What do you need to tile the floor. How to lay tiles on the floor, expert advice

Most often, laying tiles on the floor is trusted by professional tilers and they do it for a reason. After all, the durability and beauty of the coating greatly depends on the quality of laying, and the process of work itself is very complicated. However, even a beginner can lay an even tile on a fairly even base with his own hands and according to the standard “seam-to-seam” pattern. The main thing is to choose the right mounting solutions and strictly follow the technology. Our step-by-step instruction with photos and a selection of useful videos. This tile laying theory will also be useful to those who need to control and accept the work of tilers.

Materials, tools and equipment

Here is a list of the materials and tools you will need in the process of laying, cutting and grouting floor tiles.

Tools and equipment:

• Roulette, metal ruler and corner;
• Construction pencil for marking;
• Building level and rule;
• Construction mixer or drill with a stirrer attachment;
• Tile cutter or electric tile cutter;
• Core or glass cutter (needed for curvilinear cutting of tiles);
• Tile cutters (for cutting curved);
• File (for grinding cut edges);
• Putty knife;
• Notched trowel (6-8 mm);
• Master OK;
• Rubber spatula for grouting;
• Rubber mallet;
• A bucket with a sponge and a rag;
• Knee pads and household gloves.

materials

In addition to the tile itself with a 10% margin, you will need:

• Tile adhesive corresponding to the base material (for concrete, wood, old tiles, etc.), as well as the characteristics of the tile itself;
• Crosses of the desired size;
• Grout of the desired color;
• Primer.

Step 1. Preparing the base

First you need to prepare the base so that it is even, clean and dry. It is preferable to lay tiles on a concrete screed, but if desired, you can also put them on old tiles or wood, chipboard (or other similar material). However, keep in mind that when installing tiles on the old cladding, the height of the final floor will increase.

To lay tiles on a concrete screed you need: remove possible roughness with a scraper, vacuum the floor, wash with an alkaline cleaner, then cover with a coat of primer (preferably) and wait 2-4 hours until the floor is completely dry. Next, if concrete base uneven (deviations of more than 5 mm per 2 linear meters), then it must be filled with some kind of leveling compound and wait for it to dry.

To put a tile on an old tile you need:

• To improve the adhesion of the old tile with glue, it is passed through sandpaper or grinder;
• Then the coating is vacuumed and washed, if necessary treated with a primer (drying in 2-4 hours is required) and covered with a self-leveling mixture.

Attention! When laying tiles on the underfloor heating system, turn off the heating 1-2 days before starting work. You can turn on the heating or floor heating only 2-3 days after grouting. For styling ceramic tiles on the "warm floor" you need to use glue with a high content of elastic polymers, which will prevent thermal deformation of the base.

Step 2. Drawing the Markup

Once the floor is dry, you can start drawing markings. There are many ways to draw markup, but they all have the same goal:

• The floor must be marked so that, firstly, the cut tiles are placed out of sight; and secondly, cuttings were required as little as possible. Ideally, tiles should be cut by a third or a maximum of half.

So, for example, the markup can be built in such a way that whole tiles are placed at the entrance, along the axes of the window opening, or, say, at the threshold of the balcony door. In our article, we will consider one of the most popular ways of laying tiles on the floor - along two perpendicular axes from the center of the doorway.

So draw a line from the center of the threshold to the center opposite wall using a cord or laser level. Next, along this line, begin laying a row of dry cross tiles. After laying the last whole tile, draw a line along its outer edge so that you get two strictly perpendicular vertical lines as in the diagram below. It is advisable to use a square to make sure that the corners are straight at 90 degrees.

In the corner of the perpendicular, we will glue the first tile, and from it we will lay the first row (along the horizontal line).

Step 3. Laying the first tile and the first row

Dilute the adhesive in a bucket according to the manufacturer's instructions, apply it with a spatula to one of the corners of the intersection and at the same time to the area of ​​​​several tiles of the future first row, slightly going beyond it. Then smooth the adhesive with a notched trowel, keeping it at a 60 degree angle. Try to always keep the "comb" at the same angle so that the glue is the same thickness.

Attention! If the tile is larger than 30×30 cm or 20×30 cm, then the adhesive must also be applied to the tile itself in a thin layer (apply the adhesive to the tile and immediately remove it almost completely with the same spatula). For very large sizes, the layer of adhesive on the tile can be thicker and thinned out with a notched trowel as shown in the photo below.

Then, in the same way, you should glue the second tile and level it with the first one using a mallet and a rule. Make sure the tiles are level by placing a spirit level directly on two tiles at once as shown in the photo below.

Check the height of each laid tile with the previous one. If necessary, remove excess or, conversely, add glue

Only when both tiles are aligned, insert crosses into the corners of the tiles and into the seam.

Now continue gluing the tiles in the same way until the entire first row is complete. Walk along it again with the rule and check the evenness with a level.

A few rules and useful styling tips

• The subfloor and tiles must always be dry.
• Try to apply glue to no more than 1 running meter facing area at a time.
• Glue that has stood for more than 30-40 minutes becomes unsuitable for work (with the exception of adhesives from some manufacturers). Therefore, try to knead the glue a little at a time.
• To prevent the glue from drying to the comb, constantly soak it in water.
• The crosses must be removed before the glue dries.
• It is not advisable to lean on the laid tile with your knees, as this can disrupt its flatness.
• Tiles should be taken from different boxes, so a slight difference in tone will be invisible. Before starting work, be sure to check that the tone indicated on all boxes matches.
• On the back of the tile there is always the manufacturer's logo, by which you can understand where the tile has the top and where the bottom. Sometimes tiles have a special masonry orientation marker, which, for convenience, can be additionally marked on the end of the tile with a pencil.
• Have time to remove excess glue before it dries. It is best to remove it from the surface of the tile with a cloth moistened with solvent.

Alternative way of marking and laying the first row

Don't want to bother with markup? Then act the old fashioned way - start laying tiles from the most visible corner. If you are laying tiles on the floor in the kitchen, then you can start laying from the corner of the wall opposite the headset, then a row of cut tiles falls under it.

More useful information for marking and laying tiles on the floor with your own hands, you can learn from this video.

Step 4. Laying the remaining rows, cutting tiles

Hooray, the first row is ready and now, guided by it, we can lay the second row of cut tiles (see the figure below), and then all the rest.

• Attention! The first row is made up of only whole tiles, the cut tiles are placed later (in the diagram, the "cut" row is indicated as row 2).

How to cut the last floor tiles adjacent to the wall? First of all, you need to determine the line of its cutting: put it on the penultimate tile already glued, put another tile on it and move it to the wall, but not reaching the wall at a distance of one seam. Along the outer edge of this tile, draw a line on the underlying tile. This line is the cutting line.

You can cut the tile in different ways and devices. Ideally, you should use a manual tile cutter or electric tile cutter(see photo above), if there is no such tool, then use a grinder. However, if the floor tiles are ceramic and not very thick (up to 9 mm), then you can use the old construction trick and cut it ... with a regular glass cutter, as shown in this video.

How to cut tiles curved? Apply masking tape to the tile you are cutting to prevent the decorative layer from chipping. Then, with a pencil, mark a rounded cut line, say under the pipe. Next, drill a few holes along the marked rounded line with a carbide drill bit (also suitable for porcelain tiles). And finally, with the help of wire cutters, pliers and special tile tongs, carefully break off the unnecessary part. Sand the cut with a file.

When you have covered the entire floor, make sure all crosses are removed and leave the flooring to dry for 24 hours.

How to cut the floor tiles with an L-shaped grinder, for example, under the protrusion of the ventilation duct, you can learn from this video.

Step 5. Grouting

After 24 hours, you can start grouting. To do this, first lightly wet the joints with a spray bottle or just a wet rag to improve the grip of the grout, and then dilute the grout.

Holding the rubber trowel at an angle, apply the joint compound to about 1 sq. meter of the floor and distribute it so that all the seams are completely filled. But be careful not to force the grout into the seams too hard.

