Ways of laying tiles on the floor: 8 layout options
Tile materials for interior work are presented on the construction market in a huge assortment. Each type of demanded raw material has its own characteristics and operational characteristics. A variety of textures, sizes, manufacturing techniques allows you to use many methods of laying tiles on the floor. Some manufacturers produce whole fragments of companions in series, which makes it possible to decorate surfaces with an identical pattern. In order to successfully update the interior and conduct high-quality tile laying, it is necessary to understand the types of material and follow certain rules when carrying out repair work.
All material proposed by manufacturers can be divided into two types. These are extruded and extruded options. Separation by the principle of manufacture is necessary to select the appropriate material for laying in certain conditions. Also, floor tiles can have a glazed coating or remain in their natural form.
You can make any room comfortable and unique using the following types of tiled products:
Simple ceramic tiles. Due to the coating of colored glass, the elements get extra hardness. Available unglazed and with an additional layer of enamel. It has many halftones and excellent water resistance.
Porous. Receive a single firing. Due to the high degree of moisture absorption, it is used only indoors.
Porcelain tile. A product with a homogeneous structure based on kaolin and quartz. The outer coating has a glass sheen and a solid structure. High impact strength, resistance to intense loads allows you to use it for laying in industrial enterprises.
Metlakhskaya. Unglazed elements are made by pressing after a single firing. Material with high performance properties is used for street and home masonry.The incredible durability of the picture is explained by the staining technology - each brick is saturated with paint through.
Cotto. Thick, effective material, up to 3 cm thick. Enamel is not provided, so the tile requires constant care. To reduce porosity, after installation it is treated with hydrophobic compounds and mastic.
Clinker. They are made from several types of clay, binders and dyes. Durable product quietly in contact with chemical irritants, any natural factors. Universal finish has a uniform texture, unlimited service life.
Monoccotour. Most often used for decorative finishes, laying out certain patterns, despite the low degree of moisture absorption and dense structure. Elements of monocoturia are subject to shrinkage, may vary in size in different lots.
Ways of laying tiles on the floor - technology and features
Laying floor tiles is one of the most popular and rational solutions for repairs. Due to the variety of types, sizes, drawings, you can update the floors in any room, on the veranda, in the garage. You can lay the material in different ways. But it is worth considering that working with each type of product has its own nuances. Difficulties can arise in driving elements, their pattern, when preparing the base, adhesive composition. It is better for novice masters to do styling according to a simple, standard scheme.
Traditional way
The most common form of laying products on the floor involves their parallel location relative to the base. Elements are tightly laid in even rows. You can create a perfectly even pattern from a square, rectangular tile.
To masonry had an original look, use tiles of different colors. When carrying out work, it is necessary to lay out long or short parts as evenly as possible, since even the slightest flaws will be striking.The traditional method is suitable for seamless ceramics, it is used when laying out coatings in the bathroom, toilet, and kitchen.
Offset or spaced
The laying method looks like brickwork. It is often used when decorating floors in rooms. Plain rectangular elements laid out with a slight offset will look especially good. This is a great way to mask floor defects, to avoid general monotony.
Tiled masonry will create a historic atmosphere in the house. Experimenting in the preparation of a diagram with dimensions, you can achieve a special pattern suitable for a specific room design. Tiles are laid on the floor only in horizontal rows. Each middle of the elements from the next strip should lie on the junction of the square from the previous row.
To achieve a real aesthetic pleasure from the result, the calculation with the offset must be done with strict adherence to the thickness of the seams. In the corridor or on the terrace, the diagonal masonry will look original. In this case, the tile is distributed on the surface at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the wall.
Before you start laying out the tiles, you must definitely determine the floor level. To do this, lay lighthouse plates in the corners, make a screed. If necessary, the tiles are leveled with a rubber mallet.
Herringbone
Rectangular elements of various lengths are suitable for work. The method is quite complicated in execution, but the end result will surprise with its originality. The herringbone tile can be laid out in two ways. The first will look like parquet; for the second, mosaic inserts or cut pieces of elements of a different color will be additionally used.
The technique of laying “herringbone” consists in joining the narrow side of the material with the wide side of another tile to form angles of 90 degrees.By choosing the right pattern, you can make a durable tiled floor with an imitation of the pattern of laminate flooring. This method is used to improve the rooms of irregular shape, because the picture creates an optical illusion and smooths out the difference in the size of the room.
