Ask:
My husband and I have torn up the linoleum in our kitchen and after reading a book or two on tiling, and about ready to lay down some ceramic tile. We bought 12" square tiles and we are going to use spacers, so I am hoping it won't be too bad. Anyone have any tips from personal experience? Also, how long did it actually take?
Answer:
Well we did...but that is what my husbands business is...he is a Flooring contractor. So I guess that doesn't really count.
The mudd part is the part that is important....this makes the tile stick to the floor so you don't have any pop-up. If you have read up on it...you should be able to do it. It really isn't too hard once you figure it all out.
Good Luck.
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I am sorry, but can not say that I have. If you find some good information, I would love to hear about it. I wish I could help!!!
Answer:
I have only done peel and stick myself. My dh did the floors in last house it took him 2days. He did this alone.
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You might even want to check out Home Depot, I think they do classes on it. My dhs nephew does tile for a living and he did our bathroom. He had a wet sander and used often.To me that would be the scary part about doing on your own making sure you had all the right equipment to have a well done job.
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Purchase plenty extra tiles or be able to purchase them. I remember my Dad had a rough time cutting some of them. He would get so far and they would crack and break.
Answer:
DH and I did our own tile floors. We are getting ready to do more. We had no prior experience - only what we read and what info we had from the Home Depot associates. A $100 wet saw is definitely worth the investment! Much faster and easier to cut the tile. You will save enough in broken tiles, time and aggravattion to make up for it! You may be able to rent one cheaper or borrow one. Be sure it has a good blade though. Keep in mind they have good resale value, if it's something you won't want to keep.
All in all, it is not a hard job. Just take your time and follow your instructions. We also found that I had more of a knack for laying the cement and grout while DH had a knack for placing tiles and cutting them. A little trial on error in the beginning saved us time down the road, I think.
Good luck and happy tiling!
Answer:
When we bought our house, there were fresh ceramic tiles in the kitchen. Unfortunately whomever did it didn't do it right. The subfloor wasn't appropriate for tiles because it fluctuated and didn't allow for the tiles to stay completely adhered. IT was awful. Of course, our house is 70+ years old and newer houses may already be ready for tile. Just check it out before you start.
Answer:
We have tiled many areas in two houses. Spend the money on a wet saw you will not be sorry. It is not that hard, it just takes time. By time I mean waiting through the various drying and curing times. My only other recommendation is not to use white or light grout, especially with kids, unless you like to scrub.
Answer:
I do all the work except the grout. dh did that but only b/c he already knew what the consistentcy was supposed to be like. I have never done it b4 either. I agree take a class if possible. also don't be scared of the wet saw. It is scary at first b/c of the amount of pressure u need to apply. I ended up being bettr than dh at it.
allgirls