DIY Network

Contemporary (Pt. 2 of 4): Marking the Tile Grid and Laying the Tiles From "Kitchen Renovations" episode DKTN-103

	In this week 's episode of Kitchen Renovations, host Paul Ryan and homeowners Marshall and Jeanine convert this "old" kitchen ...
	into an eye-catching contemporary beauty!

In this third segment of Pt. 2 of the "Contemporary Kitchen," host Paul Ryan and the homeowners mark the grid for the tiles and begin the tile-laying process.

Materials:

For the In-Floor Heating --

Gloves and eye protection
In-floor heating kit
Scissors
Wires
Connectors
Sealant tape
Terminal boards
Transformer
Crimpers
Stapler
Thinset
Bucket and sponge
Trowel
Cement backerboard
Power nailer
Galvanized 1-1/4" roofing nails

For Tiling --

Tiles
Gloves and safety glasses
Tape measure
Chalk line
Tile or wet saw
Porland-based thinset
Bucket and sponge
Drill with mixing paddle
1/4 x 3/8" deep square notched trowel
Sanded grout
Float

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	The tile that the homeowners chose is an Italian-made porcelain tile that looks like slate.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	The tiling is almost complete and all that's left is to cut the corner tiles and then to grout!

1. The first thing you have to do before laying the tile is to create a grid. Do this by laying out three tiles and measuring two tiles with grout joints included to determine the square size for the grid (figure A).

2. Start along the longest wall to establish your straight wall. Make a mark the size of your square that was determined in the previous step.

3. Once you have your marks, put the first line down with chalk going the length of the first wall

4. Mark the square from the back wall.

5. Now mark your grid points (figure B -- illustration of the grid).

   Tiling

6. Now that the grid is marked out, it's time to start laying the tiles.

   Safety Alert: Remember to wear gloves and eye protection when working with cement products.

7. Mix consistency of the mortar to the consistency of thick mayonnaise. Apply thin layer of thinset mortar using the notches in the trowel to set the thickness. Try to get nice even coverage, but don't cover your grid lines (figure C).

8. When it's time to lay the tile, apply a thin layer of mortar on the back of each tile, spreading it with the flat edge of the trowel.

9. Once the tile is down, apply thin, even pressure with both hands to set the tile in place. Make sure all the tiles are set at the same level.

10. Clean up any excess thinset with a damp sponge. Be sure to squeeze all the water out before wiping the surface.

    Note: For small areas, don't apply thinset to the floor, apply extra to the tile.

In the final segment of this episode, Ryan and the homeowners will finish the tiling and then grout.

RESOURCES :

Skil
Robert Bosch Tool Corp.
Website: www.skiltools.com

Stanley Tools Information
Stanley Tools/Works
Website: www.stanleyworks.com

Fiskars (Bucket Boss Division)
Fiskars Bucket Boss Division
Website: www.bucketboss.com

Makita Products
Makita USA Inc.
Website: www.makita.com

Paslode Nail Guns
Paslode
Website: www.paslode.com

Wolfcraft Products

Wolfcraft Inc.
Itasca, IL 60143
Phone: 630-773-4777
Fax: 630-773-4805
Website: www.wolfcraft.com

Radiant Floor Heating System

Brand name: STEP Warmfloor
Suggested retail price: $10 per sq. ft.
Where available: Call 877-783-7832 for distributor in your area or go to www.warmfloor.com

Miscellaneous Product Information:

• STEP Warmfloor is easy to install and can be cut to length on the job site.
  
• STEP Warmfloor is self-regulating, maintaining the ideal temperature.
  
• STEP Warmfloor is approved for use with any non-conductive floor covering, including natural stone, ceramic and porcelain tiles, hardwood and laminates, resilient and carpet.

Electro Plastics, Inc.
Website: www.warmfloor.com

Porcelain Tile

Brand name: Stong
Model #: VS105
Color: Nero
Where available: Crossville Poreclain Stone website, information below.

Crossville Porcelain Stone
Website: www.crossvilleinc.com

GUESTS :

Shane Kretsinger
Vice President, Operations
Autumn River
We apologize no contact information is available.

Monica Irgens
President
Electro Plastics, Inc.
4406 St. Vincent Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119
Phone: 314-781-2121