After 15-30 minutes, remove excess grout with a damp sponge. In the same way, continue to grout the seams on other areas of the floor, with the exception of the joints along the walls. One hour after grouting the entire surface of the floor, it can be washed clean with water or mild detergents.

After a week, the seams can be additionally coated with sealant.

Attention! Walking on a freshly laid tiled floor is not recommended for the first 2-3 days, ideally 7 days.

Laying tiles on the floor is an extremely popular solution for decorating many rooms. However, not everyone knows that you can lay tiles different ways, and in the process of working with different bases, certain nuances must be taken into account. Consider how to lay tiles on the floor: laying methods, technology features and the specifics of choosing the right material.

Many owners give a large number of time and attention to the choice of a suitable finishing material, focusing on its color, texture and size. Of course, it is extremely important to choose a tile of the right size so that it is commensurate with the room, but the question of choosing a laying method should also not be left aside. Consider all popular options.

The traditional way of laying tiles on the floor: rules and features

The traditional method got its name because it is used many times more often than all the others. Such popularity is due to the ease of installation, as well as the ability to use both square tiles and rectangular shape. In this case, the elements are laid in even rows parallel to the floor. At the same time, it is extremely important to place them as close as possible to each other and to observe an even arrangement of rows.

Useful advice! To give the traditional way of laying an unusual look, you can use multi-colored tiles. This option will make the coating original, but at the same time it will allow you to maintain a high speed of all necessary work.

Despite all its simplicity, this method, like others, has certain nuances that must be taken into account even before laying work begins:

• all defects, irregularities and other factory defects will be very noticeable if the tiles are laid in this way. Therefore, you must either carefully examine each element and eliminate inappropriate ones, or choose another, less demanding method;
• if the lining is made with tiles of the same color, then the coating will look rather monotonous. This is not to say that this is a disadvantage, but it is worth considering;
• this option is well suited only for seamless ceramic tiles.

While laying tiles on the floor traditional way it may well be carried out independently and in the absence of special skills, you still have to pay attention to the issue of masonry uniformity, as well as the size of the seams (both vertical and horizontal).

How to lay tiles diagonally: the most beautiful way of laying

Laying tiles on the floor diagonally can rightfully be called the most beautiful of all options. But at the same time, the technology of its laying is the most complex, although at first glance it may seem that the basis is a simple traditional way. The main difficulty in this case is that it is necessary to accurately mark the diagonal axes, which will serve as guidelines for laying out the tiles.

Moreover, it takes a lot of time and effort correct cutting tiles, which also presents additional difficulties in the process of laying tiles in this way. However, thanks to this method, it is possible to hide almost any surface irregularity. This option looks especially good when facing the floor of small rooms.

Important! During installation, the pattern grid should be at a 45-degree angle, so only square-shaped tiles are suitable for this method. This must be taken into account before you lay the tiles in the bathroom yourself in this way.

Interestingly, the drawing itself is quite self-sufficient, and even if a plain tile is used, it always looks extremely interesting. But before laying tiles in this way, you need to understand that in the process you always get a lot of scraps. And this may not please the economical owner who does not want to overpay for beauty, but if it comes to the need to visually expand the room or hide irregularities, then this method is undoubtedly the best.

As already mentioned, the main difficulty of this method is the calculation of the diagonal scheme. In addition, a thorough surface preparation must be carried out by dismantling the old coating, removing paint residues and priming the base before laying the tiles. So you can arrange the tiles as evenly as possible, spending less adhesive solution on this.

Laying the first row is done in the traditional way and for this, rectangular tiles are used. At the same time, the length of its diagonal must correspond to the diagonal of the square tiles that will be used as the main ones. Laying the second row is done using pre-prepared tiled triangles. Then everything is quite simple - the rows are stacked according to the principle diagonal layout horizontal rows.

The technology of laying tiles on the floor with an offset (in a run)

Perhaps most of all, this method resembles brickwork. This solution looks original and is used quite often. In this case, a plain rectangular tile will look best in this case, although you can often find the use of square tiles.

If you chose this option when choosing how to lay tiles in the bathroom, then with its help you can solve two more additional problems - hide minor defects, and also make the floor design interesting and original. And when correct selection color solution, tiles laid in a run-up can give the room a special atmosphere. According to the recommendations of experts, this method is best suited for decorating rooms such as a kitchen or a corridor.

As for the features of the very technology of laying tiles on the floor, it is important to know that the tiles must be laid in horizontal rows, and each element of the next row must be located so that its middle coincides with the seam of the previous row.

Important! It cannot be said that the laying procedure itself is something significantly different from the traditional one, however, there is one feature - the thickness of all seams must be the same.

As an unusual solution, we can consider examples when laying with an offset is done diagonally, that is, at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the wall. But in this case, it is extremely important to take care that the surface is prepared in advance and is as even as possible. Otherwise, the desired effect will not be achieved.

You need to start laying with the location of the lighthouse plates in the corners of the room. So it will be possible to determine the level of the floor and correct the existing defects. After that, the screed is moistened with water and proceed directly to laying tiles using a solution. They do it in rows and along the lighthouse.

Then the masonry is leveled with a hammer, and the lighthouse slabs are removed. After complete drying, which can take from two to three days, the seams are filled with a grout or cement.

How to lay tiles on the floor "herringbone": options and technology

Laying method floor covering"herringbone" is most often used for parquet. This option looks very unusual, especially if you use non-oblong wooden elements, and a tile. Naturally, only rectangular tiles are suitable for this purpose.

There are two options for laying herringbone tiles:

• simple, which is no different from how it is done in the case of laying parquet;
• with an attachment, for which small insert tiles are additionally used. Often use elements of a different color or mosaic.

Speaking about the fact that this method was originally intended for laying parquet, we can conclude that such a coating will look best if its surface imitates wood. But for a tile that looks like a stone, this option is not very suitable, since it looks rather unnatural in the end.

An example of a successful use of the ceramic herringbone laying method

In order to get the desired result and lay the tiles in a herringbone pattern, it is necessary to rotate the elements to the right or left during the laying process, depending on the diagonal position of the tiles. The amount of waste in this case will be minimal, and the visual effect is amazing.

How to lay tiles on the floor: modular installation

Modular installation is a great solution for those who are new to tiling. At the same time, the method allows you to decorate the surface as the owner wishes. It is enough just to think about how to lay the tiles in the bathroom on the floor, design a suitable pattern and make some necessary calculations.

A modular pattern will be an excellent solution for small rooms, especially since you can choose the right color and pattern yourself, taking into account the features of the interior. It is advisable to make as accurate a drawing as possible, which includes an indication of the size of the tiles, as well as the location of the joints.

Useful advice! If you don’t want to develop the project yourself, you can purchase a ready-made tile set and a diagram that demonstrates in detail how to lay tiles in the bathroom with your own hands.

The simplest solution is to use a modular effect, when many small elements of various formats are depicted on one large tile. In this case, the main thing is to observe the principle of the model grid - the same pattern must be repeated many times. Given this, you can independently decide how to lay out the tiles in the bathroom in a beautiful and original way.

How to lay tiles on the floor in an original way: the "maze" method

The “maze” method, or as it is also called “braiding”, can be performed in various ways, but in the end it always gives the impression of intertwined stripes, inside of which there is a square of a different color or shade.

In order to lay out the intertwining stripes of the pattern, you need to use rectangular tiles, and for the inside - smaller square elements.

Useful advice! In order not to be mistaken with the size of the tile when buying, it is best to immediately fold one of the elements of the pattern in the store. This way you can make sure that all the elements match and look good together.

This method looks decent in any room, but when it comes to laying tiles on the bathroom floor, then this option can be called ideal. Even with a small area of ​​​​the room and the absence of a window, the right shade of yellow in combination with such a pattern can create a backlight effect and make the bathroom lighter and more comfortable.

