I‘m going to be putting in a tile floor in my kitchen (all cabinets and appliances removed). I have done my research and have a good idea of what I will be doing - beef up the subfloor with plywood and lots of screws for rigidity; use cement based self leveler to correct a mild slope; install backerboard or decoupling membrane (not sure which yet) followed by the tile.I have a plan, but plans tend to fall apart after their first run-in with reality. Has anyone run into types of problems they don‘t talk about on DIY network? The types of problems complete the following kinds of sentences: are you f***ing kidding me? You have to do ____ before ___? or dammit, why don‘t they tell you you need [insert name of specialized gadget] on a product that cures in 10 minutes? or boy was I an idiot for doing/not doing [insert critically important but not obvious tiling procedure here].?Much obliged, and thanks for the responses.
Before okorder /. You'll find video tips about tile installation as well as lots of useful information especially if you're installing kitchen glass tiles. Good luck!
Just a couple...ideas make sure you use specialized backerboard screws and not drywall screws buy a medium tile saw...at the beginning you will be quite a newbie..and slower than a pro at making your cuts and you don't want to be under the rental by the hour gun... when you are done..you will feel like a champ and sell the saw on craigslist for about the same money, to another newbie like you..he will thank you!! buy the best mortar money can buy..high end laticrete..you will be happy you did..rookies tend to cheap out on materials..but good thin set has many advantages, like flexibility, pot time etc...adhesion... last but not least porcelain tile and not ceramic.
Get the proper trowels for the size of tile your doing. Get the proper drill and paddle to mix the thin set Mix the grout by hand or you ll incorporate air into the grout , weakening it.. They don t always show the proper way to lay out tile. Speed squares come in handy, Use a fine tipped marker, pencil marks will come off most tile doing it through a wet saw. Rent a wet saw or if you plan on tiling again, save money in the long run and buy a medium grade saw. With a stand if possible. Any questions you can e mail me through my avatar and check my qualifications there. GL Btw I ll edit my post if I come up with some other hints, I m sure there are.
