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PLANNING A TILING JOB

Choosing Tile

My tile supplier sells so many types of ceramic tiles. How do I choose the right kind for my new bathroom?
It's easy to be overwhelmed by the vast array of tile sizes, types, and colors available. If you're a novice tile layer, start by narrowing your choices to tile that has straight edges and even surfaces. Leave wavy edges and uneven surfaces to the pros. Here are some other pointers:

• Floor tiles are harder and have less glaze than wall tiles. You can use floor tiles on walls, but wall tiles are too slippery and fragile for the floor.
• Large tiles look impressive and are quicker to install than small ones. You'll also have fewer grout lines to deal with.
• Don't use floor tiles that are the same size as the wall tiles—it's hard to line up the grout lines where the wall meets the floor.
• Check on the availability of trim. These are the decorative-edged tiles that you use to finish off a tiled wall surface. Bullnose tile (one rounded edge) is usually available, but double-bullnose (two rounded edges) may not be, or may have to be specially ordered. Check this out before you order tile.
• When you go shopping, take along a measured drawing of each surface you want to tile. This helps the sales-person better identify what you need.
• Don't worry about ordering more than you need. Most tile shops will let you return unused tile. It's also a good idea to keep a few tiles and some grout for future repairs.

Tile Layout

What is the best way to go about laying out a tile pattern?
Any tile job requires a lot of planning. Once you have a sample of the tile you want to use, make a detailed sketch for each surface that shows:

• How many tiles go across horizon-tally and vertically, including space for grout lines.
• Where the cut tiles will be and approximately how large they'll be.
• Where the bullnose tiles fit.
• Where accessories like soap dishes will go.

Lay a row of tiles on the floor, with their spacers if necessary, and measure them to get the dimensions you need. Put cut tiles in less visible areas and whole tiles in the most visible areas. Avoid slivers of tiles by removing one whole tile and placing a cut tile at each end of the row.

Your rows of tile must be straight even though the floor, tub, and walls may not be. Use a framing square and level to measure this. If the surfaces are more than inch out of square over 8 feet, you'll get noticeably angled cuts, which look awful. Try to hide them under the sink or toilet. You might want to talk to tile retailers; they will know a trick or two that may help you.

Use full or nearly full tiles along the upper edge of the tub. Be sure to leave a 1/8-inch gap between the tub and the tiles; you'll fill it with caulk later. When you tile a floor, do the area near the door last so you don't walk on the freshly laid tile. Plan for a row of cut tiles ( to of a full tile) along the wall by the door just in case your grout lines are a bit narrow, or if the room is out of square.

Tiling over Laminate Kitchen Counter

I want to install ceramic tile on our kitchen counter, which is covered with plastic laminate. Can I tile over the laminate?
Assuming that the laminate is still firmly bonded to the underlayment, you should be able to tile right over it. To prepare the surface, sand the laminate with 100-grit paper to give the adhesive something to grip.

Tiling over Tile

My bathroom tile is an ugly pink from the '50s. It's set in a thick mortar bed, so tearing it out seems like a nightmare. Can I tile over it?
Assuming they're sound and well-bonded, old tiles can be a suitable base for new tiles. To prepare the surface, scratch the tile with a belt sander or a sanding block with 60-grit paper. Next, wash the old tile with a phosphoric acid solution (available at tile stores).

To install the new tile, use a latex-fortified thinset adhesive.

Tiling over Concrete Block

The backsplash in my kitchen is painted concrete block. Can I tile directly over it, or should I attach cement board as underlayment?
If the faces of the adjoining concrete blocks are no more than 1/8 inch out of alignment, you can tile directly onto the backsplash. To ensure a strong bond between the tile and the block, however, you must remove the paint with a commercial paint stripper (make sure you have plenty of ventilation). Once you've stripped and cleaned the blocks, apply a 1/16-inch-thick skim coat of thinset cement adhesive to create an even surface; then set your tiles.

If you prefer not to remove the paint or if the blocks are out of alignment, cover the wall with 3/8-inch cement board. Use nails and mastic to attach the cement board to the block. Then tape the seams and you're ready to tile.

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TITLE: Home Improvement, Home Depot, Home Decor, Home Decorating, Home Remodeling, Home Decor, Home Interior, Home Furniture Store

Home Improvement Category: Home Improvement, Home Depot, Home Decor, Home Decorating, Home Remodeling, Home Decor, Home Interior, Home Furniture, Home, Do it Yourself, Doityourself, DIY, Diy Network, Do-it-Yourself

Shopping Mall: Home Improvement offers do-it-yourself Home Improvement guide and store, Home Improvement, Home Depot, Home Decor, Home Decorating, Home Remodeling, Home Decor, Home Interior, Home Furniture, Home, Do it Yourself, Doityourself, DIY, Diy Network, Do-it-Yourself Store

Home Improvement Topics: Home Improvement, Home Depot, Home Decor, Home Decorating, Home Remodeling, Home Decor, Home Interior, Home Furniture, Home, Do it Yourself, Doityourself, DIY, Diy Network, Do-it-Yourself