Related article:

Stages of preparation and laying tiles. Complexities and features of the process. Creation of the base and screed. Insulation and waterproofing of the coating.

You can also consider how to lay porcelain stoneware on the floor. With the use of this material, this pattern also looks very attractive.

Laying tiles on the floor "Deck": technology and features

The "Deck" method is undeservedly used in flooring not as often as others. After all, in fact, this way of laying the coating perfectly imitates the deck board, which brings a certain mood to the interior. In this case, the tiles are laid with an offset and it is extremely important that the distance is the same throughout the floor plane without exception.

You can see that this method is somewhat similar to brickwork. This is true, except for the fact that the elements should not be displaced by half of each tile, but only by a small segment of it.

It is worth paying attention to the choice of color and structure of the coating. By opting for a tile that imitates wood and does not have an unglazed finish, you can create a very convincing semblance of a wooden floor.

Imitation tiles natural wood often used in deck laying

How to lay floor tiles using the "Carpet" method

"Carpet" is one of the most sophisticated options for laying tiles on the floor, which provides the opportunity to decorate the room in accordance with the theme of the interior, as well as your own preferences. The essence of this method is that two, three or more colors of the tile are used, as well as a border that frames this pattern around the perimeter.

How complex and beautiful "carpet" you can create depends solely on your imagination, as well as skills in working with tools and materials. It is best to use this method on a fairly large area of ​​​​the room, for example, in a hall or bathroom of impressive size.

How to lay ceramic floor tiles using the Kaleidoscope method

One of the most unusual ways to lay tiles in the kitchen is Kaleidoscope. Just like the previous version, it allows you to independently come up with a pattern that will decorate the room. But here it is extremely important to strictly adhere to the plan, since it is very easy to get confused in the elements. It is best to pre-draw the floor surface in an appropriate way, thus facilitating your work.

When using the Kaleidostop method, you can use multi-colored tiles with different patterns

Important! Another difficulty of this method is the need to prepare a perfectly even base in advance, since all the irregularities will be very noticeable.

As you can see, laying tiles on the floor is an art that will take time and attention to detail to understand. So it is worth considering all the existing options, and having decided on your own capabilities and preferences, proceed to the implementation of the chosen method of laying floor tiles.

Before proceeding to the consideration of the features of laying tiles on various bases, you should familiarize yourself with some of the recommendations that experts provide. According to the statements, taking into account these simple tips, you can significantly extend the life of the coating, making it as durable and reliable as possible:

• preparation of an even foundation is the main task to be solved;
• the prepared surface must be vacuumed again immediately before laying;
• the adhesive composition that will be used to fix the tiles must be selected taking into account the level of humidity in the room in which to work;

Before you should take care of the quality of the base

• for any method that is more complicated than traditional or diagonal, it is advisable to mark on the floor;
• for complex patterns, the tiles must be cut in advance and then laid out on a floor surface covered with a cloth in order to look at the result before starting to apply the mortar;
• with a simple laying method, you can start from the corner, but in the case of most complex patterns, you need to find and designate the center of the room;
• liquid preparations for pre-treatment of the base - ideal to provide the tile with a more secure fixation;
• before proceeding to laying tiles, you need to wait for the impregnation to dry completely;
• grouting floor tiles can be started no earlier than the period indicated on the package, which is necessary for the adhesive to dry completely;
• the color should match or match the color of the tile to create a single beautiful flooring.

The basics of choosing and laying tiles in accordance with the interior of the room

Pick up the most suitable option tiling is possible by considering several examples of finished interiors using this material. At the same time, it is important to understand that in residential premises, tiles are almost always combined with a heating system, because otherwise, walking on the floor in the cold season will be quite uncomfortable. You need to read and watch additional training videos on how to properly lay tiles in a bathroom that has an underfloor heating system.

If we are talking about laying floor tiles in the living room, then a coating that looks like a laminate can be an ideal option. This is the right choice for modern interior, which will harmoniously fit into the room of any size. AT large rooms it is better to give preference to calm, solid colors that will not make the floor too colorful and tiring to look at.

If you want to lay tiles on the floor in the bath, then due to the small area it is permissible to use brighter and more original colors. Do not forget that the selected color and texture of the coating can influence the perception of space. So, for example, a glossy surface of a light shade will expand the room, while a dark matte tile will have the opposite effect.

Before laying tiles in the kitchen, you should make sure that the material chosen is not too easily soiled. In addition, you should not buy slippery tiles, because in the kitchen the flooring is constantly in contact with water, which can lead to dangerous situations.

How to lay tiles on the floor: features of working with various surfaces

Having familiarized yourself with the various ways of laying floor tiles and choosing the most suitable option for yourself, you can safely proceed to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of the laying procedure. Given the considerable cost of laying tiles for square meter, many want to refuse the services of a specialist and do everything necessary on their own. To do this, first of all, you need to stock up on tools that may be required in the process of work:

• building level;
• a hammer;
• glass cutter, or grinder;
• wire cutters;
• roulette;
• notched trowel;
• simple pencil;
• sponge and clean rags.

Useful advice! It is worth taking care of the availability of personal protective equipment in advance and purchase, at a minimum, safety glasses that will protect your eyes from dust particles generated during the tile cutting process.

If during the installation process there is a need for curly cutting, for example, to bypass a riser or heating pipe, then a tungsten carbide drill is used for this, as well as a string with an abrasive coating.

Also, in addition to the tile, you need to purchase special crosses that are used as separators, tile adhesive, grout, as well as sealant and silicone sealant. All this will allow you to lay tiles on the floor with your own hands.

How to properly lay tiles on a concrete floor: features of base preparation

First point preparatory work that need to be done before laying the floor tiles ─ dismantling the old coating and cleaning the surface of all existing stains: oil, paint, grease, etc. Then the existing base is checked using building level, as well as a visual assessment: if there is significant damage, potholes, cracks or deviations in height, then a new cement-sand screed must be made.

It is important that before gluing the tiles to the floor, the surface is hard and as even as possible. Otherwise, you will have to spend more glue on laying, and tiles laid on a soft base are much more susceptible to damage as a result of the load: cracks, chips, and simply falling off.

After you are convinced of the quality of the old screed or have made a new one, you should take care of laying the layer thermal insulation material. This will reduce heat loss and reduce the consumption of resources spent on heating. Another option is the arrangement of a heating system, which is the best solution of all possible.

In the second case, the thickness of the screed should be at least 40 mm, and to further strengthen the base, it is worth using a reinforcing mesh.

If the concrete base is in an acceptable condition, or for some reason it is impossible to make a new screed before laying the tiles in the bathroom, and you have to work with what is, then all the depressions can be smoothed out with cement mortar. But for protrusions, it is best to use a chisel, with which you can relatively easily knock off the interfering parts of the coating.

You can also use a grinder for leveling. And in order to ensure reliable adhesion of the base to the adhesive composition, it is necessary to first apply a layer of primer.

All of these methods of preparation are relevant for concrete structures or monolithic slabs. But laying tiles on a wooden floor is also possible. Consider how it is worth installing in this case.

Laying tiles on a wooden floor: features of surface preparation

For a wooden base, on which it is planned to lay a tile, the same requirements are imposed as in the case of concrete. First of all, the surface must be smooth and durable. The presence of old, worn or rotten boards is unacceptable, as it can lead to the fact that the tile covering at some point simply fails as a result of the destruction of the base. Therefore, all imperfect boards must be replaced.

Useful advice! If a good, at first glance, board, as a result of the load, begins to “play”, then this defect can be eliminated by laying additional lags under it. Although in some cases it helps to simply replace the fasteners (nails or screws) with new ones. In any case, it is imperative to carry out an appropriate check before laying tiles on a wooden floor.

Another way to install a solid and reliable base for laying tiles in the case of working with a wooden floor involves the use of chipboard sheets, OSB or plywood. In this case, it is very important that the material is resistant to moisture.