The laying pattern can be single - each new tile is in contact with the adjacent one, double - in a row of two rectangular tiles, a triple - resembles weaving, each row consists of 3 fragments. The diagonal arrangement of parts on the floor creates not only a stunning pattern, but also minimizes waste during work.
Modular styling
A simple way is the best option for training work with floor tiles. A picture of several modules of different sizes looks interesting and original. It will look great in small rooms.
First of all, the laying scheme, the size of the modules and the figure are selected. When creating a drawing, it is important to take into account the thickness of the seams, otherwise all work will be damaged. To simplify the task, you can immediately purchase a set of tiles with a finished map for a certain quadrature.
The basic principle of the modular styling method is a repeatedly repeated heterogeneous pattern. Elements must belong to the same series, but be of different sizes. More often products are chosen with the same texture, but it is possible to use tiles of different colors. Products with the “modulare” marking are suitable for modular layout.
The way "maze"
The styling method refers to the art, creating a complex pattern on the ceramic floor. The formed intricate weaving gives the impression of a shrouded square center with several oblong bricks. To enhance the effect, the tile in the middle should be different in color. Subject to the correct selection of shades to the color scheme of the interior, the surface design will look more than solid.
For the correct determination of the material, it is necessary to lay out one tile pattern at the point of sale, and calculate the required number of elements on the spot. To choose a combination of shades of flooring, you must take into account certain rules when choosing a material. In darkened rooms with no windows, a dark center and a light edging will look better. A drawing formed in this way in the hallway will visually highlight areas of the floor.
Deck masonry
For installation, tiles of elongated rectangular shape with a pattern that imitates the texture of the deck board are used. Due to the variety of ceramic products that are most similar to wood materials, any parquet layouts can be used. Specifically, this method involves a straight-line laying with a slight displacement.
When installing the tile, the shear length along the entire plane must be maintained equally. Such a tile will look as natural as possible. The calculation technology differs from the offset method with the distance of the shift itself. An element from the next row does not go sideways not half the previous, but only a few centimeters, leaving most of the module.
To make the floor look visually wooden, you need to choose a rectangular tile with a structured pattern of natural material. The absence of a glazed surface will make the resemblance as accurate as possible.
Carpet laying
A patterned carpet of tiles is a rather complicated way of laying out, despite the existence of simple patterns and ornaments. So that the result of the work does not disappoint, it is necessary to carefully select all the elements, their color, size, quantity. Laying in the "carpet" technique involves a large number of trimmings.
At least three colors are used to create a tile pattern. First create a sketch. If all sizes coincide in area with the room, transfer it to transparent paper for patterns and mark the prepared surface.Then, right on the floor, tile lining is assembled from many simple and curly details.
It is better to implement such projects in large areas. Any room will be suitable. But a tile carpet will look better, not lined with furniture, rugs, flowers, various floor decor.
The method of laying "kaleidoscope"
A great way to create a medieval atmosphere or to hide the ugly slope of the room. The same size elements, but different colors, take part in the kaleidoscope picture. If the plane is large, it is better to choose shades from one spectrum, the maximum can be taken adjacent. The main thing is that the contrast is soft. It is necessary that the proportional quantitative ratio of all tiles is the same. For this, the total number of participating modules is divided by the number of colors.
For small and medium-sized tiles, another layout option is used in the "kaleidoscope" technique. You will need to purchase a finished tile panel and lay it on the floor. Then the elements from the extreme 3 rows from all sides are interchanged and rotated 180 degrees. The effect of blurring the edges will be better visible in a small room.
Features of laying tiles on different surfaces
Before starting flooring, it is necessary to study the basic rules and possible combinations of tiles with different surfaces. To lay out ceramics, even in the simplest technique, you must have the necessary tools, considerable theoretical knowledge, and the skill to work with adhesive mixtures. It is also necessary to provide for all possible negative reactions of tiles and surfaces in contact, options for eliminating errors.
Rules for laying and preparation on a concrete base
The concrete surface is an excellent base for tiles. It has a strong, rough structure with high adhesion. But concrete floors can be different, so before starting work, you should determine their type.The styling quality will depend on this. Foam concrete, expanded clay concrete, polystyrene concrete are taken as a concrete base. Each type of material has its own properties, features. To a greater extent, the final result is affected by the strength of the base.
