Step by step instructions on how to lay tiles. How to lay tiles correctly - common mistakes and laying tips. Surface work

30.10.2019

A kitchen with tiles is so common that when the interior of the kitchen does not include tiles, at first it seems that something is missing. However, although tile is used everywhere, not everyone knows how to lay the tile correctly, since there are many subtleties and features in this matter.

How to lay tiles: subtleties and features

Ceramic tiles are used for different surfaces. But, when performing general tiling, you need to remember that this process is divided into separate operations and there is nothing strange in this.

Work area - a space with a stove, sink, refrigerator and other household appliances;
Zone "apron" - stands out from the general design in color;
Floor zone - she is assigned the role of a kind of zone separator;
Remaining space.

How to designate zones when laying tiles

Following the rules described above, separate sections of the room are trimmed with different tiles. In the picture below, you can see an example of dividing a room into zones.

As shown in the photo, each zone is finished with its own type of tile. But, you can delimit zones using tiles of the same color, simply laying it in a different way. You can see this way of dividing zones in the picture below.

How to choose a tile?

This is an important point, because especially important indicators of comfort and durability depend on the choice of tiles. The tile itself has many different characteristics. There are compacted, reinforced and more wear-resistant models. A more durable tile, most often, is covered with a floor surface.

Highly important nuance is the surface of such a tile. For laying on the floor, it is better to use tiles with a matte surface. It is not as slippery and this minimizes the chance of slipping and getting hurt. In addition, such tiles are more water resistant and more resistant to the damaging effects of detergents.

The size of the tile is also very important. A large tile will not look good in a small room.
For this reason, according to expert advice, for a small room it is better to take tiles 15 by 15 cm or even use mosaics. Of course, the laying process in this case will take longer, however, the final result will be more harmonious.

About tile installation technology

One of the most important points is to prepare the surface for the tile. The base must be dry and even. The walls are leveled with plaster or drywall (if very crooked). Floors are prepared with self-leveling compounds.
The leveling is followed by the priming process. After the soil has dried, you can apply tile adhesive to the surface and proceed directly to laying the tile. This is done like this:

1. The adhesive is applied to the surface and leveled with a notched trowel. Applying the adhesive is done on a small area to lay the tiles before the adhesive sets;
2. The tile is placed on a layer of adhesive and leveled using a level and plumb line. If there is a need, then the correct location of the tile is achieved by tapping on it, simultaneously with the movement. To ensure the same gaps between the tiles, use special crosses inserted between the tiles;
3. After the glue has dried, the seams are sealed with grout.

An example of a properly laid tile in the photo below.

How to put tiles on a wall

Let's say you decide to tile your bathroom or kitchen but don't know how to tile the wall. It's okay, after reading what is written below, you will learn everything you need to perform this operation.

The first step is to decide on the required materials. To lay tiles on the walls, you need the following materials:

Primer. It is applied with a roller or brush, before laying the tiles. This building material is used to treat poorly absorbent, porous or wooden surfaces to create a special layer on the base. Improves the adhesion of the tile to the base
Additive. This component is mixed with glue to enhance its characteristics such as stickiness and plasticity. With its help, compensate for the unevenness of the base.
Putty. She performs the alignment of the walls. It is a dry substance miscible with water.
Grout for seams. Serves to fill the space between the tiles. Apply this material with a soft rubber spatula.
Tile adhesive. Often sold in ready-made packaged in buckets. It is applied with a special corrugated spatula.

Preparatory work for the base for laying tiles on the walls

One way or another, but the surface must be flat, durable and dry.

1. For a porous base, use a primer.
2. If the base is smooth, it should be pricked or scratched with a grinder, and then primed.
3. If the surface of the base has irregularities or large cracks, they must be leveled with putty.

Marking for laying

1. Using a level and a marking cord, you need to draw a horizontal strip that corresponds to one tile in height from the floor level.
2. Now this line should be corrected in such a way that the top row of tiles does not have to be cut (seams are taken into account in the calculation). Trial masonry will help you adjust the dimensions. If a floor surface be at an angle to the horizon, then the tiles of the lower row are cut in accordance with this angle.
3. Vertical lines are drawn with a plumb line.

Laying tiles on the walls

1. Using a trowel, glue is applied over a small area of \u200b\u200bthe base (approximately 0.5 m). Next, the adhesive is leveled with a notched trowel.
2. Now you need to glue the first piece of tile along the rail. Following it, the first horizontal row of tiles is glued, after which the second, and so on until the entire wall is laid out.
3. You should also remember about plastic crosses in order to maintain the same distance between the tiles. During operation, the surface of the tile should be cleaned of excess glue.
4. Tiles must be laid flat. If it protrudes, then it should be trimmed with a rubber mallet and a wooden block. During use wooden block, it must be laid on top of several tiles at once.
5. Continue each row of tiles, making sure they are horizontal and vertical.
6. Facing ends with laying the missing pieces below, and for this it is not necessary to use a ruler or rail. Removal of plastic crosses must be done before the glue hardens.

Seam sealing

1. A day after laying the tiles, you should start applying the grout. It is applied over the seams with a rubber spatula.
2. The remains of grout and glue from the tiles are removed with a damp sponge and cloth.

Advice
For laying tiles in the bathroom, use a special, waterproof grout.

Grout for tiles: which is better

Even perfectly laid tiles look unfinished if no grout was used at the end of the work. What is the best grout, and by what criteria should I choose it at all? It is these questions that we will try to elucidate further.

The composition of the grout can be cement and epoxy.

cement grout

This is the simplest option, which does not require high skill in application and preparation, but, nevertheless, looks great. Cement grout consists of fine cement, plasticizers, various additives and pigments. This type of grout is mixed with water before use, and then applied to the seams.

The consistency of cement grout resembles putty, therefore, it is easy to use.
Depending on the composition and purpose, cement grout can be:

for narrow seams (up to 5 mm)
for wide seams (more than 5 mm).

In grouts of the second type, an obligatory additional component is used - sand. Sand will prevent cracking of the cement composition and prevent it from crumbling. At the same time, the size of the grains of sand varies depending on the thickness of the seam.
The cement grout is packed as follows:

ready-made composition (in a bucket);
dry powder (in a bag).

Ready grout can be applied instantly.

Ready cement grout is sold in different portions.
As for dry grout, before starting work, it must be diluted with water to the desired state. Dry mix is more convenient if the amount of work is small, since you can make exactly as much mix as you need. But you need to keep it dry.
Advantages of cement grout:

convenient to use;
universal;
has a wide selection of shades;
durable;
cheap.

subject to pollution;
destroyed by household chemicals.

Epoxy grout

Used in rooms with high humidity.

Epoxy grout has a rather viscous consistency. For this reason, its application requires accuracy and a professional approach.
Any epoxy grout contains the following components:

epoxy resin, which contains special additives and fillers;
hardener.