In the process of laying such an additional layer, it is necessary to leave gaps of approximately 5-8 mm between the sheets in order to allow the material to compensate for changes in air humidity without surface deformation. The laid out sheets are attached to the base with self-tapping screws and opened with a layer of primer before laying the tiles on the wooden floor.

Given the fact that the ceramic coating does not allow air to pass through and does not allow air to penetrate to the base, it is worth taking care of the presence of internal ventilation so that an environment favorable for the growth and reproduction of harmful microorganisms is not created inside. Thus, laying tiles on a wooden floor is quite possible. The main thing is to pay due attention to the issue of preparing the base, and before laying the tile on the wooden floor, treat it with special protective equipment.

How to choose the right adhesive for laying tiles in the bathroom with your own hands

Regardless of the type of foundation, the laying technique is always the same. But the choice of a suitable adhesive composition should be approached with special attention, since depending on the surface on which it will be applied, its composition should be different. For a concrete floor, a cement-based adhesive must be used. In order to prepare it, it is necessary to add the amount of water specified by the manufacturer to the finished dry mixture.

A completely different glue is used when working with wooden base. In this case, the adhesive solution has the consistency of mastic, which, among other things, is able to compensate for deformations resulting from changes in the humidity of the air in the room.

Apply with a notched trowel on the reverse side of the facing material. In this case, grooves should form on the surface. Then the tile is pressed against the floor surface and gently tapped with a rubber mallet. You can learn more about how to glue tiles in the bathroom using one or another method of preparing the mixture from the photo or video instructions.

Rules for cutting and calculating tiles on the floor

It is practically impossible to lay tiles on the floor in such a way as to avoid trimming and fitting the material. One way or another, the material has to be adjusted to the required size at the edges of the room or in places where heating or plumbing pipes are located. Special attention it is worth paying attention to how to lay tiles in the toilet, because in this case an even more difficult tile cutting will be required.

It is far from always possible to use a conventional glass cutter for fitting, since manufacturers usually use a stronger material for the manufacture of floor tiles than for wall tiles. In addition, the thickness of the floor tiles is greater, which means that it will be even more difficult to cut it properly.

In this case, it is best to use a grinder, which allows curly cutting, albeit with an uneven edge. All imperfections made as a result of such trimming can be eliminated using special tongs (nippers) manually.

Most convenient option cutting tiles - the use of a tile cutter, since with its help all procedures can be performed as quickly and firmly as possible, and the edges are smooth.

Important! Despite all the positive characteristics of such a tool as a tile cutter, it is impossible to cut a thin strip (less than 10 cm) with it. In this case, it is better to do it manually using wire cutters.

It is very important not to forget about personal protective equipment, which must be present in the process of cutting tiles. Sharp pieces, which, one way or another, will scatter to the sides, can cause serious injury. Therefore, it is important to protect the eyes (and preferably the entire face) and wear tight clothing that can provide protection.

After all the necessary elements of the tile are cut and laid with the help of an adhesive composition, it remains only to wait for drying and wipe the seams. How exactly this procedure is carried out should be considered separately in order to take into account all the subtleties and nuances. After all, it will depend on the final stage how long the coating will last in the end, and how hygienic its use will be.

Grouting tiles on the floor: what is it for

In order to pay due attention to grouting between tiles, it is necessary to understand how important this process is in terms of its further operation. First of all, it is worth noting that the seams are the gap that remains between the elements after they are laid.

There are certain norms and rules that indicate the main guidelines that you need to rely on in the process of work. So, the basic rule is that the larger the width of the tile, the larger the seam should be. Usually it is from 2 to 5 mm.

The need for grouting is due to several reasons:

• over time, the walls undergo natural shrinkage, so some free space is needed so that the tiles can move without damaging the surface;
• due to the presence of cracks in the dense lining, the walls "breathe";
• the use of a special grouting compound prevents the penetration of moisture, and hence the development of mold, fungi and simply the accumulation of dirt in the crevices;
• due to the presence of grout, adhesion between individual fragments of the cladding is improved;
• grout has a significant decorative role. Properly and neatly designed seams can mask minor tile defects, such as notches and chips. In addition, using grout, you can hide the remnants of the solution.

Thus, the service life of the flooring, as well as how attractive its appearance will be, depends on the observance of the grout application technology. That is why it is worth considering in more detail on what principle it is worth choosing a mixture and how to carry out everything necessary work on one's own.

How to choose the right grout mix

In order to avoid any problems during the grouting process, it is necessary from the very beginning to choose a mixture that is ideal in all respects. This seemingly insignificant nuance plays an important role, so you should pay attention to the following aspects:

The color of the grout is the main criterion that most people pay attention to in the first place. The color of the grout can both positively and negatively affect the appearance of the entire coating. A universal option that is appropriate almost always - white. But in combination with colored tiles, it will not give the feeling of a single canvas. For this. you can choose a grout shade that is as close as possible to the color of the tile. Contrasting colors are used less often, since choosing the right combination can be very difficult.

Useful advice! To get the grout of the desired shade, you can simply add to the base mix white color the right amount of color.

The composition and properties of the grout also play an important role. Depending on what components are included in the mixture, and it can be alabaster, gypsum, epoxy resins, Portland cements and others, the characteristics will also be different. Here you need to focus on what conditions the material will have to face.

So, for rooms with high humidity, for example, when it comes to the bathroom, you need to choose compositions that include water-repellent components. If the surface is subject to serious loads, then you should pay attention to the wear resistance of the composition. The best solution is epoxy mix.

The composition of the grout will differ depending on what surface it is intended for. For example, if we are talking about tiling the wall surface, ordinary grout is used, which, under significant loads, can wear out over time. For flooring, it is worth purchasing a more tenacious mixture, designed for constant contact with shoes, furniture, etc. The main thing is that the grout structure is not loose.

Technology for preparing grout for tile joints on the floor

Today, many different manufacturers are engaged in the production and sale of high-quality grout. Such a wide range allows you to choose the most suitable option for a particular situation. On sale you can find two types of grout for joints: dry powder and mass ready for application.

In the first case, the main difficulty is breeding required amount mixture, it’s not easy to understand exactly how much you might need. Therefore, the best option is to dilute the powder little by little, gradually using it as needed. Usually, manufacturers indicate on the packaging as accurately as possible how much water needs to be added to obtain the desired consistency, but you can also adjust it yourself, by eye determining whether the result you get is tired.

The second option is a mass that is completely ready for use. It can usually be purchased in jars or small buckets. The main advantage of this solution is that there is no need to bother with breeding on your own and the ability to carry out all the necessary work as quickly as possible.

The disadvantages of the finished mass primarily include short term storage. For this reason, leftovers that have not been used will most likely have to be thrown away. Given this, we can conclude that self-dilution of grout from a dry mix is ​​more profitable.

If there is a desire to save money on the purchase of grout, you can consider the option home cooking. To do this, you can use alabaster diluted with water to the consistency of a plastic mass. The main disadvantage of this option is the small service life, since usually such a grout crumbles quite strongly. Can be added to strengthen gypsum mixture, but that only slightly improves the situation.

How to grout the seams on the tile: the technique of applying the mixture

In order to apply the finished grout to the seams and bring it all into proper shape, you will need a container into which the solution will be poured, a brush, a construction mixer, as well as a foam rubber sponge and a small rubber spatula. It is best to dilute the grout gradually, in small portions and in a small container.

Useful advice! The use of a mixer is justified only if you have to work with large area. In all other cases, to obtain the desired consistency of the mixture, it will be enough to mix it for some time with a spatula.

The grouting procedure is as follows:

1. Tiled joints with which to work must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, dust, and fungus. For this, a special tool is provided.
2. Using a brush previously dipped in water, the seams are soaked to increase the quality of adhesion between materials.
3. Then you need to dilute a small amount of grout in a prepared container.
4. Using a rubber spatula, the elastic mixture is applied to the seam so that the gap is completely filled. In this case, additional tamping is necessary to avoid the formation of voids.
5. All excess that has fallen on the tile can be easily removed with the same spatula.
6. To prevent future cracks, at this stage, the grout in the joints must be moistened with water.

