Are you getting ready to install a tile floor in your home but you've never done it before? If so, it will help to know the following tips to ensure that it is done right.
Strip The Floor Down To The Subfloor
A common mistake that people make is thinking that they can install tile flooring over their existing floor. While it may seem like a good idea, it actually isn't. You want to make sure that the subfloor is in good condition to support your tiles, and the only way that can be done is by looking at it yourself. Get prepared to remove all of the existing flooring material so that you can work directly on the subfloor.
In addition, certain types of tile require a stronger subfloor to support the material. If you are going to use marble or another natural stone, the tile is going to be heavy and requires that you have a thick subfloor. You may end up needing to rip out the subfloor so you can install a thicker board to work on.
Isolate The Subfloor
Know that your wood subfloor is going to expand and contract over the years since that's what wood does. You should never install a tile floor directly on top of the wood because of this. Instead, you'll want to isolate the subfloor by placing a membrane layer between the two. If the wood expands and contracts, it won't shift the tile above it.
Level The Subfloor
It's crucial that the subfloor is completely flat before you install your tile flooring material, or else it is going to cause problems with having tile edges that stick up and are uneven. You may need to use patching material over the subfloor to level out those dips in the material so that it is all level before the installation begins.
Buy The Right Tile For The Room
While natural stone is good for the majority of your home, you do not want to use it in a bathroom. That's because natural stone is porous and requires a lot of maintenance over the years. With bathroom flooring often getting wet from people getting out of the shower, it can cause long-term damage to a more expensive type of tile if you are not careful with it.
Does it seem too difficult to install a tile floor on your own? Reach out to a tile flooring professional for their assistance.