Lay floor tiles with your own hands. Laying floor tiles with your own hands in photos and video instructions

Laying tiles on the floor is an extremely popular solution for decorating many rooms. However, not everyone knows that tiles can be laid in various ways, and in the process of working with different bases, certain nuances must be taken into account. Consider how to lay tiles on the floor: laying methods, technology features and the specifics of choosing the right material.

Many owners devote a lot of time and attention to choosing the right finishing material, focusing on its color, texture and size. Of course, it is extremely important to choose a tile of the right size so that it is commensurate with the room, but the question of choosing a laying method should also not be left aside. Consider all popular options.

The traditional way of laying tiles on the floor: rules and features

The traditional method got its name because it is used many times more often than all the others. Such popularity is due to the ease of installation, as well as the ability to use both square and rectangular tiles. In this case, the elements are laid in even rows parallel to the floor. At the same time, it is extremely important to place them as close as possible to each other and to observe an even arrangement of rows.

Helpful advice! To give the traditional way of laying an unusual look, you can use multi-colored tiles. This option will make the coating original, but at the same time it will allow you to maintain a high speed of all necessary work.

Despite all its simplicity, this method, like others, has certain nuances that must be taken into account even before laying work begins:

all defects, irregularities and other factory defects will be very noticeable if the tiles are laid in this way. Therefore, you must either carefully examine each element and eliminate inappropriate ones, or choose another, less demanding method;
if the lining is made with tiles of the same color, then the coating will look rather monotonous. This is not to say that this is a disadvantage, but it is worth considering;
this option is well suited only for seamless ceramic tiles.

Although laying tiles on the floor in the traditional way can be done independently and in the absence of special skills, you still have to pay attention to the issue of uniformity of the laying, as well as the size of the joints (both vertical and horizontal).

How to lay tiles diagonally: the most beautiful way of laying

Laying tiles on the floor diagonally can rightfully be called the most beautiful of all options. But at the same time, the technology of its laying is the most complex, although at first glance it may seem that the basis is a simple traditional way. The main difficulty in this case is that it is necessary to accurately mark the diagonal axes, which will serve as guidelines for laying out the tiles.

Moreover, a lot of time and effort will be required to properly cut the tiles, which also presents additional difficulties in the process of laying tiles in this way. However, thanks to this method, it is possible to hide almost any surface irregularity. This option looks especially good when facing the floor of small rooms.

Important! During installation, the pattern grid should be at a 45-degree angle, so only square-shaped tiles are suitable for this method. This must be taken into account before you lay the tiles in the bathroom yourself in this way.

Interestingly, the drawing itself is quite self-sufficient, and even if a plain tile is used, it always looks extremely interesting. But before laying tiles in this way, you need to understand that in the process you always get a lot of scraps. And this may not please the economical owner who does not want to overpay for beauty, but if we are talking about the need to visually expand the room or hide irregularities, then this method is undoubtedly the best.

As already mentioned, the main difficulty of this method is the calculation of the diagonal scheme. In addition, a thorough surface preparation must be carried out by dismantling the old coating, removing paint residues and priming the base before laying the tiles. So you can arrange the tiles as evenly as possible, spending less adhesive solution on this.

Laying the first row is done in the traditional way and for this, rectangular tiles are used. At the same time, the length of its diagonal must correspond to the diagonal of the square tiles that will be used as the main ones. Laying the second row is done using pre-prepared tiled triangles. Further, everything is quite simple - the rows are stacked according to the principle of diagonal layout in horizontal rows.

The technology of laying tiles on the floor with an offset (in a run)

Perhaps most of all, this method resembles brickwork. This solution looks original and is used quite often. In this case, a plain rectangular tile will look best in this case, although you can often find the use of square tiles.

If, when choosing how to lay tiles in the bathroom, you preferred this option, then with its help you can solve two more additional problems - hide minor defects, and also make the design of the floor interesting and original. And with the right choice of color scheme, tiles laid in a run-up can give the room a special atmosphere. According to the recommendations of experts, this method is best suited for decorating rooms such as a kitchen or a corridor.

As for the features of the technology of laying tiles on the floor, it is important to know that the tiles must be laid in horizontal rows, and each element of the next row must be located so that its middle coincides with the seam of the previous row.

Important! It cannot be said that the laying procedure itself is something significantly different from the traditional one, however, there is one feature - the thickness of all seams must be the same.

As an unusual solution, we can consider examples when laying with an offset is done diagonally, that is, at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the wall. But in this case, it is extremely important to take care that the surface is prepared in advance and is as even as possible. Otherwise, the desired effect will not be achieved.

You need to start laying with the location of the lighthouse plates in the corners of the room. So it will be possible to determine the level of the floor and correct the existing defects. After that, the screed is moistened with water and proceed directly to laying tiles using a solution. They do it in rows and along the lighthouse.

Then the masonry is leveled with a hammer, and the lighthouse slabs are removed. After complete drying, which can take from two to three days, the seams are filled with a grout or cement.

