DIY Network

Den: Measuring and Chalking the Floor and Laying the Tile From "Tiling Techniques" episode DTIL-103

	In this episode of DIY's Tiling Techniques workshop, host Paul Wilson will update the worn-out carpet in this den with ...
	new tile in the entryway, ...
	companion tile in front of the fireplace ...
	and even created a tiled circular area for the couch.

In this segment, host Paul Wilson will measure and chalk the floor, and then he'll start to lay the tile.

Materials:

Carpenter's pencils
Razor knife
Steel tape measure
Grout float
Notched trowel
Margin trowel
Hydra sponges
Two five-gal. buckets
Tile cutter
Safety glasses
Ear protection
Dust mask
Knee pads
1/2" drill motor
Rod thin-set mixer
Chalk line and chalk
Clear lacquer
Broom
Floor scraper
Tile saw
4-1/2" masonry jamb cutter
Shop vacuum
Sealant gun

Specialty Materials:

See Resources (below)

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Measuring and Chalking the Floor

1. Once all the debris and material has been removed from underneath the stone hearth, it's time to create the layout for the entryway tile. Lay out the entryway tile on a dry run and mark with a pencil where the chalk lines will go for the grid pattern (figure A). Measure the center of the fireplace and dry run the field tiles on the fireplace area and mark with a pencil where the chalk lines will go for the grid pattern. The grid pattern is the width of a few tiles (in this case, nine full tiles) plus room for grout joints. Measurements from the main working lines are made and marks placed where these boxes will go. The boxes are then chalked onto the floor with the chalk line. This grid technique eliminates the use or need for spacers, and it allows the setter to go around obstacles such as islands, columns, protrusions and corners into other rooms.

   Note: This grid technique also allows the setter to make all the necessary tile cuts in advance.

2. The grid box (figure B) is determined simply by laying out as many tile with grout-joint spacing that it takes to make up a box size of 2' to 3' (square feet). Remember, you will have to reach all the corners of the box with your thin-set trowel when it comes to tiling, so don't make the grid box too big.

   For example, if your tile was 12"x12" simply add the preferred grout-joint spacing (1/4" for this particular project), then add three grout joints plus the three tile and your box size should equal 36-3/4". In the case for this particular den, Wilson and the homeowners felt confident being able to reach within a 3' square box. This held nine tiles, plus the grout-joint spacing.

3. Chalk the grid pattern on the floor and remember that the chalked-in layout removes the need for spacers.

4. Clear lacquer all the chalk lines so that they do not disappear during the tiling process.

   Figure A

   Figure B

   
   

   Figure C

   Applying the Thin Set

   With the prep work finished, you're ready to start setting tile. And remember that a slab floor can be tiled 1) if the floor is not overly coated with paint or drywall residue, 2) if cracks in the floor are less than 1/8" and 3) if cracks in the floor aren't raised on one side.

5. Mix the thin set according to manufacturer's specifications with the 1/2" drill motor and the rod-type mixer paddle at less than 600 rpm.

6. Apply the thin set with the flat end of the trowel to key in the mortar on the concrete slab, then use the notched side to create a uniform thickness (figure C). (Only lay as much thin set as you can tile in 15 minutes.)
   Tiling the Entryway

7. Lay the tile on the thin set following the chalk lines, and make sure there's no excess lippage on the laid tiles.

8. Tap the tiles lightly with a rubber mallet (figure D) to ensure a good bond to the thin set.

   Tip: Be sure not to apply to much pressure on the mallet or the tiles could crack. And note that you can move tiles while they are still wet, but never walk on them during the installation process.

9. As you set each tile, feel the corners to make sure there's no excess lippage or height difference from tile to tile. If one is high, you tap it down. If one is low, take it up and apply extra thin set underneath to raise it. And don't cover up the working lines, which eliminate the use of spacers on the floor.

10. For this particular project, the homeowners requested a transition strip (figure E) to separate the tile and the carpeting. (A transition strip is a metal or wood divider between two different flooring materials. It can bridge height differences or simply "transition" between two opposing materials. In this particular case the transition strip made it easier to establish the radius tile cuts for the couch platform.)

11. The rock border for the entryway comes in a sheet (figure F) 3"x11" with webbing on the back. Simply press down to install.

    Figure D

    Figure E

    Figure F

    
    

    Figure G

    Laying the Fireplace Tile

12. Even though the hearth was undercut, you still have to cut the tiles to fit. And since the hearth was undercut, the tiles will need to slide underneath.

    Note: The tricky part about tiling around stone is making sure the joint between the tile and the stone looks good.

    Tip: It's important to number the tiles when tiling around a difficult area to avoid layout mistakes. Do this immediately after you cut the tiles.

13. Undercut the stone and masonry with a dry-cut masonry saw. This way you can slip the tiles into the void.

14. From this point the procedure is the same (figure G) as for the entryway. Spread thin set as before or backbutter the tiles (your preference).

15. Let the thin set cure for 24 hours before walking on it or grouting.

In the next segment, Wilson will put down a circular tile design for the couch area, and then he'll grout.

RESOURCES :

Den Tiling Products Information (Home Depot)

Artisan II Collection "Titan"
13x13
Model #: 384-058
Color: 300 olive sheen

Golden Brown
12x12
Model #: 640-490

Mosaic rock Sheet Tile
4x12
Model #: 277-862

Grout by Custom
Delorean Gray (sanded)
Model #: 123-852

Red Guard Waterproofing and Anti-fracture Membrane
Model #: 755-504

Modified Thin Set Mortar by Custom
Model #: 399-727

Where available: Home Depot

The Home Depot U.S.A. Inc.
Website: www.homedepot.com

Den Tiling Products Information (Home Depot)

Artisan II Collection "Titan"
13x13
Model #: 384-058
Color: 300 olive sheen

Golden Brown
12x12
Model #: 640-490

Mosaic rock Sheet Tile
4x12
Model #: 277-862

Grout by Custom
Delorean Gray (sanded)
Model #: 123-852

Red Guard Waterproofing and Anti-fracture Membrane
Model #: 755-504

Modified Thin Set Mortar by Custom
Model #: 399-727

Where available: Home Depot

The Home Depot U.S.A. Inc.
Website: www.homedepot.com