To obtain a working mixture, these components are mixed (when purchased, they are packed in different containers). As a result, a fairly dense, but elastic mass is obtained. Working with this mass is not an easy task, since the composition has an increased viscosity, for this reason even professionals work with it for a long and tiring time. But, after the work is completed, a significant plus awaits you: the resulting seams will retain their appearance for at least 40 years. This is the main reason why professionals give the highest rating to this grout.

Epoxy grout can be diluted with shiny components to improve the visual effect.
Advantages of epoxy grout:

durable;
durable;
resistant to dirt, fungi and mold;
resistant to chemicals and cleaning agents;
waterproof;
has a high decorative potential.

expensive;
difficult to operate.

As a grout, sometimes silicone sealant is used. But it is used for other purposes - to isolate the cladding and other materials, for example, in the place where the tiled cladding borders the bathroom, sink or toilet. Use silicone sealant to completely fill the joints - this is expensive and does not provide the opportunities that grouting opens up.

How to lay tiles in the bathroom

What is required for a bathroom renovation? Change the plumbing, the bathtub, the sink... but the main thing is to lay the tiles. Decided to do the renovation yourself? A completely rational and economical solution. But before you get started, make sure you know everything about how to properly tile your bathroom.

Before starting the direct laying of tiles in the bathroom, you should do the following preparatory work:

To begin with, there should be no traces of the old finish on the walls. This affects how firmly the tile will stick to the base.
After that, you need to check the curvature of the walls with a level (length not less than a meter). If the wall slopes more than 4-5 mm, it must be leveled with plaster.
Before plastering the wall, a primer is applied to its surface (and if not plastered, then too). Thanks to the primer, the materials applied to the wall will hold better.

After plastering the walls, you need to allow them to dry completely before laying on top of the tiles. This process may take two weeks. If you lay the tiles on wet plaster, then in the future you cannot avoid the fact that the tiles will simply peel off.

How are bathroom tiles laid?

For laying tiles use tile adhesive.
It is a dry powder, which is diluted with water according to the instructions and mixed with an electric drill with a special nozzle. As a result, you should get a mass that does not flow along the wall and does not fall off.

Preparatory work:

A control horizontal line is drawn along the wall, along which the tiles are laid. The line is laid using a level, exactly with the horizon line, so that the masonry is straight and even.
Laying tiles in the bathroom begins on top of the bath if it is located close to the wall. And if not, then you should start laying the tiles from the second row. Therefore, the horizontal line must be drawn considering one row of tiles and a seam.
Along the line, ideally, stoppers should be fixed to protect the tile from moving down.

Tiling laying:

If the walls are even, the adhesive is applied over them. Use a notched trowel to spread the adhesive on the wall. A tile is laid on top, but it is not pressed down excessively, in order to avoid damage.
The distance between the tiles should not exceed a couple of millimeters. To achieve this, they use special "crosses".
Pay attention to the fact that the tiles may not be equal pieces. It happens that the difference reaches a millimeter.
For this reason, after you have laid a row of tiles, check to see if the row line has moved. If it has moved, then you need to fix it due to the width of the seam.

Naturally, not all tiles fit intact. For example, for accurate and accurate laying of tiles in the corners, it will need to be cut. This operation is performed with a tile cutter.

Grouting

After finishing laying, you need to clean the surface of the tile from adhesive residue. If the glue remains in the seams, they will not be attractive. After removing the glue, you can start grouting.

It's done special mixture, which is called so - tile grout (in common people - fugue). It is used for waterproofing and decoration. Professionals use a rubber spatula to apply the grout, and the seams are cleaned with a cable (6-7 mm in diameter), a screw head or something else, after which a neat notch will remain in the seam.
After the tile has dried, it should be wiped with a dry sponge, then rinsed with water, but so that the seams do not soften.

How to properly tile. Video lesson

If, despite a lot of printed information, it is still not entirely clear to you how to lay the tiles correctly, the video clip should dot the “and” to bring final clarity to this process. So, what will be described in this story?

To begin with, immediately before the laying process, the base preparation process follows. Here's what happens during it:

cleaning the base from the old finish;
removing dust and checking the evenness of the base;
wall alignment;
a two-week break to dry the base;
applying a moisture-resistant primer coating to the base.

After the preparatory work is over, you can go directly to the process shown in the video, namely the laying of tiles. Here's what it includes:

First of all, a row of tiles is laid out at the bottom, but not glued. This is necessary to develop the correct laying scheme. For example, from ceiling to last row 4 cm remains. It is much easier to take this into account from below than to cut pieces to the ceiling.
After that, we put marks on the wall corresponding to the first and last slabs of the row.
Now mark the vertical row with a level.
When laying tiles, the evenness of the rows is constantly controlled by the spirit level. If there are irregularities, they must be immediately eliminated.
During laying, the thickness of the seam is regulated by plastic crosses.
Tile adhesive is applied to the wall, not the tiles. The adhesive must be applied evenly.
The tile should be pressed down as firmly as possible, but so as not to damage it.
And on last step seams are grouted.

Despite the complexity, and the required care in the process of laying tiles, everyone can do it. By carefully studying the process, you will do an excellent job with this job!

Laying tiles on the floor is an extremely popular solution for decorating many rooms. However, not everyone knows that tiles can be laid in various ways, and in the process of working with different bases, certain nuances must be taken into account. Consider how to lay tiles on the floor: laying methods, technology features and the specifics of choosing the right material.

Many owners give a large number of time and attention to choosing the right finishing material, focusing on its color, texture and size. Of course, it is extremely important to choose a tile right size so that it is commensurate with the room, but the question of choosing the installation method should also not be left aside. Consider all popular options.

The traditional way of laying tiles on the floor: rules and features

The traditional method got its name because it is used many times more often than all the others. Such popularity is due to the ease of installation, as well as the ability to use both square and rectangular tiles. In this case, the elements are laid in even rows parallel to the floor. At the same time, it is extremely important to place them as close as possible to each other and to observe an even arrangement of rows.

Helpful advice! To give the traditional way of laying an unusual look, you can use multi-colored tiles. This option will make the coating original, but at the same time it will allow you to maintain a high speed of all necessary work.

Despite all its simplicity, this method, like others, has certain nuances that must be taken into account even before laying work begins:

all defects, irregularities and other factory defects will be very noticeable if the tiles are laid in this way. Therefore, you must either carefully examine each element and eliminate inappropriate ones, or choose another, less demanding method;
if the lining is made with tiles of the same color, then the coating will look rather monotonous. This is not to say that this is a disadvantage, but it is worth considering;
this option is well suited only for seamless ceramic tiles.

While laying tiles on the floor traditional way it may well be carried out independently and in the absence of special skills, you still have to pay attention to the issue of masonry uniformity, as well as the size of the seams (both vertical and horizontal).

How to lay tiles diagonally: the most beautiful way of laying

Laying tiles on the floor diagonally can rightfully be called the most beautiful of all options. But at the same time, the technology of its laying is the most complex, although at first glance it may seem that the basis is a simple traditional way. The main difficulty in this case is that it is necessary to accurately mark the diagonal axes, which will serve as guidelines for laying out the tiles.