Laying floor tiles is only possible on a clean and even concrete base. If the subfloor has bulges and indentations, laying a cement-sand screed will be required. Working with a defective surface will significantly increase the consumption of glue. To improve the adhesion of materials, the finished base must be treated with soil. Also, with the help of special solutions, concrete can be protected from mold damage.
Before laying the tiles on a concrete base, waterproofing should be applied, especially if the room is exposed to moisture. It can be a rolled self-adhesive film or bituminous mastic. The process of laying tiles takes place using special plastic crosses for seams. The finished glue is applied to concrete and to the lining itself with a notched trowel, the materials are joined and lightly pressed.
Rules for laying and preparing a wooden base
The only explanation for laying tiles on natural wood is ease of care. Due to the significant run-up in the service life of the materials being joined, such a floor can become cracked after 5 years. If the installation option is unavoidable, you need to carefully approach the choice of facing material. These should be elements with a minimum amount of chemical additives.
Preparation of the base from the boards consists in its leveling. Leaky wooden elements must be replaced. It is very important to treat the surface so that the subfloor is not mobile and susceptible to temperature extremes. Above the moving wooden base, a special flooring must be installed using the dry leveling method. Also, laying waterproofing and reinforcing is mandatory.
Tiles can only be laid on a flat and solid base.If there are grooves or other corrugated patterns on the back of the tile, such as, for example, the “boar” cladding, the adhesive strips from the notched trowel should be perpendicular. You can start grouting the joints after 3 days after installation.
The choice of adhesive
Compositions for gluing floor tiles can be purchased in dry or ready-made form. Bulk mixtures suggest subsequent dilution with water right before laying the material. They are sold in bags, bags. It is necessary to prepare the glue at home according to the instructions, strictly observing the proportions. The advantage of the dry mass use option is the ability to plant only the required amount of material for installation, reasonable price.
Ready mixes are released in plastic buckets or cans. They are already ready for application; upon contact with air, they begin to harden. Because of the high cost, they are purchased only if it is necessary to lay a tile on a small area for repair work on an already finished coating. With certain skills, any glue mixture can be replaced with a cement-sand mortar.
How to calculate the required amount
Any construction or repair work begins with the choice of design, selection of material and calculation of its quantity. A large assortment of tiles, their colors, textures makes it difficult to solve such a problem, especially if the floor has non-standard geometry. When making calculations, it is important to know the future size, pattern of elements.
You can determine the required number of tiles for one room in the following ways:
By the area of the room. Suitable for plain, one-dimensional elements. First, the area of the room is determined, 10% is added to the obtained value to create a stock of material. The final figure is divided by the area of one tile. This method of counting online is available on many sites of ceramic manufacturers and in special programs.
With diagonal styling.Such a laying technique increases the consumption of tiles, so 15% is added to the room area.
By the number of rows. The width, length of the room and the parameters of one tiled part are determined. Then the length of the room is divided by the length of the tiles, with the width they act accordingly. The resulting figure is rounded up, add stock.
The method of piece counting. Used when laying the floor with an expensive coating, elements of a complex panel, since the method gives a minimum error in the calculations. Determine the parameters of the room, one tiled instance. Then calculate the number of rows and tiles in each.
How to cut tiles
When laying tiles on the floor, it is often necessary to trim them. To get elements of a non-standard shape, make curly cuts, reduce material, resort to its division into parts in various ways. When working with electrical appliances, wear a protective apron and gloves. At home, you can cut the floor tiles with the following tools:
Manual tile cutter. Makes straight cuts;
Electric. Quickly and accurately creates holes with straight lines;
Jigsaw. Cuts dense tiles into complex paths;
Bulgarian. Creates straight cuts and rectangular holes;
Manual glass cutter. Cope with thin, porous elements;
Drill. Special drills and nozzles simplify work on even trimming and manufacturing curly products.
The choice of mixture for grouting
The cladding will take on a complete aesthetic appearance if its seams are properly wiped. The final stage of finishing the floor will help to hide the formed defects, protect the cracks from dust and moisture. When carrying out grouting, the technology must be strictly followed. The choice of material will depend on the size of the gaps.
If the seams between the elements are wide, more than 5 mm, it is better to choose a resin-based mastic for grouting.A small space at the joints must be covered with moisture-resistant cement-based compounds. Places in contact with the wall must be treated with silicone sealant.
