DIY Network

Tiling a Foyer: Preparation and Installing Backerboard From "Tiling Techniques" episode DTIL-102

	In this episode of DIY's Tiling Techniques workshop, this plain foyer is converted into ...
	a dazzling entryway by adding a tile medallion.
	And the medallion look is continued up the staircase!

In this first segment, host Paul Wilson will prep the job and install the backerboard.

Materials:

Carpenter's pencils
Razor blade
Steel tape measure
Grout float
Notched trowel
Margin trowel
Hydra sponges
Rubber gloves
Two 5gal. buckets
Tile cutter
Power jamb cutter
Dry masonry saw
Hand backerboard cutter
1/2" drill motor
Rod type paddle mixer
3/8" drill
Rubber mallet with beating block
Chalk line and chalk
Flat pry bar
Hammer
Chisel
Floor scraper
Broom
Shop vac
Dust mask
Paintbrush
Safety glasses
Ear protection

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

1. Start by measuring the floor and stair risers to determine the amount of tile you will need.

2. Remove the metal reducing strips from the doorways with a hammer and flat pry bar.

3. Remove the wood base shoe by cutting the top with a razor knife and pulling it off with a flat pry bar (figure A).

4. Pry up the parquet floor with a flat pry bar.

   Note: Parquet floors are usually glued down with a mastic, which means they should come up fairly easily with a pry bar.

5. Sweep and vacuum the floor clean.

   Installing Backerboard

6. Be sure you install the backerboard perpendicular to the sub-floor panels. For our project the backerboard needed to be fastened through the sub-floor so we needed to use stainless steel screws with a counter-sinking head (figure B).

   Tip: Allow a minimum of 1/8" between the panels of backerboard so you can tape and thin set your joints to make them stronger.

7. Mix the thin set according to the manufacturer's instructions, and then let it stand for 15 minutes before applying.

8. Spread the thin set with the flat end of a notched trowel (figure C) to allow for a good bond to the backerboard. Comb through the thin set with the notched side to ensure a uniform thickness.

9. Lay the pre-cut pieces of backerboard onto the thin set, then fasten the panels to the subfloor with 2" screws.

10. Once all of the backerboard has been laid, fill the joints with thin set and embed an alkali-resistant tape -- and then smooth the joints (figure D).

In the next segment, Wilson will measure the floor for working lines and a grid pattern.

RESOURCES :

Foyer Tiling Products Information (Home Depot)

Westminster Tumbled Field Tile
Chiaro 6"x6"
Vendor: BananAppeal
Model #: 00606

Westminster Tumbled Field Tile
Noce 6"x6"
Vendor: BananAppeal
Model #: 00611

Westminster Tumbled Field Tile
Bottichino 6"x6"
Vendor: BananAppeal
Model #: 00612

Westminster Medallion
Basilicata 24"x24"
Vendor: BananAppeal
Model #: 00533

Grout by Custom
Color: Bone (sanded)
Model #: 123-852 (25 lb. bag)

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

Where available: Home Depot

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