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steps to perfect
tiling
Steps to Perfect Tiling
In order to tile a floor successfully,
it is suggested that you do some careful floor preparation
and become familiar with some of the general guidelines
involved. By following a few important steps, tiling your
floor can be done easily and effectively.
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Symmetry - It is important
that your tile floor appear symmetrical. In order to
do this, you will need to find a center point to begin
working. Make sure to pay special attention to smaller
rooms.
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Baseline - If the
room you are working in isn't perfectly square, your
tiling make appear off center and sloppy. Use a wall
as your baseline. The tiles will appear parallel to
that wall and make the entire tiling job look neat and
professional.
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Working Lines - During
layout, it is important to consider where the eye will
first fall. In most cases, the best idea is to identify
the longest wall and establish the first �working line.�
If the room is large, it is best to use chalk lines.
Use your center point and baseline to snap a perpendicular
line on an opposing wall at the exact spot the tile
needs to be placed. This will divide the room into four
sections in which you will be working outward from the
center point.
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Testing Rows - It
is always a good idea to position rows of tiles in each
section and line them to the wall and around the wall.
By doing this you will soon find out if you have selected
the right center point, if tiles can be cut properly
to fit certain spaces, and if all the other measurements
were made accurately.
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Cutting Tile - With
the right tools, cutting tile can be easy. Be sure to
always wear adequate eye protection and gloves. The
first step to cutting tiles is to measure accurately
with a tape measure. Use a felt tip marker to mark the
glazed surface. Next you will need a tile cutter. Simply
slide the tile in place by aligning the center line
of the cutter with the mark in which the tile is to
be cut. Once the tile is in place, use the lever and
draw the cutter across the surface of the tile. Be sure
to use even pressure. Lastly, snap the tile.
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Prepare the Surface
- Make sure the surface is dry and flat. Remove all
unsecured sheet flooring, damaged tiles, loose plaster,
wallpaper, and pealing paint from walls and floors.
Clear everything and anything that will interfere with
the layout of your new tile. Be sure to carefully prepare
the surface and plan the layout for your new tiles.
The more time you spend preparing and planning, the
better off the overall project will come out.
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Adhesives/Grouting
- Tile is typically used in areas that receive a certain
amount of moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and
basements. For this reason, it is important to use a
waterproof adhesive. You also have the option of using
grout. Grout is a messier process that will take more
time. But results will be the same. Also, with grout
you have the option of adding a pigment.
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