Grouting performs not only practical, but also decorative functions. The material of the desired shade can be bought ready-made or made with your own hand. Pure white grouts are used if you need to hide irregularities during installation and other defects. With perfect styling, the design of the seams in contrasting colors will look beautiful.
Technology and stages of self-laying tiles on the floor
The work of laying tiles on the floor takes a long time, the process is divided into several stages. To achieve the best result, it is necessary to act carefully, with the exact observance of the rules and technologies. Installation of tile materials can be carried out indoors only at an acceptable temperature. The optimum mark is + 20 degrees.
Necessary materials and tools
Installation of tiles will not be difficult even for a beginner, if you work with high-quality materials. First of all, they calculate the number of elements and buy a cladding. For the kitchen or living rooms, you can take tiles with minimal moisture resistance, for the bathroom, pool, outdoor terrace, an option with improved characteristics is needed. Also, the following tools will be required for styling:
Level;
Notched trowel, trowel;
Nippers;
Suitable tile cutter;
Special crosses for tiles;
Rule
Bulgarian;
Rubber spatula;
Hammer for tiles;
Roulette;
Kapron sponge.
Base preparation and marking
Laying floor tiles is carried out on an exceptionally flat base. First they remove the old floor, remove construction debris and dust. Then check the serviceability of communications. If there are old concrete skirting boards, they should be disposed of.
Before starting work, you must make sure that the surface meets all the requirements.If any irregularities are found, they can be leveled with a screed. At the next stage, a primer treatment is carried out. You can choose any penetrating composition suitable for the type of base.
Experts recommend starting to lay the tiles from the center, and not from the walls, as this can minimize the likelihood of errors. It is better to use the laser level to perform floor marking. With it, you can draw quite accurate lines without moving the device.
The axis line is drawn first, then the central points of the two walls are determined - with the front door and the opposite. Connect them in a straight line. Then, a perpendicular line is drawn through the center. Now you can make supporting transfers to the remaining sectors of the floor. Before mounting the elements on the glue make test masonry.
Adhesive preparation
Properly selected and diluted composition is a guarantee of high-quality styling, eliminating displacement. First of all, good grip depends on the correct kneading. It is difficult to distribute the insufficiently mixed, thick mixture on the surface, it will take more time to finish, the glue will dry unevenly.
To mix dry mash at home, you will need two buckets - one empty, the second with water, dry tile glue, a construction mixer. 2 liters of water are poured into an empty container, the amount of dry glue is poured in accordance with the instructions, the mixer is lowered into the mass and mixed at the lowest speed. The desired consistency can be achieved by adding a liquid or powder mixture. To make the solution homogeneous and plastic, it needs to stand for 10-15 minutes.
The process of laying and working with crosses
When the surface is prepared, the adhesive solution is infused, you can proceed to lay the tiles on the floor. The glue is applied to the base and well leveled with a notched trowel. The size of the grater for the manufacture of grooves is selected in accordance with the parameters of the tiles.If the installation is done according to the marking, it is better to apply a lot of glue at once, so as not to close the drawn lines. In the same way, the application of a pasty composition to the elements of the tile takes place. But spreading with a gear trowel should be perpendicular to the drawing on the base. This will allow you to not leave air voids when docking.
To tile held better, applying to the base, it is pressed and simultaneously moved in different directions. If necessary, ceramic parts can be hit with a rubber mallet. It is necessary to continuously monitor the level of coverage, especially when adding new elements.
When facing, plastic crosses are placed in each tile floor. They are clamped between the dies to maintain an identical distance between them. They will be there until the glue has completely dried.
Grouting - mixture application technique
To give the new tiled surface a finished appearance and protect the concrete base from the influence of external factors, grout the joints. To do this, use special mixtures intended for the finish treatment of tile surfaces.
The voids between the elements can be filled with white, gray or multi-colored material. Powdered mixtures are diluted with water, if necessary add bright pigment. Then the mixture is well kneaded and applied with a small rubber spatula, trying to completely fill the entire gap. The excess mass must be removed immediately before it dries. If grouting is carried out over a large area, it is better to use a special smoothing machine to distribute the thick mass.
Final tile cleaning before use
After all installation and grouting, floor tiles can be prepared for use. The mixture for finishing the seams must be removed no later than 30 minutes after its application, otherwise it will harden, and you will have to use a spatula or chemical aggressive agents to remove it.
