Installing Tile and Stone

Before Installation:
Make sure your subfloor is sturdy, flat, and smooth without any cracks or noticeable problems. After examining the existing floor, it may be necessary to purchase a cement base or backer board to lie below the tile to ensure optimum installation.

Layout:
Measure and square off the room to determine where you will begin laying the tile. Using chalk lines works best to ensure proper measurements. It is best to start in the middle of the room, not the wall, because you want to leave any cut tiles closer to the edges of the room to reduce visibility.

Thinset:
Apply thinset to the ground with a trowel using the chalk lines as a guide before laying the tile down. Only spread the thinset over a few square feet, then lay some tile pieces down and continue.

Laying the Tile:
One at a time, place the tiles on the thinset by pressing firmly. Make sure to use spacers between each tile where the grout will later be installed. Continue applying thinset and laying tile down until you get to the outer edge of the room. At the edges, you may have to make cuts to the tile to finish off the installation process.

Grouting:
Wait for the thinset to dry and cure before applying grout. It may be best to wait 24 hours. Use a rubber float to apply the grout. Make sure to push the grout firmly into all joints. Clean off the excess grout with a damp sponge.

Caring for Tile and Stone

To keep your tile healthy and looking new, regular care is needed. For everyday cleanings on ceramic tile, it is recommended to use a safe everyday household cleaner, such as Mr. Clean or Soft Scrub.

Some household cleaners may damage your stone, so you may need to get an everyday stone cleaner to care for natural stone. Read all information about a product before applying it to ensure proper care and preservation.

Once in a while, it is necessary to deep clean your tile or stone. The necessary cleaning supplies for this can be found at a local building or hardware store. You will want to find heavy duty cleaning products. Be careful not to overuse these cleaners because it can affect your tile or stone.

Sealing Tile and Stone

Natural stone, tile, and grout are durable surfaces; however, if not properly treated with a protective sealer, they are easily susceptible to staining. Sealers protect the surface by putting a stain resistant barrier between the contaminate and the stone, tile, and grout allowing reaction time to clean the surface. Another benefit of sealers is the preservation of beauty and the prolonged life of the surface. Ongoing maintenance will also be easier if it has been sealed. In addition to regular sealers, there are also color enhancing sealers that enrich the color and look of your surface.