haeuslebauer5 May 2010 08:58Tiling
Hello Mondäne,
I’m not a tiling professional either, but here are some things I always keep in mind when laying tiles:
- The substrate should be perfectly level and clean. There must be no adhesive residues from PVC on the floor. If necessary, prepare the floor with a primer.
- Before mixing the tile adhesive, make sure you have all tools and materials ready. The adhesive can start to set after about 15 minutes. Even if it’s only 7.5m² (80.7 sq ft), it’s better to mix the material twice rather than once.
- Pre-cut the tiles in advance to avoid stress during the installation process.
- Apply the tile adhesive to the floor using a large notched trowel and press the tiles firmly into the adhesive bed. Avoid creating any hollow spaces. Align each tile properly right away, as the drying process can be quite fast.
- If you have a good eye for measurements, you can skip tile spacers on small areas. Otherwise, use a straight edge to check the joint widths.
- Tiles in the hallway should be at least quality class 3 or 4, as the wear level in this area is higher than in a bathroom.
- Make sure not to have excessive adhesive in the joints. Immediately clean the tile surface from adhesive after laying.
- Since it’s probably a floating screed, use silicone—not grout—around door frames and wall edges to prevent cracks in the joints and possible tile cracking.
- Work the grout diagonally into the joints with a grout float, then remove excess grout with a large damp sponge. After a short drying time, carefully clean the tiles with a moist cloth. Done!
- Be cautious: do not load the floor immediately. Try not to walk on it for at least half a day. During the drying phase, ensure good ventilation to allow moisture to escape.
What kind of flooring comes after the hallway? If there are already tiles in the next room, pay special attention to the height to avoid a step down from the hallway to the living area!
As mentioned, I am not a professional but I have always installed tiles myself in small rooms like bathrooms, hallways, or kitchen backsplashes. My wife has never complained about the quality.
If I were you, I would also ask the building materials supplier for any tips or suggestions.
If I think of anything else, I will post it here! Otherwise, I wish you good luck and much enjoyment with your project.
Hello Mondäne,
I’m not a tiling professional either, but here are some things I always keep in mind when laying tiles:
- The substrate should be perfectly level and clean. There must be no adhesive residues from PVC on the floor. If necessary, prepare the floor with a primer.
- Before mixing the tile adhesive, make sure you have all tools and materials ready. The adhesive can start to set after about 15 minutes. Even if it’s only 7.5m² (80.7 sq ft), it’s better to mix the material twice rather than once.
- Pre-cut the tiles in advance to avoid stress during the installation process.
- Apply the tile adhesive to the floor using a large notched trowel and press the tiles firmly into the adhesive bed. Avoid creating any hollow spaces. Align each tile properly right away, as the drying process can be quite fast.
- If you have a good eye for measurements, you can skip tile spacers on small areas. Otherwise, use a straight edge to check the joint widths.
- Tiles in the hallway should be at least quality class 3 or 4, as the wear level in this area is higher than in a bathroom.
- Make sure not to have excessive adhesive in the joints. Immediately clean the tile surface from adhesive after laying.
- Since it’s probably a floating screed, use silicone—not grout—around door frames and wall edges to prevent cracks in the joints and possible tile cracking.
- Work the grout diagonally into the joints with a grout float, then remove excess grout with a large damp sponge. After a short drying time, carefully clean the tiles with a moist cloth. Done!
- Be cautious: do not load the floor immediately. Try not to walk on it for at least half a day. During the drying phase, ensure good ventilation to allow moisture to escape.
What kind of flooring comes after the hallway? If there are already tiles in the next room, pay special attention to the height to avoid a step down from the hallway to the living area!
As mentioned, I am not a professional but I have always installed tiles myself in small rooms like bathrooms, hallways, or kitchen backsplashes. My wife has never complained about the quality.
If I were you, I would also ask the building materials supplier for any tips or suggestions.
If I think of anything else, I will post it here! Otherwise, I wish you good luck and much enjoyment with your project.
Hello,
I installed 150 sqm (1,615 sq ft) of tiles myself during my house construction, including transitions to other rooms and baseboards. I’m actually an accountant by profession.
Definitely use tile spacers! Especially if it’s your first time, no matter how small the room is.
If there are already tiles in the other rooms, make sure to create a clean transition for the grout lines from one room to another. Nothing looks worse than a messy grout line where the hallway meets the living room.
My tile adhesive had an open time of about 45 minutes.
You can first lay out the tiles dry to see how it fits. Always leave at least a 5 mm (0.2 inch) gap near the walls.
Make sure to install baseboards along the tiles—it looks much better that way.
I applied adhesive to both the floor and the back of the tiles.
Good luck and have fun! ^^
I installed 150 sqm (1,615 sq ft) of tiles myself during my house construction, including transitions to other rooms and baseboards. I’m actually an accountant by profession.
Definitely use tile spacers! Especially if it’s your first time, no matter how small the room is.
If there are already tiles in the other rooms, make sure to create a clean transition for the grout lines from one room to another. Nothing looks worse than a messy grout line where the hallway meets the living room.
My tile adhesive had an open time of about 45 minutes.
You can first lay out the tiles dry to see how it fits. Always leave at least a 5 mm (0.2 inch) gap near the walls.
Make sure to install baseboards along the tiles—it looks much better that way.
I applied adhesive to both the floor and the back of the tiles.
Good luck and have fun! ^^
I used the Nivifix system with tension caps and was absolutely impressed. I liked it better than the solution with wedges.
I was very satisfied with the result. The tile size was 60x30cm (24x12 inches).
I only have one question: adhesive on the floor AND the tile, or just on the floor? Opinions seem to differ on this.
I applied the adhesive to the floor with a notched trowel and spread it thinly on the tile with a flat trowel.
I was very satisfied with the result. The tile size was 60x30cm (24x12 inches).
I only have one question: adhesive on the floor AND the tile, or just on the floor? Opinions seem to differ on this.
I applied the adhesive to the floor with a notched trowel and spread it thinly on the tile with a flat trowel.
R
Rechtsfuß11 Jul 2019 08:53Hello, during our planning phase I have now decided to lay the tiles on the ground floor myself.
Can anyone recommend a good leveling system suitable for 60cm x 60cm (24in x 24in) tiles? I am, of course, also grateful for any additional tips.
Can anyone recommend a good leveling system suitable for 60cm x 60cm (24in x 24in) tiles? I am, of course, also grateful for any additional tips.
N
nordanney11 Jul 2019 09:25Rechtsfuß schrieb:
Can anyone recommend a good leveling system that would be suitable for 60x60 tiles?If you have a flat floor, you don’t need a leveling system. Buttering-floating is sufficient.R
Rechtsfuß11 Jul 2019 12:27I will use the buttering floating method and additionally apply the leveling system for extra security. I think this should be beneficial for an unskilled tiler.
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