Moreover, a lot of time and effort will be required to properly cut the tiles, which also presents additional difficulties in the process of laying tiles in this way. However, thanks to this method, it is possible to hide almost any surface irregularity. This option looks especially good when facing the floor of small rooms.

Important! During installation, the grid of the pattern must be placed at a 45 degree angle, so only tiles are suitable for this method. square shape. This must be taken into account before you lay the tiles in the bathroom yourself in this way.

Interestingly, the drawing itself is quite self-sufficient, and even if a plain tile is used, it always looks extremely interesting. But before laying tiles in this way, you need to understand that in the process you always get a lot of scraps. And this may not please the economical owner who does not want to overpay for beauty, but if we are talking about the need visual expansion rooms or hiding irregularities, then this method is undoubtedly the best.

As already mentioned, the main difficulty of this method is the calculation of the diagonal scheme. In addition, a thorough surface preparation must be carried out by dismantling the old coating, removing paint residues and priming the base before laying the tiles. So you can arrange the tiles as evenly as possible, spending less adhesive solution on this.

Laying the first row is done in the traditional way and for this, rectangular tiles are used. At the same time, the length of its diagonal must correspond to the diagonal of the square tiles that will be used as the main ones. Laying the second row is done using pre-prepared tiled triangles. Further, everything is quite simple - the rows are stacked according to the principle of diagonal layout in horizontal rows.

The technology of laying tiles on the floor with an offset (in a run)

Perhaps most of all, this method resembles brickwork. This solution looks original and is used quite often. In this case, a plain rectangular tile will look best in this case, although you can often find the use of square tiles.

If, when choosing how to lay tiles in the bathroom, you preferred this option, then with its help you can solve two more additional problems - hide minor defects, and also make the design of the floor interesting and original. And when correct selection color solution, tiles laid in a run-up can give the room a special atmosphere. According to the recommendations of experts, this method is best suited for decorating rooms such as a kitchen or a corridor.

As for the features of the very technology of laying tiles on the floor, it is important to know that the tiles must be laid in horizontal rows, and each element of the next row must be located so that its middle coincides with the seam of the previous row.

Important! It cannot be said that the laying procedure itself is something significantly different from the traditional one, however, there is one feature - the thickness of all seams must be the same.

As an unusual solution, we can consider examples when laying with an offset is done diagonally, that is, at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the wall. But in this case, it is extremely important to take care that the surface is prepared in advance and is as even as possible. Otherwise, the desired effect will not be achieved.

You need to start laying with the location of the lighthouse plates in the corners of the room. So it will be possible to determine the level of the floor and correct the existing defects. After that, the screed is moistened with water and proceed directly to laying tiles using a solution. They do it in rows and along the lighthouse.

Then the masonry is leveled with a hammer, and the lighthouse slabs are removed. After complete drying, which can take from two to three days, the seams are filled with a grout or cement.

How to lay tiles on the floor "herringbone": options and technology

The herringbone flooring method is most often used for parquet. This option looks very unusual, especially if you use tiles instead of oblong wooden elements. Naturally, only rectangular tiles are suitable for this purpose.

There are two options for laying herringbone tiles:

simple, which is no different from how it is done in the case of laying parquet;
with an attachment, for which tiles-inserts are additionally used small size. Often use elements of a different color or mosaic.

Speaking about the fact that this method was originally intended for laying parquet, we can conclude that such a coating will look best if its surface imitates wood. But for a tile that looks like a stone, this option is not very suitable, since it looks rather unnatural in the end.

An example of a successful use of the ceramic herringbone laying method

In order to get the desired result and lay the tiles in a herringbone pattern, it is necessary to rotate the elements to the right or left during the laying process, depending on the diagonal position of the tiles. The amount of waste in this case will be minimal, and the visual effect is amazing.

How to lay tiles on the floor: modular installation

Modular installation is a great solution for those who are new to tiling. At the same time, the method allows you to decorate the surface as the owner wishes. It is enough just to think about how to lay the tiles in the bathroom on the floor, design a suitable pattern and make some necessary calculations.

A modular pattern will be an excellent solution for small rooms, especially since you can choose the right color and pattern yourself, taking into account the features of the interior. It is advisable to make as accurate a drawing as possible, which includes an indication of the size of the tiles, as well as the location of the joints.

Helpful advice! If you don’t want to develop the project yourself, you can purchase a ready-made tile set and a diagram that demonstrates in detail how to lay tiles in the bathroom with your own hands.

Most simple solution is the use of a modular effect, when many small elements of various formats are depicted on one large tile. In this case, the main thing is to observe the principle of the model grid - the same pattern must be repeated many times. Given this, you can independently decide how to lay out the tiles in the bathroom in a beautiful and original way.

How to lay tiles on the floor in an original way: the "maze" method

The “maze” method, or as it is also called “braiding”, can be performed in various ways, but in the end it always gives the impression of intertwined stripes, inside of which there is a square of a different color or shade.

In order to lay out the intertwining stripes of the pattern, you need to use rectangular tiles, and for the inside - smaller square elements.

Helpful advice! In order not to be mistaken with the size of the tile when buying, it is best to immediately fold one of the elements of the pattern in the store. This way you can make sure that all the elements match and look good together.

This method looks decent in any room, but when it comes to laying tiles on the bathroom floor, then this option can be called ideal. Even with a small area of the room and the absence of a window, the right shade of yellow in combination with such a pattern can create a backlight effect and make the bathroom lighter and more comfortable.

Related article:

Stages of preparation and laying tiles. Complexities and features of the process. Creation of the base and screed. Insulation and waterproofing of the coating.

You can also consider how to lay porcelain stoneware on the floor. With the use of this material, this pattern also looks very attractive.

Laying tiles on the floor "Deck": technology and features

The "Deck" method is undeservedly used in flooring not as often as others. After all, in fact, this way of laying the coating perfectly imitates the deck board, which brings a certain mood to the interior. In this case, the tiles are laid with an offset and it is extremely important that the distance is the same throughout the floor plane without exception.

You can see that this method is somewhat similar to brickwork. This is true, except for the fact that the elements should not be displaced by half of each tile, but only by a small segment of it.

It is worth paying attention to the choice of color and structure of the coating. By opting for a tile that imitates wood and does not have an unglazed finish, you can create a very convincing semblance of a wooden floor.

Tiles with imitation of natural wood are often used when laying the "Deck" method

How to lay floor tiles using the "Carpet" method

"Carpet" is one of the most sophisticated options for laying tiles on the floor, which provides the opportunity to decorate the room in accordance with the theme of the interior, as well as your own preferences. The essence of this method is that two, three or more colors of the tile are used, as well as a border that frames this pattern around the perimeter.

How complex and beautiful "carpet" you can create depends solely on your imagination, as well as skills in working with tools and materials. It is best to use this method on a fairly large area of the room, for example, in a hall or bathroom of impressive size.

