DIY Network

Hardwood Floor with Tile Inlay: Grouting the Tile and Finishing the Project From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-208

	Before: This dining room with parquet flooring and carpet looks fine, but is a bit bland.
	After: The new hardwood is a stylish addition, and the tile inlay provides a focal point to draw attention to the dining area.

With the marble tiles evenly spaced and securely positioned with thin-set, it's time to add grout and finish the project.

On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being most difficulty, this project rates a 2.

Materials:

Roofing felt
Hardwood flooring
Shoe molding
Cement Board
Screws
Tile
Spacers
Grout
Drill
Circular saw
Floor hammer
Mallet and regular hammer
Level and framing square
Chalk line
Nail gun and nails
Flat pry bar
Notched trowel
Tape measure and pencil
Couple of buckets
Water
Soft rubber float
Rags
Sponge
Utility knife
Pliers
Rubber gloves

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

1. Remove all of the spacers, then mix grout in a small bucket (figure A). Add a little water and use a drill blending tool for easy mixing. Add small amount of water or grout until the desired thickness is achieved. Allow the mixed grout to sit for about 10 minutes to reach the proper consistency.

2. Use a soft rubber float the apply the grout to the joints (figure B). Pull the float across the joints diagonally to keep the grout in place.

3. Once the grout has set, use clean water and a sponge to begin removing excess grout (figure C). Pull the sponge across the tiles at an angle, taking care to rinse the sponge often. Tip: Use two buckets of fresh water, to prevent stopping for a water change.

4. After the surface has dried to a light haze, wipe a second time using sponge and fresh water.

5. To seal around the border of the hardwood frame, apply caulk the same color as the grout (figure D). Fill in the seam, then wipe smooth with finger and damp rag.

6. To complete the project, use wood putty to fill in nail holes on the hardwood floor surface and the the corners of the tile frame.

RESOURCES :

Armstrong Brichall Flooring Information

Armstrong Floors
Website: www.armstrong.com

Crossville Ceramics Porcelain Stone/USA
Website: www.crossville-ceramics.com/