DIY Network

Kitchen Catch-Up: How to Install a Tile Floor Find out how to install a tile floor in this kitchen catch-up project. From "Sweat Equity" episode DSEQ-107

Demolition begins in the Seitz’s kitchen, but an unexpected asbestos problem keeps them from working immediately. They pick out their cabinets and countertops and while they wait for delivery, they get started tiling the kitchen floor with the help of contractor Adam Berlin.

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Materials:

thinset mortar
bucket
trowel
backer board
screwdriver
screws
tiles
wet tile saw
notched trowel
grout float
grout

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H

Floor Installation Tips:

• Only mix as much thinset mortar as can be used in an hour; otherwise it will dry out and will not be as effective.

• Set the tiles on the floor to grid out the space and to make sure there is enough to cover the area and also to see what cuts will need to be made. This is especially important for a specific pattern design.

• Make sure to buy enough tiles to cover your entire project, accounting for 1/2 pieces, scrap pieces or replacement pieces. Often tiles from a different stock look slightly different.

Safety Alerts:

• Always wear eye protection when working with power tools.

• Wear a facemask when pouring dry thinset.

• Before ripping out older flooring have it tested for asbestos. Asbestos is dangerous when it is disturbed and becomes airborne but abatement, or professional asbestos removal, can be expensive. If asbestos is suspected, covering the flooring with backer board, thinset mix and tile is an effective way to stop the asbestos from affecting your home and your family’s health.

How To Install Tile Flooring:

• First Adam and Matt mix up approximately two gallons of thinset to cover the floor for the backer boards (figure A). The consistency should be like creamy peanut butter.

• Apply a good amount of thinset onto the linoleum with a trowel. With the notched trowel, Adam smoothes the thinset over the floor, holding the trowel at a 45-degree angle (figure B). Only spread enough thinset to cover an area the size of the backer board. Continue this process throughout the project.

• When the entire section of the floor is covered, Matt and Adam set the backer board down slowly (figure C). Make any slight corrections and adjustments while the thinset is wet.

• When the board is in the right place, Adam begins screwing the backer board into the flooring below (figure D). The backer board has a grid to follow so the screws go in the correct location.

• Repeat this step until the floor is covered entirely with backer board and is completely bolted down (figure E).

• Next, Adam helps Matt plot out a tile pattern. Using spacers as a guide, they lay one row of tiles all the way across the floor and another row of tiles perpendicular to the first row (figure F).

• Laying out the tile before setting it provides a good estimate of how much tile is needed and where you might run into problems along the floor.

• With a good idea where the tile will fall, Adam lifts the first tiles and spreads thinset with the notched trowel, keeping the trowel at a 45-degree angle (figure G). He lays the tiles down carefully and makes any corrections and adjustments while the thinset is wet. Insert spacers to ensure each tile has the same size gap (figure H).
  

  Figure I

• Keep a wet rag and bucket of water near by to clean up the thinset as you work. It is very difficult to clean after it dries.

• After tiling most of the floor, Matt decides to use a handyman from Handyman Matters to help him finish the floors (figure I). Amy and Matt finish the floor with grout.

RESOURCES :

Handyman Matters
Website: www.handymanmatters.com

Environmental Protection Agency
Asbestos Information
Website: www.epa.gov/asbestos

American Abatement Inc.
Environmental Contracting
Website: www.americanabatement.com

Stone Systems of Colorado
Website: stonesystemsofcolorado.com

GUESTS :

Adam Berlin
General Contractor
Maverick Home Remodeling Inc.
Website: www.RenewTheHome.com

William Thomas Bain
Colorado Department of Health
Website: www.cdphe.state.co.us