After the grout hardens, a final rinse can be used. If the mixture was liquid, you must wait for it to dry completely. Dust and fine spray can be removed with a damp sponge or a simple dry cloth. Thoroughly mopping the newly laid floor is highly discouraged. You can shift the elements, increase the drying time of the glue.
Useful tips from experts
When choosing a material, you must carefully study the characteristics of each type of tile. They must meet the needs of the owners. It is necessary to take into account the degree of strength, thickness, the need for a glazed coating.
The texture of the floor tiles should be moderate. Slight ribbing will prevent slipping. If the patterns and grooves protrude strongly, this can complicate the cleaning process. Gloss will emphasize even the smallest pollution.
The adhesive composition for the installation of tiles is best diluted in small portions. If unforeseen circumstances arise and the installation process is slowed down, it will not be able to dry. For mixing use only cold water. Hot liquid will degrade the quality of the adhesive.
It is possible to lay material only on an even clean floor, door trim and a plinth must be removed. It’s easier to work along the guide lines. The resulting gap between the extreme row of tiles and the wall can be hidden with a skirting board or you will have to glue a ceramic strip.
Conclusion
Ceramic tile manufacturers recommend starting the installation work with a detailed plan. First of all, you need to choose a design and a suitable caliber of products. It is necessary to take into account the geometric features of the room, the level of lighting, the degree of mechanical load. Due to the huge assortment, a variety of types, formats, installation can be carried out using any scheme you like.
Tile materials for interior work are presented on the construction market in a huge assortment. Each type of demanded raw material has its own characteristics and operational characteristics. A variety of textures, sizes, manufacturing techniques allows you to use many methods of laying tiles on the floor. Some manufacturers produce whole fragments of companions in series, which makes it possible to decorate surfaces with an identical pattern. In order to successfully update the interior and conduct high-quality tile laying, it is necessary to understand the types of material and follow certain rules when carrying out repair work.
Content
Types of floor tiles
All material proposed by manufacturers can be divided into two types. These are extruded and extruded options. Separation by the principle of manufacture is necessary to select the appropriate material for laying in certain conditions. Also, floor tiles can have a glazed coating or remain in their natural form.
You can make any room comfortable and unique using the following types of tiled products:
Ways of laying tiles on the floor - technology and features
Laying floor tiles is one of the most popular and rational solutions for repairs. Due to the variety of types, sizes, drawings, you can update the floors in any room, on the veranda, in the garage. You can lay the material in different ways. But it is worth considering that working with each type of product has its own nuances. Difficulties can arise in driving elements, their pattern, when preparing the base, adhesive composition. It is better for novice masters to do styling according to a simple, standard scheme.
Traditional way
The most common form of laying products on the floor involves their parallel location relative to the base. Elements are tightly laid in even rows. You can create a perfectly even pattern from a square, rectangular tile.
To masonry had an original look, use tiles of different colors. When carrying out work, it is necessary to lay out long or short parts as evenly as possible, since even the slightest flaws will be striking.The traditional method is suitable for seamless ceramics, it is used when laying out coatings in the bathroom, toilet, and kitchen.
Offset or spaced
The laying method looks like brickwork. It is often used when decorating floors in rooms. Plain rectangular elements laid out with a slight offset will look especially good. This is a great way to mask floor defects, to avoid general monotony.
Tiled masonry will create a historic atmosphere in the house. Experimenting in the preparation of a diagram with dimensions, you can achieve a special pattern suitable for a specific room design. Tiles are laid on the floor only in horizontal rows. Each middle of the elements from the next strip should lie on the junction of the square from the previous row.
To achieve a real aesthetic pleasure from the result, the calculation with the offset must be done with strict adherence to the thickness of the seams. In the corridor or on the terrace, the diagonal masonry will look original. In this case, the tile is distributed on the surface at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the wall.
Herringbone
Rectangular elements of various lengths are suitable for work. The method is quite complicated in execution, but the end result will surprise with its originality. The herringbone tile can be laid out in two ways. The first will look like parquet; for the second, mosaic inserts or cut pieces of elements of a different color will be additionally used.
The technique of laying “herringbone” consists in joining the narrow side of the material with the wide side of another tile to form angles of 90 degrees.By choosing the right pattern, you can make a durable tiled floor with an imitation of the pattern of laminate flooring. This method is used to improve the rooms of irregular shape, because the picture creates an optical illusion and smooths out the difference in the size of the room.
