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I have just completed tiling my laundry floor, and it was an interesting experience; a little tricky at times but not very difficult. The key is in careful planning and preparation, after which the tiles all but lay themselves.

1. Measure the floor area - odd shapes can be adjusted for e.g by dividing area up into squares/rectangles and (right-angled) triangles.

2. Choose your tiles - indoor tiles are of a different grade to outdoor tiles, and floor tiles different again to wall tiles. Floor tiles are generally of a higher grade and non-slip compared to wall tiles. Ceramic tiles with or without glazing are generally used for floors. Tiles manufactured in Europe are of higher quality than others. Calculate from 1. & 2. the number of tiles (boxes) needed, allowing for off-cuts.

3. Prepare the Surface - eg timber floor that is uneven and flexes under foot needs a sturdy layer of masonite to level it out and reduce give. The floor needs to be clean, especially of oil or grease. A very smooth concrete floor may need etching.

4. Centre the Room - by drawing centre lines at right angles to each other, or diagonals. Place a dry line of tiles along these centre lines, starting from the centre point, which will ensure even cuts on either end of both the width and length. Adjust the centre tile to make the cut ends of a manageable (not too small) size, and mark the starting points in the centre, in each dimension.

5. Obtain the required tools, including:
Square Rule - measuring and squaring off angles
Pencil - to mark floor and tiles as required
Rubber mallet - to tap tiles gently into place and against adhesive
Rubber squeegy - for applying grout
Adhesive - flexible adhesive for outside and floors with flex, and rigid adhesive for other surfaces.
Grout - coloured or white to taste and preference
Spatula with grooves - 3mm grooves for smaller indoor tiles
Tile spacers - 2 mm plastic cross-shaped spacers
Tile cutter - cuts tiles easily and accurately

6. Lay the tiles - starting from the centre marks, apply adhesive to an area of 3-4 tile sizes with the grooved spatula, using more or less, according to floor level. Place tile on adhesive and riggle into place. Gently tap with mallet until settled and no hollow sound heard. Apply next tile as above and place separator between tiles to aid with alignment and spacing. Repeat process until all full-tile spaces are filled.

8. Lay the end pieces - measure end-pieces with rule and using tile-cutter, cut to size/shape required, and lay as above.

9. Allow to set - allow 24 hours for the adhesive to dry and set.

10. Apply grout between tiles - wearing rubber gloves, apply grout with squeegy, ensuring that the all gaps are completely filled. Wipe excess grout with a sponge and water. Do this until the surface of tiles are free of grout. Allow 24hrs for the grout to dry and set.

11. Wash floor with warm water

Learn more about this author, Bob Hat.
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