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Best DIY Guide to Prep Your Floor to Install Floor Tiles Installation

By David Knight on Monday, February 28, 2022

There is nothing like fulfilling a job well done in installing floor tiles. Fold your arms and pose like a superhero, then pat yourself on the back with that in mind. You will do all of that while standing on your new floor tiles. But while laying your floor tiles can be a beautiful and satisfying project for the DIYers to attempt, it is filled with areas for many potential mistakes.

This article will walk through the critical steps, including essential tools and pitfalls to look out for when installing your floor tiles, as you take a run at prepping, tiling, and grouting.

Part one will cover the most critical and often overlooked step, proper preparation. Tiling relies heavily on adequate surface and substrate preparation like many mini home improvement projects. Saying it is crucial would be an understatement, and that is why it gets its particular part of this series. In the coming write-up, we will go through the meat of how actually to lay your floor tiles and grout them.

So let’s look at what you will need to start preparing your ground surface for floor tile installation, including all the essential tools and some other things to watch out for when attempting this elementary stage of the project.

Tools Needed for Floor Tiles Preparation

Here’s a rundown of tools you will need to prep your floor and create adequate space for floor tile installation:

Safety & Comfort

These are goggles or Safety Glasses and Knee Pads;

For Prepping a Plywood Subfloor

1/4″ Cement Board, Backerboard Screws, Saw, and Crack-Prevention Membrane.

Squaring Room

Tape Measure, Chalk Line, Carpenter’s Square, and Hairspray (optional)

Steps To Successful Prep your Floor for Floor Tile Installation

Remember, these basic steps apply to all floor tiles: kitchen floor tiles, bathroom floor tiles, mosaic floor tiles, stone, ceramic floor tiles, porcelain floor tiles, and more. In short, if you’re starting with tiling, floor tiles would be a much better place to begin than a backsplash, as installing tile on a wall would require even more skill due to the vertical nature of walls tangent with the effect of gravity.

No step-by-step guide is 100 percent exhaustive. And, every project is quite different. In your home, you will encounter something not mentioned in this guide or any other tile tutorial you find elsewhere. But, if you follow these steps, generally, you will find success in your project. Click here for more types of flooring.

So, let’s go into details.

Step 1: Prep the Subfloor

If there is one step that is the most important, it is this one. This one is a very crucial fact to note. First things first, what is a subfloor? It’s a catch-all term for the floor tiles underneath your finished flooring. Meanwhile, the two primary types of subfloor are wood and concrete. And both suffer from the same movement issue. Wood flexes with humidity and changes in temperature; concrete can shift depending on humidity, moisture, soil movement, and temperature.

Remove any staples and drive all screws or nails sticking up too far. You can install a cement backer board to set a good base for your tile and prevent any movement-related cracking of floor tiles or grout.

The backer board is screwed down to the wood subfloor using specific backer board screws and mortared down with adhesive plywood subfloor. Remember to tape carefully and mortar all the joints between the pieces of the backer board. The crack prevention membrane is spread down on the surfaces. This membrane acts as a waterproofing substance and is an addition in a wet area, a second floor, or a plywood floor application. A notched trowel spreads the mortar at a 45-degree angle to the plywood subfloor.

Concrete Subfloors

For concrete subfloors, you need to remove any old adhesive and patch/fill any cracks with the appropriate product. The patch item varies based on the size of the holes you want to fill. Use a good floor scraper to remove any debris. That may require some elbow grease and possibly a grinder to withdraw from the subfloor and let the new mortar bond for old adhesives. You can install your floor tiles directly onto a concrete subfloor.

Whether wooden or concrete, it is vital that you make your subfloor clean and debris-free.

Step 2: Determine where you will start and Practice Lay Pattern

Laying out your floor tile pattern, planning for furniture, cabinets, and the likes in advance is critical to minimizing waste and making the job go as smoothly as possible.

