Tips on how you can lay tiles yourself

Did you know the interior of the house describes the personality of the homeowner? Whereas your home is probably the most valuable asset you can ever own, how well its interior is done speaks volumes about you. Your personality dictates the colour texture you deem fit for your floor and wall, the furniture and other accessories you choose for your house.

As the cost of construction hits the rooftop, those building their homes are now resorting to different means of cutting costs, including laying out their own tiles.

But what does it take? According to Henry Kunusia, an architect, laying a ceramic or porcelain floor tiles is a daunting task, which requires adequate planning and preparation. Kunusia says that today, many people building their own homes want to cut cost and to do that, many opt to do the interior fitting in their homes by themselves.

Kunusia, however, cautions that it is important to consult skilled experts. He says he has witnessed several instances where homeowners confused floor tile for wall tiles and vice-versa.

Rajesh Bhabra, Project Manager at RAK Ceramics Kenya Ltd, says they receive various clients who want to lay tiles on their own. He, however, says this can be a double-edged sword.

“Whenever we get a client who wants to lay tiles on their own, our team of professional tilers give them the right professional advice,” he says, noting that technological advancement today has seen an increased number of tilers who lack the necessary skills to lay out modern tiles.

What it takes

What you need: Tiles, tile spacers, tile adhesive, straightedge level, tape measure, tile grout, scraper, notched trowel, a tile cutter, rubber float, pliers and standard screwdriver sponge, clean clothes for polishing, chalk and chalk-line, tile sealer and cleaner and carpenter’s square.

Step 1: Take the room measurement.

Step 2: Use the room measurement to cut the cement board to size. Using a razor knife, cut one side of the cement board and then flip the board over to finish the cut.

Step 3: Lay out and secure the cement board on the floor using a screw-gun.

Step 4: Mark the centre point of the room by snapping two chalk lines that intersect at the room’s center point.

Step 5: Lay out the tile together in the patterned sheets with spacers in between to create an even grout lines. Kunusia says that it is important for the homeowner to note the size of the floor as larger floor size requires large tiles while smaller space requires small tiles. He also notes that the design of the interior décor would inform the colour and pattern of the tile one uses.

Step 6: Using a square-notched trowel, spread the adhesive evenly in small sections. It is advisable to lay the centre section first, followed by the tricky cuts around the edges of the room. Check the open time on the product container to determine how fast the adhesive dries. This will help you in spreading a sizeable amount of adhesive.

Step 7: Set the sheet of tiles in place and press it firmly into the adhesive. For the second sheet, remember to line up the pattern and check the spacing and then set it in place.

Step 8: Cover the centre of the floor. Now cover the perimeter of the room with trimmed full sheets to fit. Cut the tile using a wet saw or a tile cutter.

While laying out the tiles, you should wear safety gear and follow the safety precautions outlined in the mixed packages.

One is advised to wear safety glasses and rubber gloves when mixing and applying mortar. Also, consider wearing knee pads to evenly distribute your body weight and save your knees.

Kunusia advises that one should use as many full tiles as possible, try to minimise the number of cut tiles and try not to cut a tile less than half its original size, if possible.

Mortars must be allowed to stand for five to ten minutes after mixing and do not add water after the thin-set begins to harden because this weakens the cement and severely affects the bonding between the tile and the backer board.

Surface preparation: All surfaces must be structurally sound, dry, clean and free from movement, oil, grease, wax, curing compounds and any other loose or contaminating materials.

— Additional information from homedepot.com.

Photos: Courtesy