Porcelain And Ceramic Tile Installation
Installing porcelain tile is a process; proper preparation of the base is an absolute necessity for a successful installation. Don’t let this dissuade you from a DIY porcelain tile installation! Below are instructions on how to complete your project successfully.
GETTING STARTED
Download Installation Guide>PREPARE
1. The success and longevity of tile installation religes on a solid base. Unless you are dealing with new construction, this usually means removing the original flooring material before you install your new tile.
2. Ceramic and porcelain tile should be installed on a clean, level and rigid floor. If your floors flex or have uneven areas, repair and add support where needed. Follow up with a cement board or fiber cement underlayment. Both are resilient to moisture and impervious to liquids.
3. Choose your installation pattern. There are an endless number of options, and the pattern should reflect the overal tone and look you are trying to achieve.
4. Map out your installation. Measure to find the center of a room on two opposite walls and use these points to snap a chalk line across the room. Do the same on the other walls to create perpendicular line, and check to make sure they are square.
5. Dry fit your tile starting from center point, leaving enough spacking for grout joints. The goal is to work with as many full tiles as possible.
INSTALL
1. Begin laying the tile from the center of the room, using your reference lines are you guide.
2. Spread thinset with the notched edge of a trowel. Larger tiles require more thin set and a larger notched trowel.
3. As you lay your tile, you can use plastic spacers to help ensure you have straight grout lines. You will remove the spacers before the thinset dries.
4. Clean up any excess thinset immediately using the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. After a few rows of tile are installed, set them with a tile level and a maellet.
6. As you reach the perimeter of the room, cut and adjust tiles to complete your installation.
7. Allow the tile to set according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Grout the tile.
8. Clean the tile surface with a damp sponge and clean water.
MAINTENANCE TIPS
As with any flooring material, general cleaning techniques of porcelain and ceramic tile depend on the surface, texture and condition of the surface. Water and a soft sponge will usually be enough to clean the surface of M S International ceramic and porcelain products.
If you clean with something other than water, however, opt for a neutral pH cleaner that will not affect the finish. You can find neutral cleaners at most home centers and tile showrooms. Always test the cleaner on a small area first. If tile or stone is heavily soiled, we recommend that a professional cleaning company determines the proper cleaning technique.