There are several patterns to choose from, though some work better with specific tile shapes and sizes. Recently, herringbone, brick bond, and basket-weave/parquet have been very popular. You should determine this before selecting your floor tiles. Still, a linear or grid pattern is timeless and easy to install if you use traditional square floor tiles. These floor tiles are laid next to each other in the way you envision your mind as you read this. Yes, that one.

Determine your starting point in the room. Typically, you will want whole floor tiles in your room’s visible or focal points and cut the tiles against cabinets or less visible parts of the room. Measure your room space to determine the center, and snap some chalk lines on the ground to guide your installation. Make sure you leave equal space at both sides, so you do not tile up to one part with a full tile and have a cut tile on the other. Every space is unique, so take time to plan accordingly. The goal is to lay many full-field floor tiles down and leave the custom-cuts for around obstacles and against the outside wall areas.

Finally

Things can worsen if you don’t properly prepare your floor before playing with your floor tiles. Since proper preparation prevents poor performance, It is essential that you first take care of your subfloor, ensuring you lay it smoothly. It is also crucial to check out the slope of your floor. Your floor preparation determines the overall result of your tiling project. Adhering to the tips will give you perfect flooring. Also checkout: What You Should Know Before Buying Bathroom Tapware

Floor Tiles Herringbone Tiles Swimming Pool Tiles Tiles and Bath

How To Choose Floor Tiles for Different Swimming Pool Areas

By David Knight on Sunday, February 27, 2022

Whether you are building a brand-new pool or simply giving your existing pool a new lease on life, choosing the right floor tiles for your swimming can be an overwhelming decision. The reason is not far from the fact that there are numerous options of floor tiles suitable for the modern swimming pool.

The quest to choose from the tons of floor tiles options makes it worthwhile to carefully study a guide to make an informed decision when scouting in the market. Without a doubt, the swimming pool’s performance largely depends on the tiles installed in it. Majorly, the attractiveness and durability of the floor tiles will say whether people will be enchanted to jump at first glance of herringbone tile pattern floor or look and pass.

A swimming pool is a water-filled space. Hence, you will have to choose only floor tiles that hold water for a long time and keep the pool calm and clean. Though we have several floor tiles options, few of the tiles can serve the purposes above. Hence, you must choose the right floor tiles for your swimming pool to have a blissful; moment anytime you jump inside it.

Generally, a swimming pool can be divided into many areas, including a community swimming pool, fitness swimming pool, professional gymnasium, water park or residential pool, hot-spring swimming pool. Since we have different places in the swimming pool, choosing the right floor tiles for this separate swimming pool area becomes the next best question.

There are tons of different swimming pool floor tile options ranging from ceramic, porcelain, and glass mosaic. Which floor tiles are best for this pool? We present a guide in finding suitable tiles for your swimming pool. We give you more insights to help you build the swimming pool of your dreams that will make an experience for your family and guests.

How to Choose Tiles for Your Swimming Pool Area

You do not only need to carefully choose the tiling option to use inside your swimming pool. You also need to decide the floor tiles you would like for the surrounding pool area. As earlier said, numerous options in the market can make you picky. However, I have helped you compile this comprehensive guide to save you time and stress. Check the following pro tips on choosing floor tiles for different types of swimming pool design.

Gymnasium Standard Pool – Pool Size: 200x300mm

Best floor tiles for a pool: Standard swimming pool tile match with pool tile accessories (size: 240x115mm)

The gymnasium standard pool deserves the best quality of floor tiles due to its purposes and functionality. The swimming pool for adults is mainly for swimming and fitness. The lane line is usually designed, so using 240x115mm standard swimming pool floor tiles. Our national classic swimming pool tile is 9mm thick. The quality of solid tile can meet the vast water pressure of the standard swimming pool. The traditional pool has four fixed colors: sky blue, dark blue, white, black. The dark color is perfect for the waterline; light color is the primary color in the pool.

Accessory tiles are the most professional place for laying standard swimming pool tiles. The areas where accessory tiles are required are Swimming Pool Edge, Swimming Pool Sink.

