DIY Network

Porch: Tiling Preparation From "Tiling Techniques" episode DTIL-105

	In this episode of DIY's Tiling Techniques workshop, host Paul Wilson improved the look of this screened-in porch and ...
	improved the bumpy flooring by ...
	adding new tile that's easy on the feet and eyes.
	A tiled border adds color to the flooring.
	And with the leftover pieces of tile, Wilson created mosaic tops for the tables.

In this segment, host Paul Wilson sets up the project and applies the thin set.

Materials:

Carpenter's pencils
Razor blade
Steel tape measure
Grout float
Notched trowel
Margin trowel
Hydra sponges
Two 5-gal. buckets
Tile cutter
Safety glasses
Ear protection
Dust mask
Knee pads
Spacers
Wedges
1/2" drill motor
Rod type mixing paddle
Finished trowel
Rubber gloves
Rubber mallet and beating block
Chalk line and chalk
Clear lacquer
Knee pads

Specialty Materials (see Resources, below)

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Before you get started on this project, you should know that tiling over existing surfaces can sometimes be a problem. Tile adds weight, not strength, so the flooring has to be strong enough to support it. And, if the structure underneath is flexible, tile will crack. Plus, lots of existing surfaces are uneven. To get a good bed for tile, you have to take down the high spots and fill in the low spots and holes. Cracks only get wider over time, so you have to patch those. Wilson got lucky with this location because he had an even surface to work with, and there were no cracks.

To learn how to treat a cracked floor, click here for our den tiling project from the third episode (DTIL-103) of this workshop.

One last thing to think about before starting this project. Since the tile will be exposed to outdoor elements, it's a good idea to use water-resistant tiles. For this particular project, the homeowners chose a frost-resistant water-friendly tile.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Preparing the Space for Tiling

Note: For this project, the homeowners chose four different tile colors (figure A).

1. Vacuum the floor to remove all debris.

2. Apply a self leveler (figure B) to fill the voids and holes on the floor.

3. Cut the doorjamb so the tiles can slide under it.

   Tip: To get the total square footage of the room so you'll know how many tiles you'll need, simply multiply the width of the room by the length. For example, this porch in this project is 19' in length and 14' wide, which comes to 266 square feet. For this job, Wilson had to subtract the 8-1/2" border for the total, which gave him the total for the floor field tile, border tile, thin set and grout.

4. Snap two main working lines to establish the pattern in the center because the layout consists of center field tiles and an outside border. The lines are measured from the wall you want to start from to the center of the room. Make sure the lines are square by using the 3-4-5 method (figure C). Measure 3' on one of the lines you wish to check for square and make a pencil mark. Repeat this process on the opposing line but make your mark at 4' instead. The lines are square to one another if the distance between the marks is 5'.

5. To determine the box size for your layout, lay two tiles out dry and use the steel tape to measure the tiles with the two added grout joints. Using a grid box will eliminate the need for spacers.

6. Chalk out your box grid pattern on the floor (figure D), and be sure to spray the chalk lines with clear lacquer to prevent fading.
   

   Figure E

   Applying Thin Set

7. Before you start spreading the thin set, you may want to do a dry run with the tiles, which means you simply lay them out to see what the pattern looks like.

8. Mix the thin set according to manufacturer's instructions, and apply it within the grid lines.

   Tip: Only spread as much thin set as you can tile in 10 to 15 minutes. Be sure not to cover up your working lines, which delete the need for spacers.

9. Spread the thin set on the surface with the flat edge of the trowel to key in the mortar and ensure a good bond.

10. With the notched side of the trowel, comb through the thin-set with the trowel held at a consistent angle (figure E) to ensure uniform thickness.

Now that you've made great progress with the prep work and thin-set application, in the next segment, Wilson will show you how to lay the tile.

RESOURCES :

Porch Tiling Products Information (Home Depot)

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

Crossville Tile
Alamo
Model #: AV113.11212UPS

Crossville Tile
Grand Canyon
Model #: AV114.11212UPS

Crossville Tile
Rushmore
Model #: AV115.11212UPS

Grout by Custom
Saraha Tan (sanded)
Model #: 729-094 (25 lb. bag)

Level Quick by Custom
Self Leveler
Model #: 839-469

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

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