We are laying 18 x 18 porcelain tiles in our kitchen for an open house we‘re having in 6 days. We can‘t figure out when and how to tile under the refrigerator. Do we have to move the refrigerator into another room? Can we wait two days for the mortar and grout to set firm and move the refrigerator onto the newly installed tile so we can lay tile where refrigerator will go? If we do that, should we then wait 24 hours for that tile to set so we can move the refrigerator back into place?What is the best way to handle the installation? I would appreciate any thoughts on how this is most ideally done.
1. Should have been done days ago. 2..Under present circumstances I would install all tile EXCEPT beneath the fridge. 3. Then, after open house, newly laid tile will have had a least a week for the adhesive and grout to fully set and cure, 4. Gently tilt the fridge backward to raise the front wheels [or casters or whatever] off the floor 5. Install a metal sheet [the thickness of the new tile and mortar and the width of the casters (wheels) under the fridge] under the front of the fridge and butted up against the new tile. This is to protect the edge of the new tile when you gently roll the fridge out of its cubbyhole in the cabinetry, 6. Remove the old floor covering, and clean and prep the floor. 7. Install the mortar and new tile, leaving the fridge out until the tile has set, and then 8. Replace the fridge.
Your refrigerator should have an adjustment at the front, just lower your frige push back at the top of frige, and put some blocking back far enough so you can set your tile. Make sure the tile is far enough under the frige. Lay your tile, and grout. Then push back the frige, remove the blocks, and adjust your wheels as needed.
I have always tiled under the fridge first if possible, move the fridge into the nearest room. Then after about two days after you finish then very gently use two pieces of plywood, half inch, move the fridge back over these two pieces, one at a time until the fridge is in.
If the kitchen is big enough move the fridge after you have found the center of the room, set the the quadrant with the fridge first using speed set or quick set for that area. then tile as much as you can without ruining your path for the fridge. after 3 hours mix just enough and grout only where the fridge will cover because that grout may turn a different shade than the rest of the room. next day finish setting your tile, next day grout the rest of the job, replace 1/4 round, and you have a finished product provided you layed the tile on an approved substrate, cut your jambs and mixed your setting materials properly.
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......