Residential Swimming Pool

Best floor tiles for swimming pool: Solid color mixed paving

This swimming is mainly created for pleasure. It is a place specially separated for family members and friends to chill and cool stress after the hustle and bustles of the day. Since it is a place where people stay for a more extended period, you should install highly durable tiles that can project a luxurious look and feel. Residential swimming pool, the original residential swimming pool is not fixed shape, so we must use tiny particles of porcelain mosaic floor tiles, which are easy to lay. It is recommended to use 48x48mm solid color. Choosing the mosaic style (two-color mix or three-color mix) is suggested so that the pool will not be monotonous.

Children Swimming Pool

Best floor tiles for swimming pool: Mosaic

The children’s pool is mainly used for playing with water for children. You must strive to install high-quality tiles with a non-slip surface to prevent fatal pool accidents with that in mind. You have to be careful enough not to use glass mosaic tiles. However, ceramic mosaic floor tiles can be a good option because the glass is transparent and easy to peel off. Sharpness often causes harm to people who play water in swimming. Porcelain mosaic floor tiles are perfect. In terms of style, several pool tile companies manufacture a wide selection of swimming pool tiles with various colors, sizes, and patterns to choose from, such as shells or flowers.

Garden Pool

Best floor tiles for swimming pool: Tiles with ice crack

The garden swimming pool needs a mosaic combining nature and gardening. Ice crack tile is the best choice because the color of ice crack is green, matching the garden color. And the surface of the ice crack is crystal glaze, which is easier to clean.

Fountain & Artificial Waterfall Pool in The Scenic Spot

Best floor tiles for your pool: Large size ceramic mosaic tiles

It is recommended to use ceramic materials for fountains and artificial waterfall pools in the scenic area because public areas are particularly vulnerable to damage. So, ceramic floor tiles are the most durable swimming pool tile material. Generally, small-sized ceramic mosaic tile is selected for the design. The area occupied by mosaics in these places is not large. However, the small-sized mosaic tile will become flexible when encountering active water. Still, when facing the sparkling magic light, the mosaic floor tiles will also become dazzling and eye-catching.

Final Words

Choosing the right floor tiles for your swimming pool is imperative. It plays a significant role in overall beauty and functionality. Make sure that you first determine the purpose of your pool before purchasing suitable tiles for your water space. That way, you will maximize the use of your pool which is the most crucial benefit.

Bathroom Tapware Tapware Tiles and Bath

What You Should Know Before Buying Bathroom Tapware

By David Knight on Thursday, November 18, 2021

The choice of bathroom tapware must be as perfect as it can be in both form and function. The shape, size, style of the tapware must show a solid and fit material. On the other hand, it must also function efficiently, while any compromise to these qualities means an overall poor investment. And no one wants that. Tile and Bath Co has therefore made it a point of duty to ensure that you have all the information you may need for a compelling choice of tapware.

Admittedly, choosing the best tapware that befits your bathroom design may be confusing, mainly because such a choice requires a level of experience to determine the quality of the tapware that can serve the process of use and reuse. This article discusses some of the essential types of bathroom tapware that you can add to your bathroom or kitchen baths and basin taps. Overall, it can serve as a comprehensive guide for your search for excellence.

Essential Types of Bath Taps

The kind of bath tap you choose also relates to the style of bath you use in the bathroom. For example, you may have a bateau bath style that does not allow drilling holes into it. It may be challenging to be flexible with what you have at your disposal in such a case. However, other bath styles allow you to create more diversity and multiple holes for different tapware styles.

In addition, the overall bathroom design is also an essential factor in determining the final choice of tapware. Moreover, it is also easy to set your tapware selection in designing or redesigning your bathroom. Meanwhile, some external factors may include the plumbing, construction, renovation, or even space limitation in the home.

