Floor Tile

   There are several types of tile: Vinyl and composition squares that are one foot by one foot, sheet vinyl and ceramic tile in many different styles and shapes.

   If you are going to lay tile of any type, the preps are the most important part of the job. Any tile job depends on a good foundation. The base that the sub floor sits on, the floor joists or supports, must be sound and strong and free of any dry rot or termite damage. The sub floor itself (the plywood and/or concrete) if needed, must be solid and strong and not flexible.

   If you are going to do vinyl, composition of sheet flooring, the floor must be totally smooth. Any pit or bump will show through the tile. Whatever the surface of the sub floor is will “telegraph” (be transferred) to the surface of the tile. So the floor must be totally smooth.

   Once you have a good solid, sound sub floor you can start with the tile. Clean the floor well before you put down any tile glue or the tile will not stick well.

   If you are going to do ceramic tile you must first put down, minimally, a ?” concrete board or concrete with wire mesh in it. Ideally you should put down a 2” layer of concrete.

   The layout of the tile should be done so it looks like the tile was there and the room was set on top of them and centered to look good.

   There should be the same size cut tiles on opposite sides of the room. The tiles should also be laid out so there is at least a half of a tile on each side. This can be done by starting in the center of the room or starting at the edge of the tile, depending what makes the layout work so that there is at least a half tile or more at the edge.

   After the tile is laid, the base molding can be put down to finish the edge.

   Got further questions? Give me a call or text at (818) 613-5632.