Basements, Attics and Crawl Spaces - Ceramic Tile on Basement floor
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tranch
09-04-08, 01:34 PM
I'd like to tile my basement floor, but have never done something like this. My home is 4 years old, the basement is/has been dry all this time and it is concrete. I've checked the floor for level and though it isn't "perfectly" flat it doesn't seem to be too far off from one side to the other or have any deep dips or mounds in it.
Is there a web site where I can read the basics on how to begin this project or a book that would explain how to begin? I would be tileing about 400-500 sq. ft.
Is there a web site where I can read the basics on how to begin this project or a book that would explain how to begin? I would be tileing about 400-500 sq. ft.
HotinOKC
09-04-08, 03:00 PM
There are numerous tiling books available, and some are available at your local big box store.
What size tile are you wanting to install?
Are there any cracks?
Floors need to be fairy flat for a tile installation. High spots should be grinded down, and low spots filled.
If and when that is accomplished, you should thoroughly clean the concrete. Sweep it, mop it down, etc.
You have two options for tiling:
1. You can tile directly onto the concrete with a good thinset, like Versabond. Stay away from anything in a bucket.
2. Install a isolation membrane, like Schluter Ditra, Noble, etc and then tile. This is for added protection against for your tile and is not "required".
What size tile are you wanting to install?
Are there any cracks?
Floors need to be fairy flat for a tile installation. High spots should be grinded down, and low spots filled.
If and when that is accomplished, you should thoroughly clean the concrete. Sweep it, mop it down, etc.
You have two options for tiling:
1. You can tile directly onto the concrete with a good thinset, like Versabond. Stay away from anything in a bucket.
2. Install a isolation membrane, like Schluter Ditra, Noble, etc and then tile. This is for added protection against for your tile and is not "required".
tranch
09-04-08, 05:13 PM
There are no cracks in the floor and I'm thinking a 12 X 12 tile should be nice and relatively easy to install.
HotinOKC
09-04-08, 06:05 PM
Yes, installing on concrete is fairly simple.
Seeing you have 400-500sqft, I assume there will be over 20feet in one direction? The reason I ask this, is because if you do, you will need to have an expansion joint at your 20-25ft mark. In this expansion gap, you will use grout caulking that matches your normal grout.
Here's a list of things you will for the basic job:
Trowel ( 1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4", 3/8")
Grout float - I would recommend getting a decent one, which will cost around $10
Margin trowel (optional)
Large grout sponges
A couple buckets
Tile spacers
Thinset (aka Versabond, Mapei, etc)
Grout (Sanded if grout joint is 1/8" or bigger)
Grout sealer
Tile nippers
Klinker Cutter
Knee pads (optional)
Safety glasses (Required when cutting)
Wet saw (optional in easy installs, but recommended)
Isolation membrane (optional)
Seeing you have 400-500sqft, I assume there will be over 20feet in one direction? The reason I ask this, is because if you do, you will need to have an expansion joint at your 20-25ft mark. In this expansion gap, you will use grout caulking that matches your normal grout.
Here's a list of things you will for the basic job:
Trowel ( 1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4", 3/8")
Grout float - I would recommend getting a decent one, which will cost around $10
Margin trowel (optional)
Large grout sponges
A couple buckets
Tile spacers
Thinset (aka Versabond, Mapei, etc)
Grout (Sanded if grout joint is 1/8" or bigger)
Grout sealer
Tile nippers
Klinker Cutter
Knee pads (optional)
Safety glasses (Required when cutting)
Wet saw (optional in easy installs, but recommended)
Isolation membrane (optional)