The laying pattern can be single - each new tile is in contact with the adjacent one, double - in a row of two rectangular tiles, a triple - resembles weaving, each row consists of 3 fragments. The diagonal arrangement of parts on the floor creates not only a stunning pattern, but also minimizes waste during work.
Modular styling
A simple way is the best option for training work with floor tiles. A picture of several modules of different sizes looks interesting and original. It will look great in small rooms.
First of all, the laying scheme, the size of the modules and the figure are selected. When creating a drawing, it is important to take into account the thickness of the seams, otherwise all work will be damaged. To simplify the task, you can immediately purchase a set of tiles with a finished map for a certain quadrature.
The basic principle of the modular styling method is a repeatedly repeated heterogeneous pattern. Elements must belong to the same series, but be of different sizes. More often products are chosen with the same texture, but it is possible to use tiles of different colors. Products with the “modulare” marking are suitable for modular layout.
The way "maze"
The styling method refers to the art, creating a complex pattern on the ceramic floor. The formed intricate weaving gives the impression of a shrouded square center with several oblong bricks. To enhance the effect, the tile in the middle should be different in color. Subject to the correct selection of shades to the color scheme of the interior, the surface design will look more than solid.
For the correct determination of the material, it is necessary to lay out one tile pattern at the point of sale, and calculate the required number of elements on the spot. To choose a combination of shades of flooring, you must take into account certain rules when choosing a material. In darkened rooms with no windows, a dark center and a light edging will look better. A drawing formed in this way in the hallway will visually highlight areas of the floor.
Deck masonry
For installation, tiles of elongated rectangular shape with a pattern that imitates the texture of the deck board are used. Due to the variety of ceramic products that are most similar to wood materials, any parquet layouts can be used. Specifically, this method involves a straight-line laying with a slight displacement.
When installing the tile, the shear length along the entire plane must be maintained equally. Such a tile will look as natural as possible. The calculation technology differs from the offset method with the distance of the shift itself. An element from the next row does not go sideways not half the previous, but only a few centimeters, leaving most of the module.
Carpet laying
A patterned carpet of tiles is a rather complicated way of laying out, despite the existence of simple patterns and ornaments. So that the result of the work does not disappoint, it is necessary to carefully select all the elements, their color, size, quantity. Laying in the "carpet" technique involves a large number of trimmings.
At least three colors are used to create a tile pattern. First create a sketch. If all sizes coincide in area with the room, transfer it to transparent paper for patterns and mark the prepared surface.Then, right on the floor, tile lining is assembled from many simple and curly details.
It is better to implement such projects in large areas. Any room will be suitable. But a tile carpet will look better, not lined with furniture, rugs, flowers, various floor decor.
The method of laying "kaleidoscope"
A great way to create a medieval atmosphere or to hide the ugly slope of the room. The same size elements, but different colors, take part in the kaleidoscope picture. If the plane is large, it is better to choose shades from one spectrum, the maximum can be taken adjacent. The main thing is that the contrast is soft. It is necessary that the proportional quantitative ratio of all tiles is the same. For this, the total number of participating modules is divided by the number of colors.
For small and medium-sized tiles, another layout option is used in the "kaleidoscope" technique. You will need to purchase a finished tile panel and lay it on the floor. Then the elements from the extreme 3 rows from all sides are interchanged and rotated 180 degrees. The effect of blurring the edges will be better visible in a small room.
Features of laying tiles on different surfaces
Before starting flooring, it is necessary to study the basic rules and possible combinations of tiles with different surfaces. To lay out ceramics, even in the simplest technique, you must have the necessary tools, considerable theoretical knowledge, and the skill to work with adhesive mixtures. It is also necessary to provide for all possible negative reactions of tiles and surfaces in contact, options for eliminating errors.
Rules for laying and preparation on a concrete base
The concrete surface is an excellent base for tiles. It has a strong, rough structure with high adhesion. But concrete floors can be different, so before starting work, you should determine their type.The styling quality will depend on this. Foam concrete, expanded clay concrete, polystyrene concrete are taken as a concrete base. Each type of material has its own properties, features. To a greater extent, the final result is affected by the strength of the base.
