Step by step instructions for laying porcelain tiles on the floor with their hands

floor is hard to imagine a material that better fits the modern interior than granite.Reliability and durability of the floor over the years will delight owners and shades variety of sizes and layouts of tiles (herringbone, extensibility, measured diagonally) will translate bold design ideas.

long sex exploitation of granite depends on its correct folding, which in compliance with all the requirements it is possible to carry out with their own hands.

choice of materials and tools

At first glance, a set of tools and auxiliary materials for laying porcelain tiles the same as that for conventional paving tiles, but it has many features.To granite

not fit an ordinary tile adhesive and, especially cement, as this material has a low water absorption.Glue for ceramic granite is bipartite and comprises a large percentage of polymers (latex or acrylic) and has better properties ratchet.If granite is planned to be laid in the street, such as a porch or terrace, the adhesive composition must be present plasticizers to give it frost.

seams between the elements of granite overwritten using a special grout.Clay categorically not suitable for this procedure.

From the Tools needed:

• containers for mixing the adhesive and grout preparation,
• drill or a hammer with a nozzle for mixing the solution,
• straight spatula width of 30-40 cm,
• notched trowel,the size of the teeth which is directly dependent on the size of tiles,
• tape measure, level or laser level and a pencil to mark the floor,
• tic-spacers for laying tile,
• rubber spatula to apply the grout,
• gloves.

Preparation

floor Gres, like tiles laid on a perfectly level surface.The screed must be completely dry, after its final casting must be at least 4 weeks.Immediately prior to the flooring surface must be thoroughly once again sweep, remove any dry ink stains, glues to improve adhesion to the tile floor.

stacking technology

the prepared floor surface should be marked, depending on how the tiles will be laid.If it is parallel to the walls, it is necessary to draw a sharp line in the middle of the room, parallel to the longest wall.In the case where the decided tile laid on a diagonal line of axial markings should bisect the angle adjacent to the longest wall.The first series of porcelain tile is laid along the line or the symmetry axis coincides with tile layout.

Immediately before work adhesive for porcelain tiles plant in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and mix using a drill or punch with a special nozzle.The finished mass spread on a clean floor on an area of ​​about 1 mand distributes a wide spatula, achieving a uniform layer.Next, using a notched trowel applied grooves that are parallel to one of the sides of the tiles.

Apply adhesive for porcelain tiles should be uniform, avoiding voids under the tiles, as at high load in this place, they can crack.In areas with high traffic, public places, and the glue is better to put on the floor, and tile, this method will reduce the risk of cavities under the surface.Slabs of granite large stick in the same way.If the adhesive is applied over the mat underfloor heating, it is necessary to make sure that all the cells are filled with them.

first tile is placed on the adhesive with slight pressure along the axis of the markup (or her) in farthest from the entrance wall, stepping back 5 mm.The second is placed on edge along it and then fit.Thus, between the tiles is a distance equal to their thickness.To avoid the offset distance between the tiles porcelain tiles fixed with crosses, they are removed before the adhesive sets.Care should be taken so that the gap between the tiles is not filled with adhesive.

Grouting - the final stage

After 24 hours, when the glue grabs diluted grout fill the gaps between the granite with a small rubber spatula, remove the excess with a sponge.Special detergents entire surface of the tile cleared of traces of glue, grouting and maintenance wax, which is covered in order to protect.

glue dries within 3-5 days, at which time it is not necessary to walk on the floor.Wash by conventional means, arranged the furniture, include floor heating can be 2 weeks after completion of the work.

Tips and tricks

• Gres worth buying a 10% margin, as the battlefield, splits and cutting waste can not be avoided.
• Gres, designed for laying in the same room has to be from the same batch as the tiles even one kind may be slightly different shade and thickness.
• If under cover of granite is planned to install underfloor heating, his work should be thoroughly checked in advance.
• Indoors need to keep the temperature and humidity, the adhesive recommended by the manufacturer.
• If necessary, go through the floor, which just laid granite tiles, you need to put a board under his feet wide.