Important! To provide maximum protection against the effects of water and the formation of fungus on the surface, it is recommended to additionally treat the places where the plinth will be laid with a sealant.

You need to understand that the procedure for grouting joints on the floor and walls is somewhat different. And if in the case of wall covering, the seams must be sealed from top to bottom, then for floor covering the rule applies - from the far corner to the exit. Before starting work, it can be extremely useful to watch a training video. Grouting floor tiles in this case will certainly be carried out better.

In order for the grout to dry completely, it is necessary to leave it for a day. And after that, you can proceed to the final processing of the seams. For this, special antiseptics, which are able to prevent the appearance of fungus and mold, protecting all vulnerable areas of the coating.

One way or another, if we are talking about laying ceramic tiles on the floor, some moisture will accumulate on its surface and, over time, may begin to penetrate through the seams. To prevent this, use . Its application is the final stage of seaming, which provides the maximum level of protection.

Final cleaning of the tile surface before use

In order to start using the coating that resulted from the work, it is necessary to give it an attractive and complete appearance. The main task is to eliminate as much as possible all traces of excess mortar and putty. And since rubbing is usually carried out in several approaches, since the mastic tends to partially sag as a result of drying, surface cleaning should be done only at the very end.

In order to effectively clean the surface, you will need a foam sponge moistened with water. The tile must be wiped so that the grout, which is located on the surface of the tile, is slightly soaked. Then, using a scraper or the same spatula, you can remove all excess. All stains are easily washed off with a damp cloth or sponge.

Useful advice! If a relief tile was laid, then it will be quite difficult to clean it with a sponge. In this case, it is best to use an old toothbrush.

It is best to clean the surface before the final drying of the grout occurs, since after that it will become very problematic to soften it. Of course, even in this case, it is possible to completely remove the excess, but the process will take much longer and require a lot of effort.

Scraping off completely dried putty must be done very carefully, since it is very easy to damage the surface of the tile, especially if the tile surface is glossy. As for the relief surface, it will be almost impossible to remove dirt here, so this needs to be done as soon as possible.

Tips for caring for floor tiles

It may seem like all you need to know how to tile your bathroom floor is to get a beautiful, durable finish. But in fact, it is constant care that is the key to a long service life of the tile.

In this case, you need to learn two fundamental rules:

1. Only regular cleaning of the seams can guarantee the absence of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. At least once a month it is necessary to clean the grouts in the tiles on the floor. How exactly to do this, everyone decides for himself: you can resort to using special detergents or soapy water, you can also use vinegar or lemon. Chlorine is suitable for surface disinfection. In addition, a steam cleaner will do a wonderful job of cleaning.
2. If possible, you need to save the remains of the grout in order to be able to produce regular grout, which, one way or another, will be needed. Such re-grouting is done as needed if the old seams have darkened and cracked. In this case, the old putty is cleaned, after which the seams are treated with an antiseptic, and a new layer is applied. If it is also necessary to remove a layer of sealant, this can be done with a blade.

By following these simple recommendations, and regularly paying attention to the condition of the tile, you can significantly extend the life of the tile and keep it in its original appearance. It will also be useful to read recommendations and user reviews on the Internet on how to clean the seams between the tiles on the floor. Often on the forums you can find useful ideas and tips.

How much does it cost to put tiles on the floor: prices for services

If after you are fully familiar with how to properly tile your bathroom, the task still seems too daunting for you, it may make sense to seek help from professionals. Experts know exactly how to properly lay tiles in the bathroom, kitchen or corridor by any method and will cope with the task as quickly as possible.

So, it remains to find an offer at the most reasonable price. Many masters offer to lay tiles on the floor, but this service should not cost less than 550-600 rubles per 1 m². Of course, there are a huge number of masters whose services are much more expensive, so here the choice is solely up to the customer.

In any case, it will be useful to get acquainted with the pricing policy, and if such a cost seems excessive to you, then you can always read the instructions again, watch the video about laying tiles on the floor and try to do everything yourself.

Bathroom tile laying technology: video instruction

Having thoroughly familiarized yourself with how to lay tiles on the floor, as well as with how to properly grout the seams on the tile, in most cases you can get to work without hesitation. However, it can also be very useful to watch a training video, which demonstrates in detail each stage of the work and provides useful recommendations from experts in this matter.

Ceramic tiles are undoubtedly one of the most popular surface finishing materials. It is strong, durable, beautiful. The attractive appearance of the material is successfully complemented by a number of extremely important qualities: for example, resistance to abrasion, ease of maintenance, etc. But only the correct, high-quality laying of tiles on the floor and walls will help the coating to fully “reveal” all its advantages, demonstrate its indispensability and reliability .

In this article, we will tell you about how to lay tiles on the floor, consider all stages of the process, as they say, from A to Z.

Foundation preparation

The first stage is the most responsible. Why? Indeed, in order for the tile (and, indeed, any other coatings) to look perfect, it is necessary that the base under it be perfect, or rather, perfectly even.

Instructions on how to level the floor under the tiles:

1. All doors and windows should be closed in the "processed" room - no drafts during the pouring of the mixture!

2. Monitor the temperature of the base - it should not fall below five degrees Celsius.

3. All leveling work requires the surface to be clean and dry. Take care of it. In particular, vacuum or sweep the floors thoroughly.

4. Traces of paints, oils and other substances present on the floor must be removed in without fail- they interfere with the full adhesion of the mixture to the base. Over time, potholes, cracks and other defects may appear in these places.

5. To obtain a high-quality base for tiles, it is necessary to determine the difference in floor height using a level (water or laser) and “eliminate” it with a screed.

6. Fill the floor with a thin layer of primer, the formed puddles and streaks should be leveled.

7. The preparation of the mixture is of no small importance. Detailed instructions for diluting the solution are present on the package - do not neglect reading it, since in practice there is a tendency to experiment with the amount of "introduced" water.

8. Start pouring the solution immediately after its preparation. According to the recommendations of experts, this is best done by forming strips with a width of about half a meter, followed by distribution of the mixture over the surface.

The pouring process should be neat, but fast. Consider also the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the recommended screed thickness.

9. The floor dries in about 12 hours. You can start the key process - laying tiles - after two to three days.

Choosing floor tiles

Not only on the quality of the screed, but also on performance characteristics the specific tile you choose will depend on the durability of the coating.

bathroom tiles

The patency of the bathroom, in the vast majority of cases, is low. Therefore, floor tiles for a given room can be selected with the lowest abrasion class. For a bathroom, a more important characteristic of the material is resistance to household chemicals and, of course, moisture.

You should not look at the glossy tiles - yes, it's aesthetically pleasing, but you don't want to jump out of the shower immediately onto the skating rink, do you? And with gloss it will be so, believe me.

Due to the diversity of the offer, the choice of tiles can be delayed for many weeks and months. Let's help shorten this process by understanding the basic rules for choosing tiles and its impact on bathroom design in the article:.

Kitchen tiles

For the kitchen, the third class of abrasion is optimal. The kitchen floor is subject to regular attacks of “falls”, “spills”, “scatterings” of something. Therefore, the floor tiles in this room must have exceptional resistance to mechanical and physical influences.

In order to always be a joy to clean the kitchen floor, you should not purchase a textured or porous material.

Hallway tiles

This is an area with unusually high traffic. Therefore, for the hallway (lobby), feel free to purchase tiled material with the fourth class of wear resistance.

How to lay tiles on the floor - step by step

Required inventory

So, the floor is leveled, the tiles are purchased. Now you can proceed directly to laying.

