Tile & Floor Installation Tips, Ideas

Several factors determine whether you will receive a quality install, and one that will fall within your budget and expected timeline.

# 1) Choice of materials - this must take into consideration the environment that the tile or flooring will be subject to on a daily basis. Certain engineered flooring materials offer high level of wearability, and relative ease of install. But one possible disadvantage here is the ability to repair once put in place (speaking about discoloration and the need to pull larger sections than what is affected). Solid hardwood, on the other hand, is re-finished by sanding and can even be re-colored by staining.

Ceramic tiles are well suited for areas prone to moisture, assuming their required maintenance. While decorative tiles are usually for areas receiving with little or no stress, be sure to go with rated floor tiles for creating customizable patterns.

# 2) Subfloor and Underlayments - many tile installers are known to set over existing linoleum, while some make it a point to set onto a cementitious board, such as for bath flooring. While a great many tile wall applications are found right over drywall, and this might be done with success depending upon factors like weight load, adherence and other factors having to do with dampness - but be wary since this practice can be cause of future failure. If the structure underneath needs bolstering, this is definitely the time to do it. Ignoring the structural strength can be cause for cracking, breakage and uneveness.

If the application is on a slab, plan on the vapor barrier to be cut, trimmed and installed less any gaps or seams showing, per specification.

# 3) Adhesives, fastening methods - the adhesives being used for binding are critical. Cheaper, pre-mixed compounds, notably some of the vinyl composition adhesives have been known to release on exposure to elements of moisture and water. For example around tubs, below sinks and around shower basins.

For slat or hardwood floors, pneumatic nailing might well be called for, so if doing going DIY be sure you are both comfortable and competent using the gun. As well as cutting by mitre box.

# 4) Grouts and seams - the combination of color and grout dimension floated will help determine appearance and serviceability of the floor. The seams of both engineered and solid wood flooring should be virtually undetectable, both for overall appearance sake and to avoid the collection of dust and dirt from foot traffic.

# 5) Maintenance requirements - if you are seeking the least amount of maintenance, engineered surfaces are the way to go. Hardwood rates are among the highest, when it comes time to refinish anyway. A proposition that does involve some inconvenience, effort and expense.

Grout lines typically need sealing on a regular basis, depending on wear, light and other factors. Which should first be cleaned.

Focusing on the Install:

Details revolving around the install, like bordering trim and baseboard areas and plumbing issues have to be intregrated into a total installation solution.

Gives tips on some of the less-oft considered parts of the job, such as the responsibility of moving furniture, caulking and the finishing touches.

After Tile is Set

Details abound and when the floor is completed, its not the end of the project. Probably foremost is to make sure everything is in working order.

Before flooring it maight be wise to tend to any door adjustments that are necessary. After any new flooring there may be door trimming to accomodate any rise in floor-level.