How to lay ceramic floor tiles using the Kaleidoscope method

One of the most unusual ways to lay tiles in the kitchen is Kaleidoscope. Just like the previous version, it allows you to independently come up with a pattern that will decorate the room. But here it is extremely important to strictly adhere to the plan, since it is very easy to get confused in the elements. It is best to pre-draw the floor surface in an appropriate way, thus facilitating your work.

When using the Kaleidostop method, you can use multi-colored tiles with different patterns

Important! Another difficulty of this method is the need to prepare in advance ideally level ground, since all the bumps will be very noticeable.

As you can see, laying tiles on the floor is an art that will take time and attention to detail to understand. So it's worth considering everything existing options, and having decided on your own capabilities and preferences, proceed to the implementation of the chosen method of laying floor tiles.

Before proceeding to the consideration of styling features tiles for various reasons, it is worth familiarizing yourself with some of the recommendations that experts provide. According to the statements, taking into account these simple tips, you can significantly extend the life of the coating, making it as durable and reliable as possible:

preparation of an even foundation is the main task to be solved;
the prepared surface must be vacuumed again immediately before laying;
the adhesive composition that will be used to fix the tiles must be selected taking into account the level of humidity in the room in which to work;

Before you should take care of the quality of the base

for any method that is more complicated than traditional or diagonal, it is advisable to mark on the floor;
for complex patterns, the tiles must be cut in advance and then laid out on a floor surface covered with a cloth in order to look at the result before starting to apply the mortar;
at easy way laying can start from the corner, but in the case of most complex patterns, you need to find and designate the center of the room;
liquid preparations for pre-treatment of the base - ideal to provide the tile with a more secure fixation;
before proceeding to laying tiles, you need to wait for the impregnation to dry completely;
grouting floor tiles can be started no earlier than the period indicated on the package, which is necessary for the adhesive to dry completely;
the color must match or be combined with the color of the tile to create a single beautiful flooring.

The basics of choosing and laying tiles in accordance with the interior of the room

Pick up the most suitable option tiling is possible by considering several examples of finished interiors using this material. At the same time, it is important to understand that in residential premises, tiles are almost always combined with a heating system, because otherwise, walking on the floor in the cold season will be quite uncomfortable. You need to read and watch additional training videos on how to properly lay tiles in a bathroom that has an underfloor heating system.

If we are talking about laying floor tiles in the living room, then ideal option can become a coating that externally imitates a laminate. This is the right choice for modern interior, which will harmoniously fit into the room of any size. AT large rooms it is better to give preference to calm, solid colors that will not make the floor too colorful and tiring to look at.

If you want to lay tiles on the floor in the bath, then due to the small area it is permissible to use brighter and more original colors. Do not forget that the selected color and texture of the coating can influence the perception of space. So, for example, a glossy surface of a light shade will expand the room, while a dark matte tile will have the opposite effect.

Before laying tiles in the kitchen, you should make sure that the material chosen is not too easily soiled. In addition, you should not buy slippery tiles, because in the kitchen the flooring is constantly in contact with water, which can lead to dangerous situations.

How to lay tiles on the floor: features of working with various surfaces

Having familiarized yourself with the various ways of laying floor tiles and choosing the most suitable option for yourself, you can safely proceed to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of the laying procedure. Given the considerable cost of laying tiles per square meter, many people want to refuse the services of a specialist and do everything themselves. To do this, first of all, you need to stock up on tools that may be required in the process of work:

building level;
a hammer;
glass cutter, or grinder;
wire cutters;
roulette;
notched trowel;
simple pencil;
sponge and clean rags.

Helpful advice! It is worth taking care of the availability of personal protective equipment in advance and purchase, at a minimum, safety glasses that will protect your eyes from dust particles generated during the tile cutting process.

If during the installation process there is a need for curly cutting, for example, to bypass a riser or heating pipe, then a tungsten carbide drill is used for this, as well as a string with an abrasive coating.

Also, in addition to the tile, you need to purchase special crosses that are used as separators, tile adhesive, grout, as well as sealant and silicone sealant. All this will allow you to lay tiles on the floor with your own hands.

How to properly lay tiles on a concrete floor: features of base preparation

First point preparatory work that need to be done before laying the floor tiles ─ dismantling the old coating and cleaning the surface of all existing stains: oil, paint, grease, etc. Then the existing base is checked using building level, as well as a visual assessment: if there is significant damage, potholes, cracks or deviations in height, then a new cement-sand screed must be made.

It is important that before gluing the tiles to the floor, the surface is hard and as even as possible. Otherwise, you will have to spend more glue on laying, and tiles laid on a soft base are much more susceptible to damage as a result of the load: cracks, chips, and simply falling off.

After you are convinced of the quality of the old screed or have made a new one, you should take care of laying the layer thermal insulation material. This will reduce heat loss and reduce the consumption of resources spent on heating. Another option is the arrangement of a heating system, which is the best solution of all possible.

In the second case, the thickness of the screed should be at least 40 mm, and to further strengthen the base, it is worth using a reinforcing mesh.

If a concrete base is in an acceptable condition or for some reason it is impossible to make a new screed before laying the tiles in the bathroom, and you have to work with what is, then all the depressions can be smoothed out with cement mortar. But for protrusions, it is best to use a chisel, with which you can relatively easily knock off the interfering parts of the coating.

You can also use a grinder for leveling. And in order to ensure reliable adhesion of the base to the adhesive composition, it is necessary to first apply a layer of primer.

All these preparation methods are relevant for concrete structures or monolithic slabs. But laying tiles on a wooden floor is also possible. Consider how it is worth installing in this case.

Laying tiles on a wooden floor: features of surface preparation

For a wooden base, on which it is planned to lay a tile, the same requirements are imposed as in the case of concrete. First of all, the surface must be smooth and durable. The presence of old, worn or rotten boards is unacceptable, as it can lead to the fact that the tile covering at some point simply fails as a result of the destruction of the base. Therefore, all imperfect boards must be replaced.

Helpful advice! If a good, at first glance, board, as a result of the load, begins to “play”, then this defect can be eliminated by laying additional lags under it. Although in some cases it helps to simply replace the fasteners (nails or screws) with new ones. In any case, it is imperative to carry out an appropriate check before laying tiles on a wooden floor.

Another way to install a solid and reliable base for laying tiles in the case of working with a wooden floor is to use sheets of chipboard, OSB or plywood. In this case, it is very important that the material is resistant to moisture.

In the process of laying such an additional layer, it is necessary to leave gaps of approximately 5-8 mm between the sheets in order to allow the material to compensate for changes in air humidity without surface deformation. The laid out sheets are attached to the base with self-tapping screws and opened with a layer of primer before laying the tiles on the wooden floor.

Given the fact that the ceramic coating does not allow air to pass through and does not allow air to penetrate to the base, it is worth taking care of the presence of internal ventilation so that an environment favorable for the growth and reproduction of harmful microorganisms is not created inside. Thus, laying tiles on a wooden floor is quite possible. The main thing is to pay due attention to the issue of preparing the base, and before laying the tile on the wooden floor, treat it with special protective equipment.

