How to Lay a Vinyl Tile Floor - This Old House

Laying tile is hard work. However, the barrier to entry is relatively low. With a little bit of practical knowledge and proper tools, you can lay professional-looking tiles. This article will give you a few tips on the methods and tools you will need for a quality tile floor. Keep reading to learn more.

Use a Good Cutting Instrument

You are not going to be successful without a proper tile saw. If you are planning on tiling multiple rooms over multiple sessions, you might want to buy one. However, if you are doing a smaller project you can rent. If you cheap out on the cutting tool, you might end up spending more on the wasted tile in the long run.

Buy the Right Materials

Choose tile that is suitable for its environment. You need to consider if the tile will be outdoors or exposed to a lot of water. Bison 2cm porcelain tiles are a great outdoor option. You also need to choose a suitable grout for good waterproofing. In general, you should avoid quick-setting mortar unless you have a lot of experience. Set yourself up for success by choosing appropriate materials.

Prepare Your Tool List

Mallets are the most common tool for leveling the tile. Find a decent rubber mallet that won’t damage the tile. Also, have a trowel and chisel handy for wiping and removing excess grout. Consider a mixing adapter for your drill to make your life easier. A few cheap cleaning supplies like soapy water and a sponge will go a long way towards cleaning any excess mess.  Finally, you also want a few buckets for mixing, sitting and holding tools.

Almost anyone can set tile, but it takes careful planning and execution to do it right. Consider hiring professionals for large jobs. Knowing everything can take years of experience, and you don’t want to be stuck in a mess.