DIY Network

Porch: Laying the Floor and Border Tiles 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 will lay the floor (field) and border tiles.

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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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Laying the Floor Tile

1. Begin laying your tile in the pattern you have chosen. The particular pattern the homeowners chose for this project had a full 12x12 field tile as the outside edge, then 4x4 tiles inside that, then rectangular pieces to border the main field tiles in the middle. With the chalked in grid pattern, we could start anywhere we wanted.

2. Wilson started with the border tile and then on to the field tile (figure A), and remember to put down only enough thin set that you can tile in 15 minutes -- and don't cover up the working chalk lines.

3. After you lay a few tiles, secure them by using a rubber mallet and beating block, but don't tap too hard because you can crack the tiles. For spacing lay the tiles along the chalk (layout) lines, and you can move the tiles as long as the thin set bed is wet. As you set each tile, check the corners to make sure there's no excess lippage. If one tile is high, tap it down. If it's low, lift it and add more thin set and re-apply.

   Tip: Don't forget to clean out the joints of excess thin set as you lay the tiles.

   Note: On almost every tile job you'll have to cut some tile to make the pieces fit the tight spots. It's best to use a wet saw (figure B) simply because you'll get a cleaner, smoother cut and it will afford you cuts that can't be done with a snap board. Wet saws can be rented from your local hardware store for approximately $45 a day. When using a wet saw, be sure to wear safety goggles and hearing protection because it throws chips and is extremely loud.

4. After you've cut the pieces of tile for the border and corners, continue tiling the entire floor (figure C), and don't forget to let your thin set cure for 24 hours before walking on the tile.

In the next segment, Wilson will grout the floor.

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