How to choose the right adhesive for laying tiles in the bathroom with your own hands

Regardless of the type of foundation, the laying technique is always the same. But the choice of a suitable adhesive composition should be approached with special attention, since depending on the surface on which it will be applied, its composition should be different. For a concrete floor, an adhesive made on cement base. In order to prepare it, it is necessary to add the amount of water specified by the manufacturer to the finished dry mixture.

A completely different glue is used when working with wooden base. In this case, the adhesive solution has the consistency of mastic, which, among other things, is able to compensate for deformations resulting from changes in the humidity of the air in the room.

Apply with a notched trowel on the reverse side facing material. In this case, grooves should form on the surface. Then the tile is pressed against the floor surface and gently tapped with a rubber mallet. You can learn more about how to glue tiles in the bathroom using one or another method of preparing the mixture from the photo or video instructions.

Rules for cutting and calculating tiles on the floor

It is practically impossible to lay tiles on the floor in such a way as to avoid trimming and fitting the material. One way or another, the material has to be adjusted to the required size at the edges of the room or in places where heating or plumbing pipes are located. Particular attention should be paid to how to lay the tiles in the toilet, because in this case, even more complex tile cutting will be required.

It is far from always possible to use a conventional glass cutter for fitting, since manufacturers usually use a stronger material for the manufacture of floor tiles than for wall tiles. In addition, the thickness of the floor tiles is greater, which means that it will be even more difficult to cut it properly.

In this case, it is best to use a grinder, which allows curly cutting, albeit with an uneven edge. All imperfections made as a result of such trimming can be eliminated using special tongs (nippers) manually.

The most convenient option for cutting tiles is to use a tile cutter, since with its help all procedures can be performed as quickly and firmly as possible, and the edges are even.

Important! Despite all the positive characteristics of such a tool as a tile cutter, it is impossible to cut a thin strip (less than 10 cm) with it. In this case, it is better to do it manually using wire cutters.

It is very important not to forget about personal protective equipment, which must be present in the process of cutting tiles. Sharp pieces, which, one way or another, will scatter to the sides, can cause serious injury. Therefore, it is important to protect the eyes (and preferably the entire face) and wear tight clothing that can provide protection.

After all the necessary elements of the tile are cut and laid with the help of an adhesive composition, it remains only to wait for drying and wipe the seams. How exactly this procedure is carried out should be considered separately in order to take into account all the subtleties and nuances. After all, it will depend on the final stage how long the coating will last in the end, and how hygienic its use will be.

Grouting tiles on the floor: what is it for

In order to pay due attention to grouting between tiles, it is necessary to understand how important this process is in terms of its further operation. First of all, it is worth noting that the seams are the gap that remains between the elements after they are laid.

There are certain norms and rules that indicate the main guidelines that you need to rely on in the process of work. So, the basic rule is that the larger the width of the tile, the larger the seam should be. Usually it is from 2 to 5 mm.

The need for grouting is due to several reasons:

over time, the walls undergo natural shrinkage, so it will take some free space so that the tile can move without damaging the surface;
due to the presence of cracks in the dense lining, the walls "breathe";
the use of a special grouting compound prevents the penetration of moisture, and hence the development of mold, fungi and simply the accumulation of dirt in the crevices;
due to the presence of grout, adhesion between individual fragments of the cladding is improved;
grout has a significant decorative role. Properly and neatly designed seams can mask minor tile defects, such as notches and chips. In addition, using grout, you can hide the remnants of the solution.

Thus, the service life of the flooring, as well as how attractive its appearance will be, depends on the observance of the grout application technology. That is why it is worth considering in more detail on what principle it is worth choosing a mixture and how to carry out everything necessary work on one's own.

How to choose the right grout mix

In order to avoid any problems during the grouting process, it is necessary from the very beginning to choose a mixture that is ideal in all respects. This seemingly insignificant nuance plays an important role, so you should pay attention to the following aspects:

The color of the grout is the main criterion that most people pay attention to in the first place. The color of the grout can both positively and negatively affect appearance the entire coverage. A universal option that is appropriate almost always - white. But in combination with colored tiles, it will not give the feeling of a single canvas. For this. you can choose a grout shade that is as close as possible to the color of the tile. Contrasting colors are used less often, since choosing the right combination can be very difficult.

Helpful advice! To get the grout of the desired shade, you can simply add to the base mix white color the right amount of color.

The composition and properties of the grout also play an important role. Depending on what components are included in the mixture, and it can be alabaster, gypsum, epoxy resins, Portland cements and others, the characteristics will also be different. Here you need to focus on what conditions the material will have to face.

So, for rooms with high humidity, for example, when it comes to a bathroom, you need to choose compositions that include water-repellent components. If the surface is subject to serious loads, then you should pay attention to the wear resistance of the composition. The best solution is epoxy mix.

The composition of the grout will differ depending on what surface it is intended for. For example, if we are talking about tiling the wall surface, ordinary grout is used, which, under significant loads, can wear out over time. For flooring, it is worth purchasing a more tenacious mixture, designed for constant contact with shoes, furniture, etc. The main thing is that the grout structure is not loose.

Technology for preparing grout for tile joints on the floor

Today, many different manufacturers are engaged in the production and sale of high-quality grout. Such wide range of allows you to choose the most suitable option for a particular situation. On sale you can find two types of grout for joints: dry powder and mass ready for application.

In the first case, the main difficulty is the dilution of the required amount of the mixture, since it can be difficult to understand exactly how much it may be needed. So the best way- dilute the powder little by little, gradually using it as needed. Usually, manufacturers indicate on the packaging as accurately as possible how much water needs to be added to obtain the desired consistency, but you can also adjust it yourself, by eye determining whether the result you get is tired.

The second option is a mass that is completely ready for use. It can usually be purchased in jars or small buckets. The main advantage of this solution is that there is no need to bother with breeding on your own and the ability to carry out all the necessary work as quickly as possible.

The disadvantages of the finished mass in the first place include a short shelf life. For this reason, leftovers that have not been used will most likely have to be thrown away. Given this, we can conclude that self-dilution of grout from a dry mix is more profitable.

If there is a desire to save money on the purchase of grout, you can consider the option of home cooking. To do this, you can use alabaster diluted with water to the consistency of a plastic mass. The main disadvantage of this option is the short service life, since usually such a grout crumbles quite strongly. You can add a gypsum mixture to strengthen it, but this will only slightly improve the situation.

How to grout the seams on the tile: the technique of applying the mixture

In order to apply the finished grout to the seams and bring it all into proper shape, you will need a container into which the solution will be poured, a brush, a construction mixer, as well as a foam rubber sponge and a small rubber spatula. It is best to dilute the grout gradually, in small portions and in a small container.

Helpful advice! Using a mixer is justified only if you have to work with a large area. In all other cases, to obtain the desired consistency of the mixture, it will be enough to mix it for some time with a spatula.

