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Laying tile is a very difficult process that requires a lot of experience, skills, and patience. However, if you have a small floor to tile in your house, you can do it yourself.
The tools. You will need a trowel, a bucket (1/4 or 3/8 depending on the size of the tile), a tile saw (you can rent), a mixing drill, spacers, a grout float, and sponges.
The materials. Thinset, tile, underlayment, sealer, grout.
Preparation. The preparation will depend whether the floor is cement or plywood. In case of plywood, cover the floor with cement board underlayment to separate the tile from possible shrinkage/deformation of the plywood. There are also other alternatives to cement board underlayment on the market. In case of a cement floor, you can set tile directly on the cement. It is recommended, however, that you apply anti-fracture membrane to prevent possible cracks in the tile to spreading to tile.
Setting. Snap some lines to keep straight lines on your tile. Do the layout before starting. Mix thinset and spread it using a trowel on the floor. Don’t spread more than 2-3 tiles at a time as thinset can dry and lose its bond. Try to wash off excess mud as you go—it will be a lot more difficult after it dries. To help keeping the grout lines consistent, use spacers.
Grouting. After thinset sets the next day, remove spacers, wash the floor. Mix grout and fill the grout lines using the grout float. Wash with water using sponges.
Sealing. Allow grout to dry for 2-3 days. Apply sealer.
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