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Tommy Walsh's DIY Guide
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Tommy Walsh's DIY Guide (2001)(Empire).iso
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t11d.txt
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1998-10-07
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Summary
Laying ceramic floor tiles requires quite
a lot of preparation. See these 8 steps
for more information:
1 Bisecting the room
2 Finding the centre of the room
3 Dry laying the key tile
4 Dry laying the other tiles
5 Laying the adhesive
6 Laying the tiles
7 Cutting tiles
8 Grouting
Tools
Tape measure, spreader, spoon handle
Materials
Chalk, spacers, adhesive, grout.
Step 1 - Bisecting the room
Floor tiling is always done from the centre of
the room outwards Never tile away from a wall, as
the results will not be as aesthetically pleasing.
The first thing to do is to measure two opposing
walls and mark their midpoints. Join the midpoints
of these walls with a chalk line.
Step 2 - Finding the centre of the room
At the first lineÆs midpoint bisect it with another
chalk line. Make sure this line is at a right angle
to the first. This is the centre of the room.
Step 3 - Dry laying the key tile
The first tile can be laid in any of the positions
shown below. If you wish to centre the tile on a
particular room feature, adjust one of the lines
accordingly.
Step 4 - Dry laying the other tiles
ItÆs worth dry laying the tiles so you can get
an idea of how the pattern will look. Also try
and avoid having less than half a tile at either
end as cutting slivers off the end of tiles is
very difficult. Adjust the key tile accordingly.
Remember to use spacers between the gaps for an
even finish.
Step 5 - Laying the adhesive
From your starting point lay the adhesive in 10sq ft
blocks. Create a ribbed effect with the spreader.
Step 6 - Laying the tiles
Use a slight twisting motion as you set the tiles
in place. Ensure they are evenly spaced using your
spacers. Try not to walk on the area for at least
24 hours. You should also wait 24 hours before
laying the edge tiles.
Step 7 - Cutting tiles
The methods used for cutting floor tiles are
similar to those for wall tiles. Bear in mind that
they are much thicker and can be, therefore, harder
to cut.
Step 8 - Grouting
Wait for about 24 hours before grouting. If you are
using ready mixed grout use small quantities because
it sets quickly. Force the grout well into the
cracks. Make sure you wipe away the excess grout
and buff up periodically to stop it covering the
tile surface. Smooth off the gaps with the handle
of a wooden spoon or something similar.