The grouting procedure is as follows:

Tiled joints with which to work must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, dust, and fungus. For this, a special tool is provided.
Using a brush previously dipped in water, the seams are soaked to increase the quality of adhesion between materials.
Then you need to split a small amount of grout in a prepared container.
Using a rubber spatula, the elastic mixture is applied to the seam so that the gap is completely filled. In this case, additional tamping is necessary to avoid the formation of voids.
All excess that has fallen on the tile can be easily removed with the same spatula.
To prevent future cracks, at this stage, the grout in the joints must be moistened with water.

Important! To provide maximum protection from the effects of water and the formation of fungus on the surface, it is recommended to additionally treat the places where the plinth will be laid with a sealant.

You need to understand that the procedure for grouting joints on the floor and walls is somewhat different. And if in the case of wall covering, the seams must be sealed from top to bottom, then for floor covering the rule applies - from the far corner to the exit. Before starting work, it can be extremely useful to watch a training video. Grouting floor tiles in this case will certainly be carried out better.

In order for the grout to dry completely, it is necessary to leave it for a day. And after that, you can proceed to the final processing of the seams. To do this, use special antiseptic agents that can prevent the appearance of fungus and mold, protecting all vulnerable areas of the coating.

One way or another, if we are talking about laying ceramic tiles on the floor, some moisture will accumulate on its surface and, over time, may begin to penetrate through the seams. To prevent this, use . Its application is the final stage of seaming, which provides the maximum level of protection.

Final cleaning of the tile surface before use

In order to start using the coating that resulted from the work, it is necessary to give it an attractive and complete appearance. The main task is to eliminate as much as possible all traces of excess mortar and putty. And since rubbing is usually carried out in several approaches, since the mastic tends to partially sag as a result of drying, surface cleaning should be done only at the very end.

In order to effectively clean the surface, you will need a foam sponge moistened with water. The tile must be wiped so that the grout, which is located on the surface of the tile, is slightly soaked. Then, using a scraper or the same spatula, you can remove all excess. All stains are easily washed off with a damp cloth or sponge.

Helpful advice! If a relief tile was laid, then it will be quite difficult to clean it with a sponge. In this case, it is best to use an old toothbrush.

It is best to clean the surface before the final drying of the grout occurs, since after that it will become very problematic to soften it. Of course, even in this case, it is possible to completely remove the excess, but the process will take much longer and require a lot of effort.

Scraping completely dried putty must be done very carefully, as it is very easy to damage the surface of the tile, especially if the tile surface is glossy. As for the relief surface, it will be almost impossible to remove dirt here, so this needs to be done as soon as possible.

Tips for caring for floor tiles

It may seem like all you need to know how to tile your bathroom floor is to get a beautiful, durable finish. But in fact, it is constant care that is the key to a long service life of the tile.

In this case, you need to learn two fundamental rules:

Only regular cleaning of the seams can guarantee the absence of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. At least once a month it is necessary to clean the grouts in the tiles on the floor. How exactly to do this, everyone decides for himself: you can resort to using special detergents or soapy water, you can also use vinegar or lemon. Chlorine is suitable for surface disinfection. In addition, a steam cleaner will do a wonderful job of cleaning.
If possible, you need to save the remains of the grout in order to be able to produce regular grout, which, one way or another, will be needed. Such re-grouting is done as needed if the old seams have darkened and cracked. In this case, the old putty is cleaned, after which the seams are treated with an antiseptic, and a new layer is applied. If it is also necessary to remove a layer of sealant, this can be done with a blade.

By following these simple recommendations, and regularly paying attention to the condition of the tiled coating, you can significantly extend the service life and keep it in its original appearance. It will also be useful to read recommendations and user reviews on the Internet on how to clean the seams between the tiles on the floor. Often on the forums you can find useful ideas and tips.

How much does it cost to put tiles on the floor: prices for services

If after you are fully familiar with how to properly tile your bathroom, the task still seems too daunting for you, it may make sense to seek help from professionals. Experts know exactly how to properly lay tiles in the bathroom, kitchen or corridor by any method and will cope with the task as quickly as possible.

So, it remains to find an offer at the most reasonable price. Many masters offer to lay tiles on the floor, but this service should not cost less than 550-600 rubles per 1 m². Of course, there are a huge number of masters whose services are much more expensive, so here the choice is solely up to the customer.

In any case, it will be useful to get acquainted with the pricing policy, and if such a cost seems excessive to you, then you can always read the instructions again, watch the video about laying tiles on the floor and try to do everything yourself.

Bathroom tile laying technology: video instruction

Having thoroughly familiarized yourself with how to lay tiles on the floor, as well as with how to properly grout the seams on the tile, in most cases you can get to work without hesitation. However, it can also be very useful to watch a training video, which demonstrates in detail each stage of the work and provides useful advice from experts in the field.

Laying tiles on the floor with your own hands is a very time-consuming process that requires some accuracy. If you follow all the rules and technologies, you will be able to get a reliable and durable floor covering. It should also be borne in mind that self-made repairs can significantly save the family budget.

The work is long, it will be divided into several stages, which are completely interconnected.

Tool

First of all, they are determined essential tool. You will need:

Hammer and rubber mallet.
Chisel.
A set of simple spatulas, as well as notched ones.
Trowel.
Level and roulette.
Tile cutter.
Tile adhesive, grout and sealant.
A set of crosses for creating even seams.
Container for water and solution.

Of course, depending on specific situation other devices may be needed.

Material Quantity Calculation

It is better to do this at the initial stage. Many people think that it is rather difficult to calculate floor tiles, but in reality everything is different. This is done by following principle:

The first thing that begins with the installation of tiles is the calculation of the number of tiles, so it is important to correctly perform this event

Define the parameters of the object. Its width and length. The total area is calculated.
The resulting indicator is divided by the area of the selected tile (several options can be calculated at once).
Ten percent is added to the amount received. This will be the necessary stock.

For example, the floor has a size of 3 * 3 meters. So the area will be nine square meters. A regular tile has a size of 30 * 30 cm. The resulting area of \u200b\u200bthe tile is converted into meters: 0.09 square meters. m. Total: 9: 0.09 + 10% = 110 pieces. When calculating trimming, the size of the seams is also taken into account.

On a note! Any large hardware store that sells tiles offers free services to calculate the required number of products.

Surface work

Laying floor tiles is possible only on a well-prepared surface. First, everything unnecessary is removed from the room. Removed old flooring. Communication is checked. This is what you should focus on. The fact is that all the water supply and drainage connections are done in advance. You should not engage in flooring until all problems in this area have been resolved. If possible, it is advisable to immediately hide the pipes.

When all technical procedures are completed, the surface leveling process begins. It is much easier to carry out work when it comes to new houses, apartments that have only screed-plaster. In old rooms - you have to try. The fact is that objects built many years ago can have a different basis. Sometimes you have to create a new surface.

On a note! When it comes to bathrooms, which are located in old apartment buildings, they pay attention to the baseboards. They are made from a durable cement mixture. They will have to be removed completely, along with the coating.

