The use of tile flooring in modern homes has become very popular nowadays. There are plenty of reasons why people are choosing tile flooring over other types of flooring. Today we will discuss everything in this article including why people prefer tile flooring more, its maintenance, and how to install tile flooring.
Reasons to use tile flooring
- There are a lot of options to choose from.
- There are a variety of floor tiles at different price points.
- Tile flooring is durable and lasts a long time.
- Tiles are resistant to scratches, dents, and moisture.
- Tiles have versatile usage. They can be used in walls and can add extra functionality to your home. That way your cost of building a house is also reduced significantly.
- They are very easy to clean.
- They need little maintenance.
Things that you will need to install tile flooring
- Cement
- Grout
- Tiles
- Sand
- White cement
Making the mortar
Mix 1 bag of cement with 3 bags or 4 bags of sand properly in dry condition. Then mix well again with adequate water. However, use the mortar within an hour, otherwise, it will harden and lose its property. You can also use ready mixed cement.
How to install tile flooring
First of all, find the center of the room and lay out the tiles in a dry run starting at the center. Now maintain proper spaces between the tiles and when you are happy with the placement proceed to install them with mortar.
Place the center tile again, this time with mortar. Hold the notched edge of the trowel at about a 45-degree angle to the floor and apply the mortar to the floor. Press the tile in place while twisting it back and forth to secure it into position. Pull the tile back up and look to make sure the mortar is in contact with all of the bottom of the tile. Then reinstall the center tile.
Use the center tile as a reference point, and install the remaining tiles along straight lines. Place spacers between the tiles to establish the grout lines. If necessary cut any tiles to size for the end rows next to the walls of the room. After installing the tile, allow it to cure overnight or as necessary.
Mix the grout to a thick consistency. Grout comes in a wide variety of colors, and it can be tinted to match your decor. Scoop some grout onto the tiles, and use a rubber grout float to work it into the joints properly.
After you finish working the grout into the joints, wipe off the residue with a damp sponge being careful to not pull any grout out of the grout lines between tiles. For best results, rinse the sponge frequently.
Tile flooring maintenance
Maintaining a tile is very important for a couple of reasons. First off, cleaning floors routinely will help prevent germs build-up. Also if you want to retain its originality then, there is no substitute for regular maintenance. Here are some maintenance tips –
- Wipe the house with water every day to prevent dark spots.
- Do not let water accumulate on the tiles in any way.
- Tiles in your kitchen are most prone to dirt. So when you are done cooking, clean the oil and fat with liquid detergent immediately.
- Dirt stains usually accumulate in the corners of the joints where the tiles are attached. So you should clean them at least once a week with detergent powder and a sponge. Don’t use any stiff brush, as it may leave a permanent scar.
- Do not use any alkyne or acid-based cleaning solution.
- Use baking soda with a sponge to bring back the shine after cleaning the tile flooring.
Other than these, there are different cleaning methods for different types of tiles. All in all, we hope this article helped you by providing the necessary information on how to install tile flooring. If you have any questions don’t forget to let us know in the comments sections below.
