Adding new tile can do wonders for your home’s design and resale value. While tiling a floor might look complicated, it can be straightforward so long as you follow basic advice. Once you are done reading, you will be prepared to replace your kitchen’s tile floor.
Remove the Existing Tiles
It is possible to perform a dustless tile removal yourself, though having the right tools and proper protective gear is an absolute must. Get a hammer and chisel or pry bar for your tools. Then you should locate a starting point in the floor such as a bare edge.
Use your tools to pry up the first tile square. The process from here should be fairly straightforward. Throw away the tile squares as you work on them. Make sure not to fill it up to high, or the bag may break or become too heavy to move.
Preparing the Floor
Now that you have pried the original tile floor up, you have to prepare the base floor. This will require a bit more elbow grease, but it is essential to make sure your new tile lasts a long time. Take care to clean any residue on the base floor.
That’s not all you need to do, however. Since you won’t get a better opportunity to inspect the base floor, make sure it is sturdy and doesn’t need replacing. You should also remove any nails that are sticking out of the floor. You want the base floor as smooth as possible for your new installation. This is arguably the most important part of the entire process.
Laying the New Tile
Now for the fun part. Gather the new pieces of tile from your storage, and get ready to lay them down. Make sure you bought enough tile for the job. To do this, measure your kitchen’s width and length to get an estimate (buy a little extra just in case).
Just like you did when removing your old tile, select an effective starting point for laying down the new tile. Depending on the brand you bought, you may need to apply mortar and insulation. When it’s all set down, apply grout, and wait roughly 20 minutes. Then apply a sealant to the edges of the tile.
Voila! You have an excellent starting point for installing your new tile floor. Make sure you choose a tile that will age well and that complements your appliances, countertops, and tables. It not only will look great, but it will feel good too.
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