You will need:

• the ceramic tile itself;
• tile cutter;
• saw;
• adhesive solution;
• level;
• protective gloves;
• pencil;
• scapula;
• roulette;
• scraper with nozzle;
• sponge;
• rag;
• floor primer;
• bucket.

floor tiling technology

1. It is allowed to lay out the material on the floor before starting work in order to estimate its best location.

2. Need to cut a tile? It is better to “hide” such areas in the corners.

3. To maintain equal and even gaps, special "crosses" are used.

4. Apply the adhesive to the floor surface (no more than one square meter at a time) using a spatula or spatula.

All excess solution must be removed immediately!

Current advice in the process of work:

• the spatula number should be chosen depending on the dimensions of the tile. The larger the tile, the larger the teeth should be;
• for laying floor tiles on underfloor heating, so-called reinforced solutions should be used;
• a comb spatula is always used to apply glue in even strips;
• tiles should be laid as quickly as possible (but, of course, not to the detriment of the quality of work);
• the elements of the coating are leveled with a rubber mallet in height;
• tiles recessed in relation to neighboring ones should always be removed and mortar added;
• during laying, the flatness of the surface and the coincidence of the edges of the tiles are checked constantly;

Worth knowing! It is wrong to use tile "trimmings" on all walls in order to save money. Yes, and it looks unaesthetic. If you have already started repairs, then do not be stingy with the purchase of 10-15% of the stock of tiles (the exact figure depends on the area to be finished, as well as on the installation method).

• do not start laying tiles on a mortar that has already set a little - the adhesion between the tile and the base will be weakened

material cutting

To cut floor tiles (if necessary), use a tile cutter. Individual elements are marked out, installed on the base and pressed tightly against the ruler. They cut from themselves. With a light pressure on the lever, the tile is broken.

Thanks to the use of a special tool, the seam is even, and the surface is complete.

If it is necessary to tile the space near the door or any object that has a unique predetermined shape, then a profile is used to draw outlines on the tile. Cutting in this case is carried out with a special saw.

Laying ceramic tiles on the floor - popular options

First option

The most popular type of masonry is "seam-to-seam" ("butt"), i.e., when the tiles adjoin one another almost closely. Multi-colored tiles can be staggered.

Second option

The type of masonry "in a row" implies a shift along the seam in each of the rows.

Laying using the open seam method facilitates the installation of different-sized ceramic tiles. Indeed, when laying end-to-end, difficulties may arise when fitting adjacent tiles, there is a risk of gaps, uneven seams, which, in turn, will damage the appearance of the lined surface.

The clear separation of the tiles, achieved by open-joint masonry, makes any minor unevenness of the coating completely invisible.

When laying tiles end-to-end, the seam is narrow, its dimensions are not constant; This gap is extremely difficult to fill. In addition, filling very often can occur inhomogeneously, as a result of which the filler exfoliates and any liquids easily enter the resulting voids: water, aggressive detergents, etc.

How long does it take for floor tiles to dry?

In most cases, the tiled floor can be used after a day, but absolute resistance is achieved only after 72 hours. The hardening of the adhesive occurs evenly, if the surface is not subjected to premature loads.

Laying tiles on the floor - VIDEO

We sincerely hope that the theoretical information presented by us, supported by an informative video instruction, will save you from the question of how to lay tiles on the floor and help all those who doubt to decide on the implementation of the process with their own hands.

Laying tiles on the floor is one of the most expensive types of repairs.

Photo 1 - Ceramic tiles on the floor for the kitchen

Of course, if you turned to a knowledgeable master for help, such costs are justified.

Photo 2 - Combination of diagonal and parallel laying

Due to the high cost of quality cladding material and the salaries of repairmen, some people will prefer to try laying the tiles themselves.

Photo 3 - Modular tile laying

Laying floor tiles: preparatory process

The work is, indeed, hard work. However, if you are careful and follow the instructions exactly, everyone will be able to cope with it.

Photo 4 - Option for laying tiles on the floor

First, we measure the surface area to be lined. For more accurate results, instead of the usual tape measure, you need to use a laser meter.

Photo 5 - Laying tiles on the floor

We are interested in the length and width of the room: we measure from each wall. We calculate the surface area by multiplying the length and width of the room.

Photo 6 - Laying tiles on the kitchen floor

Photo 7 - Laying tiles on a warm floor

Photo 8 - Clinker tiles steps

Secondly, we approach the choice of tiles wisely: laying floor tiles in the hallway will technologically be in many ways similar to laying tiles in the toilet (often laid on polystyrene foam to provide greater thermal insulation, see the article: laying tiles on a warm floor) or in the kitchen, however, the choice of flooring material different rooms should also be different.

Photo 9 - Installation of a warm floor under a tile

Photo 10 - Installation of a warm floor under a tile

Photo 11 - Installation of the protective layer in the screed system and in front of it

Photo 12 - Warm floor under the tile

Photo 14 - Laying tiles on the balcony

Photo 15 - Bathtub tiling

Photo 16 - Laying tiles

Photo 17 - Tiles for the kitchen

Photo 18 - Laying tiles

Photo 19 - Laying tiles diagonally

It is important to consider not only color or size, but also such technical parameters:

The higher this indicator, the less the tile is amenable to abrasion. This parameter is selected depending on the intensity of floor use: for example, if people walk mostly barefoot in this room, the I-th abrasion class will be enough, but laying tiles on the floor in the bathroom will require a minimum of the II-nd class. Laying tiles on the floor in the kitchen is already III or even IV class of abrasion.

Photo 21 - Marble tiles

• slip resistance;

This indicator is designated as R 9–R 13 (see photo). Slip resistance is provided by the relief of the tile, the convex ornament on the entire front surface or on a fragment of the tile.

• thermal stability;

This parameter is especially important for kitchen flooring. Poor-quality floor material for the kitchen is not able to withstand even a drop of hot fat: if it gets in, the tile may not withstand internal stresses and burst.

• resistance to chemicals;
• water absorption;
• hardness.

The tile pattern should be selected in the style of the interior of the entire room, taking into account the tile laying option (we will talk about them below).

For public spaces, it is better to use porcelain stoneware, rather than ordinary ceramics, because. the wear resistance of porcelain stoneware is an order of magnitude higher.

Photo 22 - Laying tiles

In any case, whether you pay for the services of a tiler or decide to do the work yourself, marriage in the material is still inevitable, and therefore it is worth buying a tile with a margin. In addition, tiles can be useful for replacing damaged tiles during the operation of the floor.

Photo 23 - Replacing one ceramic tile in the floor

When choosing a tile, be guided by the offers of world brands: Aparici (Spain), Cersanit (Poland), Peronda (Spain), Sadon (Italy), Terranova (Spain).

Photo 24 - Floor in a tile bath

The prices of these manufacturers correspond to the quality of the material. Certified

a bathroom purchase will save you from disappointment and an early replacement of a cheap floor covering that has fallen into disrepair.

Photo 25 - The procedure for applying glue

Moreover, the systematized product catalogs of these brands will help you quickly navigate the choice of a really high-quality coating.

Photo 26 - Laying tiles on the bathroom floor

From domestic manufacturers, you can consider options for tiles from Nephrite-Keramika, Volgograd Ceramics, Gazkeramika and TM Sokol products.

Third, make sure you have everything you need to get the job done.

Photo 27 - Necessary tool for laying tiles: 1 - notched trowel; 2 - spatula; 3 - rubber hammer; 4 - aluminum rule; 5 - electric tile cutter; 6 - manual tile cutter; 7 - building level; 8 − mixer; 9 − laser level RED 2D CONDTROL

• tile;
• tile adhesive;
• cement;
• diamond file (for cutting holes for pipes and other slots);
• roulette;
• bucket;
• wet sponge;
• depth gauge;
• paint cord;
• plastic crosses;
• pencil.

Floor tiling options

Before starting tiling work, it is necessary to choose a tile laying method, as well as try to lay the tiles on the floor without fixing compound - see how the final result will look and, if necessary, accept changes in the work plan in time or adjust the laying design.

1. Basic way. Does not include patterned or irregularly shaped tiles. The most commonly used tiles bigger size to make work easier.

