We‘re putting in new porcelain tile floors in the kitchen and bathroom. Should the tile go under the refrigerator? Should tiles go in before or after the new vanities in the bathroom? Any other general tips for a first-time tiler?
You should put the floor in the room before you put any of the appliances in and for in the bathroom put the tile in the whole room then put the vanities in after that way if you sell the house or want to change out the vanities you won't have to change thew tile
Tile under the ice box.....tile after the vanities. Layout very carefully before you start, and think ahead. Start in the center of the rooms and make sure that there are no little pieces on the sides....best if they are even all around.
You need to tile under the refrigerator because if dont the fridge will be uneven or see the edge and be hard to pull out. vanity should be taken out because it makes it alot easier and gives you the choice to replace the vanity in the future with out worrying about it not covering the tile. But you dont have too
Well, please take my advice as I used to work at a popular Australian tile franchise. Number one - make sure the porcelain you are laying is pre-sealed, as porcelain is a natural stone and is 'porous', so harsh staining can will occur if they are not sealed. If they are just 'Glazed Porcelain' tiles, they don't need to be 'sealed' as they are on a ceramic biscuit and just have a glazed protective coating, which are quite 'hardwearing'. In which they are 'ceramic'. Number two - YES!! you must fully take out all fixtures to lay in the bathroom and kitchen, tiles will almost usually be there many years more than a vanity or a fridge. If you replace your kitchen cabinetry, well all floor space should be tiled. Many people run into problems of the 'previous owner' not doing the job properly, and down the track they wan't the same tile.....well the life of a tile is around 4 years then they become extinct., even if you can get the same tile, it will not be of the same batch/shade. Trying to fix up half-hearted jobs isn't as easy as some people think!!! So please tile ALL floor area and order enough so you have a couple of spare boxes left over, for future repairs. Because you will never get that same tile batch/shade ever again!! You'll also make it easier for the next person who lives there. Also, if you find out that if it is true polished porcelain and there not pre-sealed, buy a 'reputable' tile sealer and seal them before laying. As when you grout the tile (if there not sealed) you will create a grout haze around all your joints and will be a nightmare to remove and your lovely porcelain won't look so 'lovely'!! HAVE FUN......
Like most all other said, tile under the fridge , waiting a few extra days before replacing such a heavy item..The bath vanity can go either way but if its down after , it s a much cleaner look to have it set atop the tile. Plus you don t have to have grout up to and have it cracking where it meets the vanity ( it will)...Now one thing I can t pass up.. Porcelain IS NOT a natural product . It DOESN t need to be sealed prior to or after. This is a man made product , fired just like ceramic but a much better quality most often.. Seal grout after the proper time after grouting with a penetrating sealer.. Any flooring question ( especially tile) e amil me through my avatar and check my qualifications there