For instance, if your bathroom or kitchen only has a little space, you may need to pick one type of tapware over another. Furthermore, there are five tap types that you must be familiar with when it comes to Australia. These types include

Wall-mounted tapware
Floor mounted tapware
Deck mounted tapware
Bath spouts
Bath and shower mixers

Wall Mounted tapware

The wall-mounted tapware is perhaps one of the most familiar types where the tap is connected to a wall. A crucial feature of this tapware is the process of hiding the connected pipes and other plumbing components behind the tiles of the bathroom. In this way, the wall-mounted tapware becomes a preferred choice in contemporary bathroom tapware designs. Moreover, the decision to hide the pipes also shows a minimalistic approach.

At the same time, the first impression of using a wall-mounted tap works when you see a predrilled bathtub. In other words, these holes show a space that can accommodate fixtures directly above the bath instead of installing them on it. On the other hand, managing such an installation may be more challenging, especially when the pipe is faulty. Therefore, it can be tough to repair the plumbing system when you have enclosed lines.

Floor Mounted Bath tapware

The floor-mounted tapware is usually attached to the floor while also notable for the prominent display of pipes. Already, the name of this type of tapware suggests that the displayed pipes. On the contrary, the more contemporary designs have been making concerted efforts to hide these pipes from view. Nevertheless, showing the pipes can also remain fashionable in floor-mounted bath tapware type.

As a result, the freestanding taps work best with the floor-mounted bath tapware. Moreover, it can work best when you have ample space in the bathroom for some creative designs. In addition, one crucial benefit of this type of tap is that they allow you to conveniently place your bath away from the wall. One more thing that is important is to ensure that the plumbing extension remains in place. Click here to read about The right tapware for your bathroom will bring the whole space together!

Deck Mounted tapware

The surface of the bathhouses the deck-mounted taps also means the other components of the tapware system stay in place. Moreover, the predrilled holes in the bath can now be exceptionally useful in the water supply. At the same time, it is easily conceivable that the tapware will be installed on the bathtub when we think of fitting the taps. However, we must gradually agree that this particular style is becoming an old-fashioned style.

However, the deck-mounted tapware manufacturers have also further improved on the design and style of this tapware. This stylish tapware can be positioned at either the middle of a bath or the tap end. Your choice of where to put it depends squarely on you. Some countries like the UK prefer this type of bath tap simply because it can conceal the pipes. And therefore, it does not require many specializations during plumbing.

Bath spouts

You may have heard that at times, less is more. The implication for tapware use in Australia is that a simple spout can be sufficient at home. For instance, the more luxurious bathtubs we see these days have a simple style that only involves spout taps. This unique style may have separate fixtures that are close to the bathtub for easy control. But they also appear very cute and can give you the contemporary feeling if you prefer it.

Spout taps are crucial in creating a perfect modern bathroom with a luxurious touch that is undeniable. So, when you conceive an idea of a unique collection of tapware, you should think of having bath spouts in your bathroom. More importantly, this style is fantastic if you don’t intend to have holes in your bathtubs, as in roll-top and freestanding tap designs.

Bath and shower mixers

Perhaps, one of the most notable inventions of tapware is a composite component of bath and shower mixers. The mixer taps combine the bath filler taps with a handheld showerhead on top of it. This combination can serve as an in-bath shower piece for your enjoyment. Alternatively, you can also recreate a full-fledged shower on top of the bath. Again, this type of shower is commonly found in UK homes.

The bath and shower tap mixers are also available both on the deck and all the floor. These varieties also depend on the need for your bathroom to carry your identity. At the same time, this combination can create an exceptional style in your home, which may not be ideal in other climes.

Tapware Tapware Design Tiles and Bath

The right tapware for your bathroom will bring the whole space together!

By David Knight on Thursday, November 18, 2021

It is impossible to deny the fact that tapware has evolved into something of an architectural feature in the home, despite the fact that they are one of the more minor qualities present in a bathroom. Consequently, which bathroom faucets are the most suitable for your home’s needs? Even as you put the last touches on your bathroom, we’ll discuss some of the characteristics to look for in faucets and other tapware as you complete your final touches.

Determine what kind of faucets will work best in your ideal area.