Photo 28 - Tiles on the floor for the kitchen

Photo 29 - Finishing the loggia

Photo 30 - Do-it-yourself tile laying on the floor is a feasible idea

Photo 31 - Floor in the shower

Photo 32 - Tile layout option

Photo 33 - The method of laying tiles on the floor

Photo 34 - Tiles on the balcony

Photo 35 - Laying tiles on the floor

Photo 36 - Tiles in the toilet

Photo 37 - Underfloor heating under tiles on the balcony

Basic laying "at an angle" (diagonally). For laying tiles in this way, you can not do without a tile cutter. An oblique tile laying line in this case can significantly reduce the visibility of wall curvature.

Photo 38 - Laying tiles diagonally

Photo 39 - Quartz vinyl tiles

Photo 40 - Tiles for the hallway

Photo 41 - Tiles on the floor for the kitchen

Photo 42 - Laying porcelain stoneware without seams

Photo 43 - Laying tiles in the kitchen

Laying tiles "in a run". Laying tiles in this way always starts from the center of the room. For this method, the standard square tiles not suitable - you need to use a rectangular one.

Photo 44 - Tile layout option

Photo 45 - Knauf superpol

Photo 46 - Laying tiles in the bathroom

"Chess". A two-tone pattern can brighten up a room, but the colors and size of the tiles should be chosen carefully so that the floor does not look smudged or rippled as a result. The same pattern can be laid out at an angle.

Photo 47 - Layout of tiles in the bathroom

Photo 48 - Warm tiles on the kitchen floor

Line tiling. It implies the use of several colors of tiles laid parallel or perpendicular to each other.

Photo 49 - The process of laying tiles using the "kaleidoscope" method

"Carpet". The central part and the perimeter of the floor are made out decorative tiles, imitating carpet with a pattern.

Photo 50 - Ceramic floor

Photo 51 - Marble floors

Photo 52 - Laying tiles in the bathroom

Photo 53 - Laying tiles

Photo 54 - Pamesa Albans tiles

Photo 55 - Tiles in the room

Photo 56 - Tile laying design

Photo 57 - Floor tiles

Photo 58 - Ceramic tiles on the floor

"Ornament". A method involving creativity in thinking. Due to the variety of building and finishing materials you can lay out any ornament on the floor.

Photo 59 - Floor tiles

"Kaleidoscope". It involves the use of two or more colors in the design of the floor. The method consists in an ordered or chaotic laying of tiles of different colors.

Photo 60 - Laying tiles in the shower

floor tiling technology

So, you have all the necessary tools and materials, you bought a tile suitable for this room and chose the option for laying it. Now let's decide which styling technology is right for you.

Ways of laying tiles do not differ in particular variety - there are only two options:

Photo 62 - Laying porcelain tiles

Photo 63 - Laying porcelain tiles

The option of laying tiles on the floor without seams means laying end-to-end. In this way, the continuity of the surface can be emphasized, as well as significantly speed up the installation process. However, the surface after tiling in this way becomes too rigid, which, for example, when shrinking a new house, can lead to swelling of the tiles. In addition, achieve perfect straight lines, especially for novice tilers, it will be quite difficult.

Photo 64 - Laying tiles in the bathroom

The second option (laying with an open seam) is more common. The tile is laid with a distance of a couple of millimeters, the evenness of the lines and the distance between the tiles is regulated thanks to plastic crosses, a level, a wooden rail.

Photo 65 - Ceramic tiles

Photo 66 - Proper styling mortar tiles

Photo 67 - Laying tiles on the floor

The seams are then rubbed with a special paste.

Photo 68 - Grouting

Photo 69 - Grouting in tiles

Photo 70 - Grouting

Above, we wrote that before starting work, you need to lay out the tiles on the floor. This stage is important for determining the further progress of work (floor marking is performed with any method of laying tiles). You need to start marking from the most prominent corner of the room.

Photo 71 - Laying tiles on the floor

Photo 72 - Applying tile adhesive

Photo 73 - Laying floor tiles diagonally

Photo 74 - Marking the tiles

So you will be more visible exactly how and how many tiles will need to be cut, in what order to lay, etc.

Photo 75 - Laying tiles on the floor

Laying ceramic tiles on the floor

Laying ceramic floor tiles begins with the placement of beacons - landmarks that help lay the tiles evenly. In a small room, as beacons, you can use the four extreme tiles, "seated" on gypsum mortar: set the base tile, and on it, using the level, - the second, etc.

Photo 76 - Laying the floor on the logs

Large areas require the placement of intermediate beacons - mooring cords or any similar methods. You can also use a control rail of two wooden blocks.

Photo 77 - Filling the floor

The cement-sand mortar for laying is prepared in a ratio of 1:3-1:4, i.e. 1 share of cement accounts for 3-4 shares of sand. Water is added based on the manufacturer's recommendations (indicated on the cement packaging).

Photo 78 - Dry screed

Photo 79 - Dry screed

The solution must be prepared in batches. Otherwise, you may not have time to use up all the prepared mixture before it solidifies.

ADVICE. Professionals prepare the fixing compound for a maximum of three rows of tiles. You can also start with one row.

If you are not using cement base, and the adhesive composition, instructions and recommendations for its preparation and use are also contained on all product packages.

To your attention the technological characteristics of the adhesive composition KNAUF (Germany):

Picture 2 - Technological characteristics of the adhesive composition KNAUF (Germany)

Photo 80 - Knauf superpol

Standard technology for laying tiles on the floor:

ATTENTION! The floor surface must be primed!

According to the laying lines previously drawn on the floor, starting from the far corner of the room, we distribute a portion of the adhesive solution with a trowel or spatula.

We lay out the tiles on top of the adhesive composition, tapping on it with a trowel handle for better shrinkage (in the case of using the adhesive composition, it will be enough just to press down hard with your hands).

Photo 81 - Primer of the concrete floor under the screed

Before laying out on the floor, the adhesive composition can be lubricated not with the base, but with the tile itself, while covering at least 70% of the surface area of ​​the material. There is an option for double-sided application of the adhesive composition, however, it is used only when the back side of the tile has a relief surface. Excess adhesive may cause the surface to tear. Therefore, the adhesive composition is optimally applied with a notched trowel.

ADVICE. The teeth of the trowel used should be twice the thickness of the layer.

Photo 82 - Floor cladding: 1 - surface marking; 2 - seam processing; 3 - "combing" the glue; 4 - laying tiles

To date, in terms of cost and characteristics the best choice- Ceresit SM 17 glue (the series also has variants of SM 11, SM 12, SM 14 and SM 15 glue, differing in the type of purpose and degree of adhesion).

Figure 3 - Cutting tiles: 1 - cutting with a glass cutter; 2 - postponing the incised part; 3 - breaking off with a tile breaker

Photo 87 - Cutting tiles

When laying tiles, you must constantly control the level of the floor and the evenness of the laying, using a wooden lath, beacons and a level.

Grouting is started only a day after laying the tiles. The fresh floor must not be walked on or subjected to any load for another 24 hours.

ADVICE. When choosing a colored grout, keep in mind that the tone of the grout on the tile may change somewhat after drying.

It is better to opt for Ceresit and Sopro grouts. In terms of cost, wide range and sustainability indicators, the products of these manufacturers still have no equal.

The grout is applied with a rubber spatula or trowel. Some craftsmen after grouting process the seams with silicone sealant.

Photo 90 - Clinker tiles steps

Laying tiles on a wooden floor

The main condition for the base under the tile is a flat surface without visible defects and damage. As for the wooden floor, the tiles are also laid out on it using standard technology, having previously cleaned wood flooring from nails, old paint, covering up cracks and smoothing out irregularities.

All defective areas should be removed and replaced, and the floor boards should be better reinforced.

Photo 93 - Semi-dry floor screed

If we are talking about laying tiles on a wooden floor in a bathroom or in a bathhouse, without making a new or replacing the old base with a stronger one and corresponding to a constant humidity in the room, laying tiles is not possible.