Floor preparation before tiling

After cleaning, there is a lot of dust and dirt that needs to be removed. Floor tiles - do not tolerate anything superfluous.
The surface is measured. It is done in order to determine the existing curvature. Small differences are allowed - no more than 5 mm per 2 meters. Any defects that are larger than the specified parameters need a more serious approach.
The situation will help to correct the leveling mixture. It is better to choose cement-sand compositions. This mixture is poured over the installed beacons. It turns out a flat and smooth base. But such a procedure is performed after all deep cracks and potholes are sealed.
The wooden floor needs the same approach. The only thing is that the procedure will be slightly different. First, the reliability of the lag and boards is checked. Next, the wood is impregnated oil paints. The cracks are pre-sealed with elastic putty. A layer of waterproofing will be laid on the dried surface. A reinforcing mesh is stretched from above. The prepared mixture is poured.
Do not forget about priming with penetrating compounds.

Priming the floor before laying the tiles ensures a stronger bond between the tiles and the floor surface.

On a note! Rooms with high humidity require more care. A prerequisite will be -. Materials for this can be used different. Some can be laid (film, roll), others can be applied with a roller and brush (liquid).

Indeed, laying floor tiles with your own hands requires a balanced approach to the surface. It cannot be hoped that small imperfections will be corrected by the final coating.

markup

There are two main ways to tile a floor. Each has its own characteristics.

The easiest option is that the installation starts from the far corner. The movement is towards the doorway. This method is suitable for small objects, as well as for rooms with complex geometry. Ideal for those who do not have enough experience.
A more complex version can also be used. In this case, lining starts from the middle. The surface is pre-marked - you need to get four identical squares or rectangles. The lines will run through the center, forming four corners. You should choose one, it will serve as a starting point for work. The material laid according to this principle will require trimming around the entire perimeter. Therefore, such manipulations are carried out with sufficient experience.

It is recommended to start work with a preliminary arrangement of elements. That is, the laying of tiles on the floor is carried out on a “dry” basis. This will help you figure everything out right away. Especially if there is a pattern that needs to be adjusted. It is important to consider the presence of seams. This method allows you to re-evaluate the size of the crop, and, if necessary, make adjustments.

Advice! When making primary calculations, pay attention to the areas that will be located along the walls. To obtain a beautiful floor surface, one should be guided by the principle that tiles should not be cut into narrow strips. The size should be more than 35-40% of the total width.

Laying

Laying ceramic tiles on the floor begins with the preparation of the adhesive. Even if a ready-made composition was purchased, it needs to be thoroughly mixed. When a dry mix is used, the recommendations provided by the manufacturer must be followed.

Do not immediately prepare a large supply of glue. Please note that the process can take a long time. Then the composition will begin to lose its properties. It will just freeze.

The work is carried out according to the following principle:

On a note! The space near the walls begins to close up at the last stage. This approach will help to reduce time, since in this case it will be possible to trim all the material at once.

It should be borne in mind that the technology of laying tiles on the floor does not allow the presence of voids. If such a defect is allowed to form, then the probability of damage to the coating is high.
Immediately wipe off excess glue from the surface. Otherwise, the adhesive will have to be removed with a special scraper.
The question often arises: how long does the laid material dry? It depends on the mixture used, but it is not recommended to walk on the floor for two days.
At the last stage, rubbing of seams is used. This procedure allows you to get beautiful gaps. When the need arises, a sealant is additionally applied.

If you analyze all the requirements and rules, it becomes clear that laying tiles on the floor is a difficult task, but doable.

Laying tiles on your own is not an easy task, and therefore, many trust it to professionals. But such a solution is quite expensive, and therefore, do-it-yourself work is far from uncommon. This is what helps step by step installation tiles.

An important factor in this case is the strict observance of the technology of work. AT total The whole process can be divided into 7 stages. More specifically, laying ceramic tiles on the floor is carried out in the following sequence:

First of all, the calculation of materials, their purchase and preparation of the tool is performed.
Next, you need to prepare the surface, in this case, the base is leveled and primed.
The next step is marking, which involves the rough layout of the tiles and the application of marks, in some cases, support stops.
The next step is laying, in particular the first row.
Further, the entire area is laid with solid tiles.
The next step is cutting the tiles and laying them.
And finally, the seams are grouted.

Thus, for the correct installation of tiles on the floor with your own hands detailed instructions are simply necessary. And then we will consider in more detail each of the stages of work.

Preparation of tools and materials

In the case when laying tiles with your own hands, you will need the following tool:

Master OK.
Several spatulas, in particular, notched, regular and rubber.
You should also arm yourself with several levels, small, up to 50 centimeters in size, and medium, up to 1 meter.
The next will be a rubber mallet.
Another necessary tool is a grinder or, since in most cases it is simply necessary to cut tiles. Here you can also note additional devices, such as wire cutters, sandpaper and needle files.
And the last device will be a container for the adhesive mixture.

We figured out the tool, now you should pay attention to the materials, or rather to their calculation and purchase.

In particular, for a correct calculation, it is not enough just to measure the surface area, factors such as:

Tile size.
The thickness of the adhesive layer.
Tile type.
Base material.
The presence of obstacles.

All these factors just need to be taken into account. In addition, if it is necessary to cut tiles, you should also pay attention to the size of the segments. Because if they are more than half the size of the tile, then for one such row, you will need to purchase twice as many tiles.

Usually, when calculating, 10-15% is added to the resulting number, which for the most part is enough to cover the cost of cutting, as well as cases of marriage (damage to tiles, incorrect cutting, etc.).

Speaking of the adhesive mixture, here the calculation is carried out based on the type of tile, the type of mixture itself, the size, and the required layer thickness, which is usually indicated on the package.

To calculate the required amount of grout and glue, you can use the calculators on our website:

We figured out this issue, now you can go directly to the technological process.

Surface preparation for laying

The first issue is the preparation of the foundation. It is very important to ensure that the surface is as even as possible, otherwise the ideal laying will not work. The main mistake is the myth that a little more glue can hide bumps, which is not true. High-quality laying is possible only on a flat base, and nothing else.

Before laying, it is first necessary to dismantle the old coating, if any, up to the very base. The next step is to form and .

The method of leveling the floor does not play a role here. This can be both, and, the arrangement of the "warm floor" system, etc. The main factor is the full compliance with the technology of work.

Also, all sills, skirting boards and other obstacles that may interfere with laying tiles close to the wall are subject to dismantling.

In some cases, it is possible to lay tiles on the floor without dismantling the old coating (in particular, provided that it is also a tile).

Surface marking

And the next step is the marking of the floor surface, which is especially important when laying uneven tiles. It is carried out as follows:

A straight line of the first row of tiles is marked. Since the laying is carried out starting from the far corner of the room, the markup is also accordingly.
Next are labels for the location of the material. In cases where tiles are laid without seams with a pattern, a complete drawing of the location of the elements is necessary.
An important factor is the laying at the entrance, in this case, the markings should be carried out in such a way that solid fragments lie at the doors; accordingly, it may be necessary to indent from the far wall.
An important factor in the markup is the accounting of which also plays a role.
You can also carry out a preliminary layout of the tiles on the surface, for more accurate marking.