Laying floor tiles is only possible on a clean and even concrete base. If the subfloor has bulges and indentations, laying a cement-sand screed will be required. Working with a defective surface will significantly increase the consumption of glue. To improve the adhesion of materials, the finished base must be treated with soil. Also, with the help of special solutions, concrete can be protected from mold damage.
Before laying the tiles on a concrete base, waterproofing should be applied, especially if the room is exposed to moisture. It can be a rolled self-adhesive film or bituminous mastic. The process of laying tiles takes place using special plastic crosses for seams. The finished glue is applied to concrete and to the lining itself with a notched trowel, the materials are joined and lightly pressed.
Rules for laying and preparing a wooden base
The only explanation for laying tiles on natural wood is ease of care. Due to the significant run-up in the service life of the materials being joined, such a floor can become cracked after 5 years. If the installation option is unavoidable, you need to carefully approach the choice of facing material. These should be elements with a minimum amount of chemical additives.
Preparation of the base from the boards consists in its leveling. Leaky wooden elements must be replaced. It is very important to treat the surface so that the subfloor is not mobile and susceptible to temperature extremes. Above the moving wooden base, a special flooring must be installed using the dry leveling method. Also, laying waterproofing and reinforcing is mandatory.
Tiles can only be laid on a flat and solid base.If there are grooves or other corrugated patterns on the back of the tile, such as, for example, the “boar” cladding, the adhesive strips from the notched trowel should be perpendicular. You can start grouting the joints after 3 days after installation.
The choice of adhesive
Compositions for gluing floor tiles can be purchased in dry or ready-made form. Bulk mixtures suggest subsequent dilution with water right before laying the material. They are sold in bags, bags. It is necessary to prepare the glue at home according to the instructions, strictly observing the proportions. The advantage of the dry mass use option is the ability to plant only the required amount of material for installation, reasonable price.
Ready mixes are released in plastic buckets or cans. They are already ready for application; upon contact with air, they begin to harden. Because of the high cost, they are purchased only if it is necessary to lay a tile on a small area for repair work on an already finished coating. With certain skills, any glue mixture can be replaced with a cement-sand mortar.
How to calculate the required amount
Any construction or repair work begins with the choice of design, selection of material and calculation of its quantity. A large assortment of tiles, their colors, textures makes it difficult to solve such a problem, especially if the floor has non-standard geometry. When making calculations, it is important to know the future size, pattern of elements.
You can determine the required number of tiles for one room in the following ways:
How to cut tiles
When laying tiles on the floor, it is often necessary to trim them. To get elements of a non-standard shape, make curly cuts, reduce material, resort to its division into parts in various ways. When working with electrical appliances, wear a protective apron and gloves. At home, you can cut the floor tiles with the following tools:
The choice of mixture for grouting
The cladding will take on a complete aesthetic appearance if its seams are properly wiped. The final stage of finishing the floor will help to hide the formed defects, protect the cracks from dust and moisture. When carrying out grouting, the technology must be strictly followed. The choice of material will depend on the size of the gaps.
If the seams between the elements are wide, more than 5 mm, it is better to choose a resin-based mastic for grouting.A small space at the joints must be covered with moisture-resistant cement-based compounds. Places in contact with the wall must be treated with silicone sealant.
Grouting performs not only practical, but also decorative functions. The material of the desired shade can be bought ready-made or made with your own hand. Pure white grouts are used if you need to hide irregularities during installation and other defects. With perfect styling, the design of the seams in contrasting colors will look beautiful.
Technology and stages of self-laying tiles on the floor
The work of laying tiles on the floor takes a long time, the process is divided into several stages. To achieve the best result, it is necessary to act carefully, with the exact observance of the rules and technologies. Installation of tile materials can be carried out indoors only at an acceptable temperature. The optimum mark is + 20 degrees.
Necessary materials and tools
Installation of tiles will not be difficult even for a beginner, if you work with high-quality materials. First of all, they calculate the number of elements and buy a cladding. For the kitchen or living rooms, you can take tiles with minimal moisture resistance, for the bathroom, pool, outdoor terrace, an option with improved characteristics is needed. Also, the following tools will be required for styling:
Base preparation and marking
Laying floor tiles is carried out on an exceptionally flat base. First they remove the old floor, remove construction debris and dust. Then check the serviceability of communications. If there are old concrete skirting boards, they should be disposed of.
Before starting work, you must make sure that the surface meets all the requirements.If any irregularities are found, they can be leveled with a screed. At the next stage, a primer treatment is carried out. You can choose any penetrating composition suitable for the type of base.