Photo 98 - Floors in the bath

Bathroom. Laying floor tiles VIDEO

Laying tiles on the floor, as well as other types of tiles

The tile is the same ceramics, but this material is fired at higher temperatures and must be glazed at the exit. Therefore, the method of laying tiles is no different from the standard method of laying ceramic tiles.

Photo 101 - Photo of the finished threshold

Features of laying PVC do not differ from standard ones: PVC is placed on a wooden floor after removing nails and leveling the floor with special mixtures; on a concrete floor, like on an old tile, a fresh PVC coating is placed under the same conditions.

Photo 102 - PVC floor tiles

IMPORTANT! The floor must be perfectly dry before laying! When laying, a special glue for PVC is used (for example, KIILTO PLUS or KIILTO EXTRA).

Photo 104 - Sticking vinyl tiles on the floor

It is laid on a perfectly flat surface - on a self-leveling floor or on plywood with worn seams and recessed fastener nails by at least 3 mm. Vinyl tile on the floor is also attached to the adhesive composition.

Photo 105 - Laying vinyl tiles

OSB boards

They can be used both for installation of a finishing floor, and when laying a rough one. This is a more serious material used not only for flooring, but also, for example, in work with the roof of a house. For flooring, OSB-3 boards are most suitable. More often given material used to level the floor surface. The thickness of the plate varies from 8 to 10 mm. The slabs can be used as a base for ceramic tiles, providing more thermal insulation to the surface.

Laying tiles on the floor. VIDEO

$ Price/value

Kyiv: 50-120 UAH. per sq.m. depending on the level of the master.

Moscow: 600-1,000 rubles per sq. m. depending on the level of the master.

Ceramic tile flooring is quite popular. Such material is often used to decorate floors in a bathroom, toilet or other utility rooms (for example, a boiler room). Laying floor tiles with your own hands is a rather time-consuming process. It requires care and precision. And how this is done, we will tell in this article.

Preparatory work

Work on laying ceramic tiles requires preparation. The first step is to stock up on the necessary tools. You will need:

• trowel, notched and wide spatula;
• building level and ruler;
• marker or pencil;
• tile cutter;
• hammer (simple and rubber), pliers, drill or puncher;
• plastic crosses for leveling seams;
• primer, grout, adhesive mass;
• ceramic tile.

To calculate the required number of tiles, it is worth resorting to simple mathematics. Knowing the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, divide it by the area of ​​​​one tile. In this case, it is worth considering the width of the seams, 2–5 mm. As a result, you will receive the required amount of material. Add 10–15% to this value. This margin is necessary, the tile may crack during operation, or you will cut off any piece incorrectly.

It is imperative to stock up. The fact is that the shades of the tile can vary even in one batch. Therefore, if only one square is not enough for you, it will be very difficult to find the right color.

Now you need to prepare the surface. Remove all items from the room (furniture, plumbing, etc.). If there was old tiles on the floor, you need to get rid of it. You also need to do with the old adhesive mass. A puncher with a special nozzle in the form of a spatula or a chisel with a hammer will help you with this.

When performing dismantling work, do not forget about your own safety. Put on goggles, a mask, and put gloves on your hands.

The next step is to clean the entire surface. Remove large and small debris, sweep away dust and sand (or vacuum). Then proceed to level the base. If, as a result of dismantling, large depressions or bulges are obtained, then alignment should begin with them. The bulges are knocked down with a chisel, and the cavities are sealed with a cement-sand mortar. Then a sand-cement screed is laid on the concrete floor and it is leveled. At each stage, check the evenness with a level. The presence of irregularities in the range from 0.5 to 1 cm is allowed.

If the room has wooden floors, then the leveling technology is different. First of all, the boards must be impregnated special paint oil based. When the surface is dry, a layer of waterproofing is laid. Then, a reinforcing mesh is mounted to a height of 4–5 cm (for this you can use nails that are not completely driven into the floors). And only after that the entire area is filled with a leveling mixture (sand-cement mortar).

In rooms with wooden floors it is allowed to use thick plywood as a substrate (thickness not less than 12 mm). But the sheets must be laid on the surface without significant irregularities. Otherwise, under the weight of the tiles and the adhesive mass, the plywood may bend and break.

We markup

Laying ceramic tiles on the floor begins with markings. First of all (especially if you are installing for the first time) you need to do a dry layout. The tile is put into place without adhesive mass. This way you can calculate everything (where you need to cut, where difficult corners are formed, etc.). When laying out, do not forget about future seams between the tiles.

There are two main ways to lay out tiles.

The easiest is to start from one far corner of the room. This method is considered the fastest. This is how all novice tilers lay, or if you have to work in small narrow rooms, or rooms with complex geometry.

The second method is more complex - laying from the middle of the room to the sides. So the tiles are laid in large and free rooms. In this case, the room is divided into four equal parts. The first line is drawn from the middle of one wall to the opposite, the second is also in the middle, perpendicular to the first. Laying starts from any corner formed in the center of the room. In this case, you will have to cut the tiles around the perimeter of the room. When using this method of laying, a more attractive pattern is formed.

You can also choose the direction of laying tiles. Can be laid diagonally or in the usual straight way. The first one looks much more beautiful, but to create it you need to have experience in such works. That is why the second method of laying is much more common.

Whichever method you use, you still have to cut the tiles. Here it is important to remember one recommendation. Try not to cut too narrow strips, they will look bad. From a full tile, at least 20 percent of the area should remain. Also make sure that the most visible area is laid out from whole tiles.

Laying ceramic tiles

Now let's take a closer look at how to lay floor tiles. First of all, we prepare the glue. If you purchased a ready-made mass, then carefully read the instructions. If you like dry glue, then it must be diluted with water (also according to the recommendations from the manufacturer).

Since the process of laying tiles is quite long, it is necessary to dilute the adhesive mass in small portions. Otherwise, it will simply dry out and increase your financial costs.

The work is done square. That is, areas of a square meter are marked out and an adhesive mass is prepared for this area. After finishing one section, move on to the next.

First you need to cover the entire area with a primer. This will prevent mold from forming and make the surface more suitable for good bonding. Depending on the level of humidity in the room, one to three passes are made with a primer. Only after it has completely dried can you start laying floor tiles.

The surface is slightly moistened, and a layer of adhesive mass is applied to it. Using a notched trowel, the adhesive is leveled. In this case, care must be taken not to form voids and air sacs.

A layer of glue is also applied to the back of the tile. This is done using the same notched trowel. A thin layer should cover the entire surface. Then the tile is turned over and neatly laid in its place. In this case, you need to evenly press on the entire surface.

The tile is leveled by gently moving from side to side. Horizontal evenness is checked using a building level or using a simple stretched thread. If the tile is below the desired level, then a little glue mass is added, if it is higher, the excess glue is removed.

A rubber mallet is used to level the tile along the plane. It delivers accurate strikes. So you can move the tile to the right place.

Leave an even gap between tiles. Its accuracy is achieved by using special plastic crosses. They fit into the resulting seam. If the tile is aligned with the crosses, then the gap is even and neat. Such a seam (2–5 mm wide) is needed so that the coating does not swell.

Near the walls you will have to cut the tiles. This is done with a tile cutter. A line is carefully drawn along the ruler, and then the tile is simply broken. But this must be done carefully.

Final stage

During work, it is necessary to periodically wipe the already made masonry section with a rag. This is necessary to wipe off the remnants of the adhesive mass before it hardens. And after laying the entire flooring, you can’t walk on it for at least two days.

After the glue has hardened, you can start grouting the seams. For this, a special moisture-resistant putty is used. This work can be done with a rubber spatula. But first you need to clean the seams from construction debris and dust.

After all the seams are worn, you need to clean the entire floor from debris with a rag. Then the grout is given a day to dry and you can start wet cleaning.

This completes the tiling work. Some tricks and styling techniques can be found by watching the video and photos.

Video

Video about the features of laying tiles on the floor:

A photo