Laying tiles diagonally

The beginning of laying and filling the area with solid fragments.

After the markup is done, you can start laying ceramic tiles with your own hands. To begin with, we will directly analyze the arrangement of the first row and the further laying of solid fragments, after which we will move on to cutting and final laying.

So, let's look at how the tiles are laid, step-by-step instruction in this case will be the best helper:

First of all, you need to prepare the adhesive mixture. Difficulties should not arise here. We do everything in accordance with the instructions on the package. In this case, the amount of mixing should not exceed that required for a plot of 1 square meter.
Now, armed with a notched trowel, apply a layer of glue to the floor surface. For greater reliability, you can also apply a layer on the tile itself, in this case, the grooves of the mixture on the surfaces should be perpendicular to each other.
We put the first tile on the glue, after which we press it lowering it to the required level. Next, you need to align it to the ideal horizontal position, which is checked using the building level.
For leveling, a rubber hammer is used, with the help of which, with light taps, the tile is more tightly pressed against the surface.
It is important to do everything quickly and accurately. After laying, it is highly undesirable to remove the tile from the surface.
So, the first tile is laid and leveled. Now you can start laying the next ones.
In the same way as in the first case, glue is applied, and the tile is laid on the floor. Next, alignment is carried out according to the level of the first element. You can add some glue if needed.
After the final shrinkage of the tiles, the excess mixture is removed.
It is important not to forget about or special, to form the same seams over the entire surface.
It should be placed either in the corners, at the intersection, or with an indent of 2-3 centimeters from the edge of the tile.
All gaps between the tiles should be immediately cleaned of excess adhesive, since after it dries, cleaning will be almost impossible.
In the same way, the laying of large tiles is carried out.
Further, the base area is completely covered with whole fragments.

On this, this phase is completed, and you can move on. Before that, it is necessary to let the glue grab and harden to such an extent that it is possible to walk on the coating. It is advisable to leave the masonry for a day, and then continue to work.

Cutting tiles and laying the remaining fragments

The next step is cutting the missing fragments of the coating. Several tools can be used to cut tiles, depending on the type and thickness of the tile. In some cases, the use of a glass cutter is also acceptable, in others it can only be handled with the help of a grinder. And for porcelain tiles you will need already.

Having chosen a tool, you must first take all the necessary measurements and make marks on the tile. All marks are drawn from the back. Having marked the tile, you can start cutting. Since the process is quite dusty, it is desirable to carry it out on the street.

If it is necessary to cut uneven fragments, for example, arcuate ones, a machine with a diamond wheel or a special tile cutter-nippers is used.

The cutting process itself is carried out as follows:

The tile must be firmly fixed so that it does not stagger or vibrate when cutting.
After that, following the marked marks, cutting is performed.

In the case of using a special tile cutter, it includes a special platform for fixing and limiters, with which you can indicate the direction of cutting.

Grouting tiles

And the last stage is grouting. It can not be carried out only in the case of seamless tiling.

To start it, you must wait until the adhesive mixture has completely dried, and then completely remove the crosses and other auxiliary materials from the surface, if any.

Before starting, we carry out a complete cleaning of the surface, which can be done with a vacuum cleaner, and proceed. The process itself is carried out as follows:

Cover the edges of the tile with masking tape. This is done if the tile is dull and the pores are large and to avoid contamination and reduce the amount of tile cleaning work when using epoxy grouts.
The next step is to dilute the grout, and apply it with a rubber spatula.
Movements are performed perpendicular to the seam, while with pressure, in order to completely fill the seam with the composition.
After that, the excess solution is removed, the seam at the same time is slightly deepened and leveled.
After complete drying, the adhesive tape is removed and the surface of the tile is wiped with a damp sponge.

Cladding walls and floors with tiles has become an almost indispensable element in home improvement. Ancillary facilities such as bathrooms, toilets and kitchens are especially demanding in this regard. And the point is not only in the ease of maintenance of surfaces, but also in the ability to arrange decorative trim using various patterns of paintings or mosaic panels. This design is always presentable and beautiful. In this article, we will tell you in detail how to lay tiles with your own hands.

Preparatory work

Even having thoroughly mastered the cladding technology, you can ruin any idea by choosing the wrong cladding material.

In this article, we will try to pay attention to a number of features of this process in order to avoid such a situation.

Like any construction operation, the installation of a finishing coating on walls and floors requires a certain sequence of actions, the final result depends on the precise implementation of which. A technology describing how to lay tiles might look like this:

Wall preparation

Before laying tiles on the wall, you must:

remove the old wall covering, if it is the same material - it is alternately pry with a spatula and torn off, the remnants of the old adhesive composition must be carefully removed. old paint it needs to be treated with a special solution, after a few hours it will swell and it can be removed with a scraper. If the paint still remains on the walls, you need to heat it with a building hair dryer (up to 600 degrees) and remove it;
make an audit of the quality of the coating, cut the cracks, cover them with putty, along with the slaughter. When the plaster mortar hardens, sand the repair areas with sandpaper;
apply a layer of primer to the surface. It can be prepared from tile adhesive by diluting a glass of the mixture in 8 - 10 liters of water. Particular attention should be paid to removing oil and grease stains from the surface, if any;
measure the deviations of the angles from the vertical, if possible, eliminate their curvature and deviations. To do this, you can use plaster, a popular way is to install a waterproof plasterboard.

Removing old tiles can be a serious problem due to the high labor intensity of the process. Therefore, many consider the question, is it possible to lay tiles on tiles? With regard to wall decoration, we can say unequivocally - this method of cladding is not used. The reason for this is the low adhesion of adhesives to the glossy front surface of the old coating. Of course, you can choose an adhesive for such a case, but there is no guarantee that the tightening forces of such adhesives will not break the old adhesive layer and both layers will not fall off.

It is possible to lay tiles on tiles on the floor, but at the same time, the requirement of SNiP must be observed, indicating that the floor level in the bathroom should be 10-15 mm lower than in the adjacent rooms. And the thickness of ceramic granite or tiled floors of the 4th category of strength tiles will be, together with the adhesive layer, about 20 mm.

Selection of tools and fixtures

For wall tiling you will need:

container for glue;
nozzle and drill for stirring it;
glass cutter and grinder - cutting tiles;
trowel - for applying glue to the wall, lining;
notched spatulas - for leveling the composition on surfaces;
construction level;
a set of crosses and wedges for positioning tiles at the installation site;
rubber mallet - for aligning parts along the plane;
rubber spatula - for leveling and removing excess grout;
foam rubber sponge - for cleaning tiles from adhesive residue, grouting in the course of work;
roulette;
ruler and marker for marking parts before cutting;
file flat and round (semicircular) - for processing break surfaces and openings for communications;
core drills for making holes.

Other tools may be needed, in particular, wire cutters or pliers to break off thin cuts.