Kitchen Floor Tile - Ceramic tile is generally easy to install, and it's a great way to upgrade a kitchen or bath. In order to achieve that professional look, proper planning and prep work are the keys.

Sub-floor Preparation

The surface to be tiled must be smooth, dry, and clean. All contaminants must be removed by sanding, scraping or chipping. Any imperfections in the floor should be patched with a waterproof patching compound.

Snap chalk lines with a 90 degree intersection, preferably in the center of the room. Be patient. The more time you invest in laying out your area the better your project will go. Solve your layout questions before the adhesive is even mixed.

For best results, all tiling materials and adhesives should be at 50 to 70 degrees for 24 hours before and 48 hours after installation. Thoroughly mix the mortar with clean water to a toothpaste like consistency. It is best to only mix what can be used in 30 minutes. Stir mixture occasionally to maintain consistency. In the event the mix becomes stiff in the pail, discard and make a fresh batch.

Kitchen Floor Tile - Ceramic tile comes in many shapes, sizes, textures and types. Before starting your tile project, take some time to investigate the types and installation procedures. You need a clear idea of the area you are going to tile as well as performance characteristics. Will the area be exposed to a lot of moisture? If you are tiling a floor, how much foot traffic will the area be exposed to? What about weight of heavy objects, such as refrigerators?

Remember accessories like soap dishes and towel holders if you are planning to install ceramic bathroom tile. Do you have the necessary equipment? Cutting tile is not difficult, but does require patience and a few tools to do the job right.

Measure the floor and wall areas to be tiled. If the tiles are normal sized then you should add no more than 10% for waste. Some tiles will have to be cut, while others may be damaged or blemished. Always order an extra 10%. Even if you don't use them, they often come in handy for repairs at a later date.