DIY Network

Basement Bathroom Floor Tile Cover plain concrete with terrific tile. From "Bathroom Renovations" episode DBTR-511

With the shower base poured, Amy and Andy start adding some beauty to their basement bathroom space with travertine floor tile.

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This travertine tile gives the floor a warm glow.

Materials:

floor tile
1/4" x 1/4" square-notched trowel
thinset tile adhesive
safety glasses
drill with paddle bit
dust mask
knee pads
tile spacers
tape measure
wet saw (if needed)

Basement Bathroom Floor Tile

• Dry-fit the tiles to determine the best layout. Avoid layouts that have very small pieces of tile at one end. Amy recommends thinking about which part of the room is seen first, and giving that part of the room the most attractive layout. Once the layout is determined, set the tiles aside.

• Use a drill with a paddle bit to mix thinset tile adhesive according to the package instructions. The adhesive should be about the consistency of cake frosting.

  Safety Alert: Always wear a dust mask and safety glasses when mixing thinset or any masonry adhesive. Use caution when working with a power drill or any other power tool.
  

  Ridges in the thinset help hold tiles securely.

• Use a 1/4" x 1/4" square-notched trowel to spread thinset in the area to be tiled. Spread out the thinset, then use the notched edge to create ridges in the tile. These air pocket help the thinset to dry and also create suction to better adhere the tile to the floor.

• Set tiles in the thinset evenly, using tile spacers to get an even grout line. The width of the grout line is a matter of personal preference; larger tiles usually look better with larger grout lines.

• Continue spreading thinset and setting tiles, using a wet saw to cut tiles as needed. If taking a break to cut tiles, scrape up any thinset from the work space so that it doesn't dry out. To check for dryness, gently press a finger into the thinset; if it's too dry to stick to your finger, it's too dry to adhere a tile.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use caution when working with a wet saw. Safety glasses also are required if cutting tile using tile nippers or other hand tools.

• Once all the tile is set, let the thinset cure completely before grouting. Remember to remove the tile spacers before starting to apply grout.

RESOURCES :
Tile
The Tiile Shop
Website: www.thetileshop.com