Ceramic tile flooring is the most suitable option for bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways thanks to its water resistance element, as well as durability, and simplicity. Installation can be a complex process, which makes having a Seattle ceramic tile installer a necessary and savvy choice to ensure one’s flooring is immaculate.
Ceramic Floor Tile Installation Process
Assess
Inspect the surface on which the tile will be installed on top to ensure that there is no fixing floor or a wall that is uneven as this can lead to broken tiles and failed grout. Substrates such as board, plywood, or concrete, need to be sound, clean, and dimensionally suitable.
Measure
To make the finished ceramic tile surface appear symmetrical it is vital to find the center of the surface first and then measure it from the sides.
Once the center and baseline from which the work will start have been identified, one can make a pair of perpendicular chalk lines, which will divide the room into roughly equal quadrants. One should work outward from the center point in each of the four areas.
Lay out the tiles
Lay the tiles out to see how they will appear while they are dry before any mixing of adhesive takes place. The space between the tiles should be uniform and one should use spacers if the tiles don’t come on mesh sheets.
The larger the tile the larger the space should be between them because without sufficient surface area, grout won’t bond well and can fail prematurely, leaving room for leaks and water damage and it is very important to let the adhesive cure fully.
It is advised to work across to the outside edge of one quadrant, then to the top or bottom, one row or course at a time, filling in as one goes.
Cutting the tile
During this step of the ceramic floor tile installation process, one needs to measure the size of the tile that needs to be cut and transfer the dimensions to the glazed surface of the tile with a felt-tip marker.
Next, position the tile on the tile cutter, aligning the centerline of the cutter with the axis on which the tile is to be cut while ensuring that the tile is kept square. Then, using the lever to which the cutting wheel is attached, draw the cutter across the surface of the tile, applying a firm, even pressure. Make only one pass with the cutter and then snap the tile.
Adhering Tiles
It is important to make sure that waterproof adhesive is used. One can use a premixed adhesive or a mortar. One must check the product container to determine how quickly the adhesive will dry and spread the adhesive smoothly with a square-notched trowel. Then set each tile with a slight twist to spread the adhesive, beginning at the center of the surface and working out to the perimeter.
Grouting tiles
Grout is purchased as a powder and mixed with water or a recommended additive. During the grouting process, one must wear gloves and spread grout evenly, making sure to force it into the joints with a blunt tool.
Cleaning and sealing
When cleaning one should sponge off the residue on the surface of the tiles before it has the chance to dry, making sure to repeat this step several times over an hour or more. Once this step is complete, a grout sealer can be applied.
Pros & Cons of Ceramic Tiles in Seattle
Pros
- Ceramic tiles are very durable and they can last for decades.
- It is affordable.
- Ceramic tile is waterproof, meaning that one can install tiles in the bathroom or balcony, without worrying about water absorption and hygiene.
- Ceramic tile flooring comes in a variety of design options.
- Ceramic tile is easy to clean and one doesn’t need special cleaning agents, meaning that a quick sweep or mop will be sufficient.
- Ceramic floor tile can be used everywhere as it is extremely versatile.
- They are low maintenance, unlike other flooring options that need regular deep-cleaning and sealing or might begin to fade due to sun and other elements, ceramic tile practically presents no problems.
Cons
- Ceramic tile flooring can be very heavy, meaning that flooring installed in homes on the upper stories of a building is quite rare. One has to first ensure that the building can withstand the installation of such heavy tile flooring.
- Ceramic tile flooring can present a hard cold surface to walk on as it is known not to absorb heat very well. As a result, rooms with ceramic tile flooring can become quite cold in the winter season.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) – Ceramic Tiles Seattle
Is Ceramic Flooring Expensive?
Installed professionally, it can range from a low of about $15 per square foot to a high of more than $60 per square foot, depending on the quality of the tile and the difficulty of the installation.
Is Ceramic Cheaper than porcelain?
Ceramic tile flooring can be one of the more affordable flooring options as it costs significantly less than porcelain and is easier to install.
Are Ceramic Tiles good for floors?
Ceramic tile is versatile and can be used in any room in the house such as kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and other high-traffic areas and many homes use ceramic tile flooring in living areas and bedrooms. It is environmentally friendly, easy to maintain, simple to clean, and fairly scratch-resistant, making it a great choice for large or small spaces.
How long do ceramic tiles last?
Ceramic tiles can last from 75 to 100 years.
Commercial Ceramic Tile Installation Services Near You in Seattle, WA
Flooring is a major factor contributing to the presence of one’s space. If you are looking for Seattle ceramic tiles, call us today at Pacific Modular or contact us online and let our team handle all your ceramic tile flooring installation needs to give you the perfect space that you have envisioned.