When creating your ideal bathroom, it is important to choose laundry tapware that is complementary to the overall style of the space. Are you more attracted to a traditional and classic design, or are you more attracted to a sleek and modern style?

Three parts are used to tap the table.

When it comes to bathroom design, a set of three-piece taps is perfect for people who like a more classic type of decor. This type of tapware, which has a separate spout, is very flexible and may be used in a number of applications, including showers, bathtubs, and sinks, among others. Despite the fact that they are regarded to be the conventional option of tapware, these faucets are available in a wide range of colors and styles, guaranteeing that there is something to fit any kind of bathroom decor.

Keep in mind that whether you are remodeling or starting from new, your choice of tapware will be affected by your financial constraints. With the addition of additional living spaces, the ability to choose one’s own tapware has grown in importance. Those who are remodeling an existing area will almost certainly be obliged to utilize the same kind of taps that were originally placed in the space.

Activates the mixer by pressing a button.

Using a mixer tap to give your bathroom a sleek and modern look is a fantastic method to do this. It is available in a number of different designs and colors. If you have a basin mixer tap or a shower mixer tapware, you can regulate both hot and cold water flow with a single lever. Simple to use, single-handle mixer taps allow you to find the perfect temperature of water by turning the handle just a little bit more.

One of the most advantageous aspects of both the three-piece faucet and the mixer faucet is that they may be installed either on the wall or on the hob, depending on your choice. This gives you the opportunity to not only choose a style that you enjoy, but also one that is complementary to your basin, bath, or shower as well.

When everything is put together, the appropriate finishing touch is applied.

So, which finish would be the best choice for your three-piece or mixer faucet? Fortunately, each of these tap types is available in a number of finishes, which allows you to really customize your tapware to fit the overall design aesthetic of your bathroom.

Tapware with the hue of black is available.

In recent years, black tapware has become one of the most popular trends in the bathroom, and it is simple to see why. Choosing dark-colored tapware for your bathroom not only adds a dramatic point of contrast to the space, but it also gives a very clean finish to the room. The time has arrived for those of you who want to create a beautiful and contemporary bathroom space: it is now necessary to replace your bathroom taps with black, as this trend will not be going away anytime soon.

Nickel faucets, often known as brushed nickel faucets, are a kind of faucet that is constructed of nickel.

When it comes to incorporating the traditional silver tapware into the modern bathroom, brushed nickel tapware, which lends a contemporary twist to classic chrome, is an ideal choice. matte chrome is a great option for those looking to create a neutral and harmonious atmosphere since it can be utilized to complement a broad variety of color schemes and is very versatile. For your bathroom area, take into mind this brushed bath tapware!

The purchasing of gold tapware is possible.

The use of taps in the bathroom has developed in recent years into something of an accessory, with the items being used not just for their original function but also to complement and enhance the overall appearance of the space. After all, what better way to finish off your dream bathroom than by decorating it with gold faucets and other fittings? As a result of their mastery in the technique of gold-plating bathroom faucets, Phoenix currently offers a wide range of styles in this beautiful shade of gold. You can read about What You Should Know Before Buying Bathroom Tapware by clicking here.

Brass tapware is available for purchase.

It’s a relatively new variant on the gold tapware design that’s becoming more popular, but it’s quite similar to the gold style in terms of look and feels. Change the finish of your bathroom taps from chrome to brass if you want to bring a little warmth into your space. This finish also serves as a great point of difference in your bathroom, which will certainly enhance the overall look of your space.

The team at Tile and Bath Co has done an amazing job of bringing this finish to life, and they have a range of sink, bath, and shower taps available if you’re interested in it.

While the look and finish of your tapware are important factors when choosing your tapware, it is also critical to consider the functionality of your faucet when selecting your faucet. These days, a variety of manufacturers provide great water-saving faucets that not only help you conserve water but also help you save money on your water and electricity bills! When looking for water-saving solutions, look for the WELS rating on the product – this indicates how well the product conserves water. The higher the number of stars, the better the efficiency of the water system.