I am planning on laying some tile today but not sure when it can be walked on. Also, can I lay some today and start again tomorrow? It is in a small bathroom.
I usually layout for full tiles splitting the door and full tiles on the wall behind the door measure into the bathroom usally just past the end of the cabinet for full tiles snap a line across your bath then snap a line for full tiles down the wall.Check for square then work your way back out of the bathroom.If you start setting from center and working out you will probably wind up with cut tiles meeting the carpet a serious cut hazard for bare feet.You can walk on the tile the next day.
You really shouldn't walk on it until you install the grout and it is dry. You will have to walk on it a little while you are grouting it but wait until it's dry to have regular traffic on the tile. Usually it's good the next day after grouting. Note: Check the tiles after you motor them down for a hollow sound when tapped on. If you have any tiles that sound hollow remove them and then reinstall them because they will crack if you don't
The mortar for tile usually dries in 24 hours and the tile should not be walked on until it dries or the tiles can move. Laying tile can be done over a period of time as long as you don't extend the mortar into the untiled area when you stop. It will harden and you would need to chip it off to start the next part of the job.
You need to wait at least 14-16hrs before walking on your tile job. Walking on it sooner will weaken the mortar's bond by stressing the mortar before it is cured enough to withstand the weight. Essentially, you will be shortening the lifespan of your hard work. Of course you can stop anywhere in the midst of the tile job, just make sure to scrape up any mortar in the untiled section. Often times I will do it this way: Before you start sticking the tile, create crossing base lines (at the room center) with chalk or pencil to start the layout. Place all of the full tiles (using spacers) and then measure and make all of the perimeter cuts, etc. Layout all of the tiles as if you were sticking them permanantly. Number the tiles with a wax pen(crayon) and pick them back up by rows. Then you will be able to mix mortar and lay all of the tile at once and rather quickly. Wait 24hrs, carefully scrape the grout joints and vacuum thuroughly. Grout the tile as you normally would then keep traffic off the floor for another 16-24hrs. Carefully place your commode, vanity, etc. After 72hrs of grouting, be sure to seal the grout preferably with a sealer with a teflon additive. Seal the grout until no water will absorb into the grout! As long as the grout is properly sealed, it will stay looking like new for years. Do the water absorbtion test every year to see if resealing is necessary. Good luck and I hope this helps.
Tile to a border and don't leave adhesive sticking up, place a board over the tiles after 4 hours and it will stand light traffic, continue this to the end and grout up, should be ok 12 hours after grouting.
