A Quick Guide to Tiling the Bathroom Floor

Tiles can be made of ceramic, porcelain, clay, or stone. These materials are typically used as flooring. Their popularity can be attributed to their versatility and a wide range of color, style, and finish. They are also durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. Above all, tiles are easy to install. In fact, if you want to, you can try installing them as your bathroom flooring yourself.

How do you install tiles on your bathroom floor without getting into a disaster? Follow the simple yet quick guide below.

Step 1: Buy and prepare all the materials you need.

You can’t start without your tools. You need a grout float, grout shaper, tile spacer, tile file, tile marker, tile cutter, trowel, spirit level, and a rubber mallet. Also prepare your protective gear like your dust mask, safety goggles, and knee pads. You don’t want to risk your safety when doing the job.

Most importantly, buy flooring underlayment and the right number of tiles in accordance with the measurement of your bathroom floor. Prepare your grout and have your silicone sealant ready.

Step 2: Prepare the underlayment.

An underlayment is a thin material that provides a level of sturdiness to the bathroom tile when attached to the flooring. Cut the underlayment to fit the whole bathroom floor. Cut holes in it when you need to accommodate bathroom fixtures. Then, attach the underlayment on the floor using a drill and screws.

Step 3: Place the tiles.

Once the underlayment is in place, try to position the tiles on the bathroom floor and decide on the most suitable layout. Cut them using the tile cutter when necessary. Once you are satisfied with the layout of the tiles, get your trowel and apply a layer of thinset mortar on the floor. Make sure that you are using the right types of trowels in tiling. Otherwise, you’ll have more difficulty doing the job. Place the tiles on the spaces where you have already applied the mortar. Do this again until you have attached all the tiles on the floor.

Step 4: Apply grout.

Let the mortar dry for about 24 hours before you proceed to this step. The next day, you can mix the grout and fill the spaces of your tiles using the grout float. Use the float’s rubber surface in pressing the grout into the tile’s joints. Your goal is to level the grout to the surface of the tile, completely covering the spacers. Wipe any grout excess from the tile using a sponge. Leave it to dry.

Step 5: Seal the edges of the room.

To finish the flooring, apply a silicone sealant to the edges of the room and between the tiled floor. This will help avoid mold and water ingress.

Conclusion

Though it seems like tiling the bathroom floor is easy, it actually takes time and a lot of effort. If you can, ask someone to assist you in doing the job. Two people working together can get the work done twice as fast.