Experts recommend starting to lay the tiles from the center, and not from the walls, as this can minimize the likelihood of errors. It is better to use the laser level to perform floor marking. With it, you can draw quite accurate lines without moving the device.
The axis line is drawn first, then the central points of the two walls are determined - with the front door and the opposite. Connect them in a straight line. Then, a perpendicular line is drawn through the center. Now you can make supporting transfers to the remaining sectors of the floor. Before mounting the elements on the glue make test masonry.
Adhesive preparation
Properly selected and diluted composition is a guarantee of high-quality styling, eliminating displacement. First of all, good grip depends on the correct kneading. It is difficult to distribute the insufficiently mixed, thick mixture on the surface, it will take more time to finish, the glue will dry unevenly.
To mix dry mash at home, you will need two buckets - one empty, the second with water, dry tile glue, a construction mixer. 2 liters of water are poured into an empty container, the amount of dry glue is poured in accordance with the instructions, the mixer is lowered into the mass and mixed at the lowest speed. The desired consistency can be achieved by adding a liquid or powder mixture. To make the solution homogeneous and plastic, it needs to stand for 10-15 minutes.
The process of laying and working with crosses
When the surface is prepared, the adhesive solution is infused, you can proceed to lay the tiles on the floor. The glue is applied to the base and well leveled with a notched trowel. The size of the grater for the manufacture of grooves is selected in accordance with the parameters of the tiles.If the installation is done according to the marking, it is better to apply a lot of glue at once, so as not to close the drawn lines. In the same way, the application of a pasty composition to the elements of the tile takes place. But spreading with a gear trowel should be perpendicular to the drawing on the base. This will allow you to not leave air voids when docking.
To tile held better, applying to the base, it is pressed and simultaneously moved in different directions. If necessary, ceramic parts can be hit with a rubber mallet. It is necessary to continuously monitor the level of coverage, especially when adding new elements.
When facing, plastic crosses are placed in each tile floor. They are clamped between the dies to maintain an identical distance between them. They will be there until the glue has completely dried.
Grouting - mixture application technique
To give the new tiled surface a finished appearance and protect the concrete base from the influence of external factors, grout the joints. To do this, use special mixtures intended for the finish treatment of tile surfaces.
The voids between the elements can be filled with white, gray or multi-colored material. Powdered mixtures are diluted with water, if necessary add bright pigment. Then the mixture is well kneaded and applied with a small rubber spatula, trying to completely fill the entire gap. The excess mass must be removed immediately before it dries. If grouting is carried out over a large area, it is better to use a special smoothing machine to distribute the thick mass.
Final tile cleaning before use
After all installation and grouting, floor tiles can be prepared for use. The mixture for finishing the seams must be removed no later than 30 minutes after its application, otherwise it will harden, and you will have to use a spatula or chemical aggressive agents to remove it.
After the grout hardens, a final rinse can be used. If the mixture was liquid, you must wait for it to dry completely. Dust and fine spray can be removed with a damp sponge or a simple dry cloth. Thoroughly mopping the newly laid floor is highly discouraged. You can shift the elements, increase the drying time of the glue.
Useful tips from experts
When choosing a material, you must carefully study the characteristics of each type of tile. They must meet the needs of the owners. It is necessary to take into account the degree of strength, thickness, the need for a glazed coating.
The texture of the floor tiles should be moderate. Slight ribbing will prevent slipping. If the patterns and grooves protrude strongly, this can complicate the cleaning process. Gloss will emphasize even the smallest pollution.
The adhesive composition for the installation of tiles is best diluted in small portions. If unforeseen circumstances arise and the installation process is slowed down, it will not be able to dry. For mixing use only cold water. Hot liquid will degrade the quality of the adhesive.
It is possible to lay material only on an even clean floor, door trim and a plinth must be removed. It’s easier to work along the guide lines. The resulting gap between the extreme row of tiles and the wall can be hidden with a skirting board or you will have to glue a ceramic strip.
Conclusion
Ceramic tile manufacturers recommend starting the installation work with a detailed plan. First of all, you need to choose a design and a suitable caliber of products. It is necessary to take into account the geometric features of the room, the level of lighting, the degree of mechanical load. Due to the huge assortment, a variety of types, formats, installation can be carried out using any scheme you like.