Tile Floor Installation Tips for the Do-It-Yourselfer

If you have chosen to install a tile floor in your home, you've made a wise decision.  Tile floors offer tremendous durability, incredible longevity and stunning beauty.  However, if you decide to install your floor on your own, you will need a few pointers to help you ensure that your installation goes as well as possible.  What do you need to know about the subfloor?  What type of mortar should you use?  Do you need to rent tools for the installation?

The Subfloor

The subfloor is one of the most important considerations when installing any type of floor.  However, special care should be taken when installing a tile floor.  The subfloor must be as smooth as possible, to ensure that the tiles lay flat when installed. Tile can be installed on an existing vinyl or linoleum floor, though you still have to ensure that the floor is almost perfectly smooth.

Finally, determine if you need a concrete backer unit board, a sound abatement underlayment, or a crack isolation underlayment before beginning your installation.  If you have radiant heating in your home, make sure that the tiles and grout are rated for use with this system.

Cutting and Grouting

If you will be using tiles with a joint width exceeding 1/8th inch, you should only use sanded grout.  This applies to ceramic and porcelain tiles, as well.  Any tiles that require a joint smaller than this should receive un-sanded grout only.  Also, remember that when cutting a tile, use gentle pressure to guide the tile towards the saw blade, rather than forcing the tile into contact with the blade.

Color Variations

Color variations are a fact of life when you are installing tile flooring.  It is very possible that two cases of the same tile type will have very different color variations.  To overcome this problem, use multiple boxes throughout the installation.  In other words, use a tile from one box and take the next tile from another box.  This will keep your colors evenly distributed and avoid the gradient effect.