DIY Network

Living Room Makeover: Tile Floor Living Room Makeover: Tile Floor From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-413F

The next step in this makeover is to lay tile. This tile is a snap and lock tile, which goes down quickly.

Materials:

Long string
Joint compound
Underlayment with tape
Tile
Grout
Bucket
Sponges
Float

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

1. First, determine if your sub floor is level. The way to do this is to get a friend to help stretch a string across the floor in each area. If the string doesn't touch in some places it will be necessary to fill the low areas with joint compound.

2. Mark the low area of the floor, then spread the compound to level the floor. Allow the joint compound to dry before continuing.

3. The next step is to spread the underlayment (figure A). This role material must cover the entire area. Tape the seams together to ensure an effective moisture and insulation barrier.

4. In this project the tile comes in two tile panels and is a tongue and groove system that locks the rows together. Begin in a corner with a full double panel spacing the panel 1/4 inch from the wall. Lay the entire row, maintaining the 1/4 inch spacing from the wall (figure B).

5. Begin the second row by cutting a double panel in half. The tile must be cut with a diamond tip saw blade in a well-ventilated area.

6. This single tile will offset the seams between the panels and will give the floor dimensional stability.

7. Lay the remaining tile, then fill the cracks with grout (figure C). Use a damp sponge to wipe off the excess, rinsing the sponge frequently.

8. When its necessary to transition from the tile to another type of flooring or at a doorway, the manufacturer will usually provide a special transition strip. This metal track will screw to the floor about 1/4 inch from the tile and the transition strip simply snaps in place. When cutting the strips, be careful to align the grout lines together before making your cut mark.