Eco-Friendly Recycled Tile

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Installing Floor Tile

Tile installation is a job best handled by professionals or experienced do-it-yourselfers. A considerable amount of knowledge and skill is required, especially if you’re applying tile over uneven wood surfaces or have a complicated design in mind that requires a lot of tile cutting.

If you plan to hire a professional installer, it’s a good idea to line one up before you purchase the tile. Many installers like to order materials themselves so they have enough for the job and can obtain a contractor discount.

One of the most important requirements for a good tile job is a solid base. Concrete is one of the best substrates, provided it’s not cracked or uneven, but tile is also routinely applied over wood floors. Be sure that the subfloor is not warped or rotted and is adequately secured to the underlying floor joists. Problems with the subfloor may cause the tiles to come loose within a year or two, depending on foot traffic. Uneven subflooring can often be leveled using a self-leveling compound.

If the subflooring is severely warped or rotted, tear it out and replace it. Consider using a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified plywood. FSC-certified wood products come from companies that grow, harvest and mill their woods in a sustainable manner.

Tile is applied using a thin-set mortar. The spaces between tiles are filled with grout. When installing tile over subflooring, it’s a good idea to use a rigid backerboard for a firm base. Thin-set mortar is typically applied over the backerboard to keep it from flexing. (Flexing may cause joints between tiles to crack and, even worse, may cause tiles to come loose.)

After the backerboard is secured, chalk lines need to be snapped on the floor, and the tiles can be laid out along the lines. When you need to make cuts, use a tile cutter or tile-cutting saw. You can rent or purchase these from a local home improvement center.

After tiles are set and the adhesive has dried, grout is applied in the gaps between tiles. Any film left on the tiles is removed with a damp sponge. Be sure to seal the grout after it dries to repel moisture and dirt and to prevent discoloration.

If you’d like to tackle the job yourself and you have no experience tiling a floor, wall or countertop, it would be wise to take a class or two first. Many home improvement centers offer free classes. If you know a local tile installer, you might consider hiring him or her for a couple hours of instruction. You also can find detailed instructions online or in one of the many home improvement how-to books.

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