substrates, residual moisture in gypsum screed must be 2.0% or less before installing Schluter® uncoupling membranes. Rinse the sponge frequently in clean water and also change the water frequently. Surface Preparation 1. Leaving the spacers in place and grouting over them will compromise the integrity of the grout. Step 1: If you're re-grouting an old tile surface, remove the old grout. Do not walk over the surface for eight to 12 hours. The manual snap cutter is generally used for smaller jobs. Make sure that the joints are free of any dirt, dust, or debris before you start as well. Press grout into the joints, filling them completely. Installing a backsplash in your kitchen costs an average of $1,000.You could pay as little as $600 or as much as $1,350.Your local tile contractor could charge you a minimum fee of $160 for labor, or add $10 per square foot to your material estimate. The cleaner the water, the more effectively it will remove the grout from the surface of your tiles. In our example, we had about 1 1/2 inches leftover between full tiles and the bottom of the upper cabinets. The notches are called teeth. Use both edges of each side of the sponge. USE A FLAT PRY bar to remove tiles that are firmly stuck to the wall. Dry-set mortar is comprised mostly of cement, sand, and a water retention agent, and is also called unmodified... We haven’t changed our position on thin-set mortar use within our systems. When tiling a floor, draw a layout of your finished tile design directly onto your subfloor. You can now access your Project List or stay on this page. Apply at a 45-degree angle to the spaces between tiles to prevent the float from pressing into the spaces and creating uneven grout surfaces. Press it into the backer board or subfloor at roughly a 45-degree angle. If you need to take a break when installing floor tiles, always scrape up any mortar overlapping into an area you are about to tile. Always position your spacers so they stick up and out. Caulk will be the easiest to use in this case, as it will fill the gap and stick to the tile face while remaining waterproof. b. Schluter®-KERDI family of waterproofing membranes: Solidly embed into the mortar using the flat side of the trowel or a drywall finishing knife and work the membrane onto the entire surface to ensure full coverage and remove air pockets. If it does, remove it and apply a new layer of thin-set. It should be clean, dry and flat. Finish laying all full tiles in your other three quadrants and let the mortar harden. Take care not to mix too large a batch of thin-set. Different mortars have different curing times, but most require you to stay off the tile for 24 hours. Prepare the Thin-Set Mortar Following this procedure will produce the best workability and help ensure maximum open time of the mortar. Do as many passes as needed. Cover the 1/4-inch expansion gap left along the walls. When laying tile onto backer board, wet the backer board using a spray bottle filled with water before spreading the thin-set. Measure and cut the tiles to fit the space left along the wall. ", Step 4: Find out all you can about the types of tiles available before you decide. Dip tiles in water before sticking them to the wall so they form a better bond with the thin-set (Photo 8). The layout’s lines show you where to start laying floor tiles and help ensure the tiles are properly centered in the room. It may also mean you didn’t evenly and firmly press the tile into the mortar. For cutting tiles, there are several tool options: a manual snap cutter, an electric wet tile saw and a tile nipper. Slowly move the roller from one end of the matting to the other, slightly overlapping successive passes. Tile trowels have both a smooth edge and a notched edge. Level Tiles Let the mixture slake for 10 minutes then remix at a slow speed (<300 rpm) for an additional 3 minutes. Once dry, mortar on tile is extremely hard to remove. If the mortar skins over, remove and re-apply fresh mortar. The latex polymer admixture will improve the performance of the mortar and increase bond strength. ", Step 11: For joints 1/8-inch to 1/2-inch, use sanded grout. Once you’ve confirmed you have the right mortar consistency, re-lay your first tile. When bonding to particularly dry, porous concrete, the slab should be moistened to saturate the concrete and help prevent premature drying or skinning of the bond coat. Focus on small 4-by-4-foot sections. Your subfloor should be able to support tile, mortar, grout and furniture when the project is complete. Tip: Make a floor plan and mark the dimensions of your scale. Find the center point of the room: Measure the four walls for their midpoints. Continue spreading mortar and setting additional tiles. Put clean, potable water into a clean pail. Tip: For one-off projects and DIY home renovations, consider our mud mixing drill and tile saw rentals. For complete installation guidelines and warranty criteria, please download the appropriate Schluter® Installation Handbook and view the installation videos available below. Smooth the cut edge with an abrasive stone. If this is your first time tiling a floor, you may only want to apply enough mortar for one or two tiles at a time. Spacers help ensure equal spacing between tiles. Clean Excess Grout From Tiles Leaving the spacers in place and grouting over them will compromise the integrity of the grout. Choose a sealer with a built-in applicator or pick up a grout sealer application bottle. The 1-in. Mortar ridges should run in one direction. spacers for tight grout lines between the 12-in. If your tile floors are worn or chipped, or you're simply ready for an upgrade, so follow this guide to learn how to install a tile floor yourself. Snap two chalk lines, one from the midpoints of two opposite walls, and another from the midpoints of the other two walls. Avoid circular or swirling patterns. Using an appropriate sized notched trowel, comb additional mortar using the notched side of the trowel. Test the layout you’ve designed by doing a dry run with your tiles. Twist it back and forth slightly as needed for an even alignment and secure placement. Install grout per ANSI A108.10, A108.9 or A108.6 specifications and grout manufacturer’s instructions. Clean Up Schluter SET® is smooth and creamy, as well as easy to handle and spread. Slowly add powder while beginning to mix. Some tiles have directional arrows on the back. We used 1/16-in. 3.a. After installing three or four tiles, make sure they are level. With the advancement of the paving process, cement mortar is no longer the only choice for laying tiles as there will be hollowing and damage of tiles after used for a period of time. For concrete substrates, remove any waxy or oily films and curing compounds (if present) by mechanical scarification (take steps to not to breath in any residual dust). For specialty cuts around things like plumbing fixtures, pipes and round corners, a tile nipper comes in handy. Insert tile spacers as each tile is set, or leave equal joints between tiles. When the thin-set is still fresh, you can even out rows just by pushing a level against several tiles at once (Photo 12). Tip: Always follow the chalk lines of your layout to ensure you're laying tiles in a straight line. Another option is to use trim tiles to fill in gaps. 4. Like paint, grout can come in a variety of color options that match or complement your tile. Make sure you comb the thin-set in one direction. Mix your thin-set in a large bucket using a drill with a mixing paddle, following the package directions. Clean all excess mortar from tile and joints while mortar is still plastic using a sponge and clean water. While you can also fill the gaps with mortar or grout, it is not as flexible, waterproof or easy to repair as caulk. Tile floors are an attractive, functional option for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and entryways. If the space at the end of either row is smaller than a third of a tile, adjust your chalk lines so that the space on either side of the room can accommodate at least a half of a tile. Measure the area to ensure you have enough tile. 2. Apply Schluter SET®, Schluter ALL-SET®, Schluter FAST-SET®, or unmodified thin-set mortar to the substrate and install the tiles, ensuring full coverage. Now that you know how to tile a floor, creating a beautiful new room is as simple as picking your tile, gathering your tools and taking your time. Protect baseboards, trim and neighboring floors with painter’s tape. Clean all excess mortar from tile and joints while mortar is still plastic using a sponge and clean water. Proper installation results in full contact between the fleece webbing and the mortar. To reuse the ceramic, every speck of mortar would need … This will level the tiles and embed them firmly in the mortar.

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