How to lay tiles on the floor "herringbone": options and technology

The herringbone flooring method is most often used for parquet. This option looks very unusual, especially if you use tiles instead of oblong wooden elements. Naturally, only rectangular tiles are suitable for this purpose.

There are two options for laying herringbone tiles:

simple, which is no different from how it is done in the case of laying parquet;
with an attachment, for which small insert tiles are additionally used. Often use elements of a different color or mosaic.

Speaking about the fact that this method was originally intended for laying parquet, we can conclude that such a coating will look best if its surface imitates wood. But for a tile that looks like a stone, this option is not very suitable, since it looks rather unnatural in the end.

An example of a successful use of the ceramic herringbone laying method

In order to get the desired result and lay the tiles in a herringbone pattern, it is necessary to rotate the elements to the right or left during the laying process, depending on the diagonal position of the tiles. The amount of waste in this case will be minimal, and the visual effect is amazing.

How to lay tiles on the floor: modular installation

Modular installation is a great solution for those who are new to tiling. At the same time, the method allows you to decorate the surface as the owner wishes. It is enough just to think about how to lay the tiles in the bathroom on the floor, design a suitable pattern and make some necessary calculations.

A modular pattern will be an excellent solution for small rooms, especially since you can choose the right color and pattern yourself, taking into account the features of the interior. It is advisable to make as accurate a drawing as possible, which includes an indication of the size of the tiles, as well as the location of the joints.

Helpful advice! If you don’t want to develop the project yourself, you can purchase a ready-made tile set and a diagram that demonstrates in detail how to lay tiles in the bathroom with your own hands.

The simplest solution is to use a modular effect, when many small elements of various formats are depicted on one large tile. In this case, the main thing is to observe the principle of the model grid - the same pattern must be repeated many times. Given this, you can independently decide how to lay out the tiles in the bathroom in a beautiful and original way.

How to lay tiles on the floor in an original way: the "maze" method

The “maze” method, or as it is also called “braiding”, can be performed in various ways, but in the end it always gives the impression of intertwined stripes, inside of which there is a square of a different color or shade.

In order to lay out the intertwining stripes of the pattern, you need to use rectangular tiles, and for the inside - smaller square elements.

Helpful advice! In order not to be mistaken with the size of the tile when buying, it is best to immediately fold one of the elements of the pattern in the store. This way you can make sure that all the elements match and look good together.

This method looks decent in any room, but when it comes to laying tiles on the bathroom floor, then this option can be called ideal. Even with a small area of the room and the absence of a window, the right shade of yellow in combination with such a pattern can create a backlight effect and make the bathroom lighter and more comfortable.

Related article:

Stages of preparation and laying tiles. Complexities and features of the process. Creation of the base and screed. Insulation and waterproofing of the coating.

You can also consider how to lay porcelain stoneware on the floor. With the use of this material, this pattern also looks very attractive.

Laying tiles on the floor "Deck": technology and features

The "Deck" method is undeservedly used in flooring not as often as others. After all, in fact, this way of laying the coating perfectly imitates the deck board, which brings a certain mood to the interior. In this case, the tiles are laid with an offset and it is extremely important that the distance is the same throughout the floor plane without exception.

You can see that this method is somewhat similar to brickwork. This is true, except for the fact that the elements should not be displaced by half of each tile, but only by a small segment of it.

It is worth paying attention to the choice of color and structure of the coating. By opting for a tile that imitates wood and does not have an unglazed finish, you can create a very convincing likeness of a wooden floor.

Tiles with imitation of natural wood are often used when laying the "Deck" method

How to lay floor tiles using the "Carpet" method

"Carpet" is one of the most sophisticated options for laying tiles on the floor, which provides the opportunity to decorate the room in accordance with the theme of the interior, as well as your own preferences. The essence of this method is that two, three or more colors of the tile are used, as well as a border that frames this pattern around the perimeter.

How complex and beautiful "carpet" you can create depends solely on your imagination, as well as skills in working with tools and materials. It is best to use this method on a fairly large area of the room, for example, in a hall or bathroom of impressive size.

How to lay ceramic floor tiles using the Kaleidoscope method

One of the most unusual ways to lay tiles in the kitchen is Kaleidoscope. Just like the previous version, it allows you to independently come up with a pattern that will decorate the room. But here it is extremely important to strictly adhere to the plan, since it is very easy to get confused in the elements. It is best to pre-draw the floor surface in an appropriate way, thus facilitating your work.

When using the Kaleidostop method, you can use multi-colored tiles with different patterns

Important! Another difficulty of this method is the need to prepare a perfectly even base in advance, since all the irregularities will be very noticeable.

As you can see, laying tiles on the floor is an art that will take time and attention to detail to understand. So it is worth considering all the existing options, and having decided on your own capabilities and preferences, proceed to the implementation of the chosen method of laying floor tiles.

Before proceeding to the consideration of the features of laying tiles on various bases, you should familiarize yourself with some of the recommendations that experts provide. According to the statements, taking into account these simple tips, you can significantly extend the life of the coating, making it as durable and reliable as possible:

preparation of an even foundation is the main task to be solved;
the prepared surface must be vacuumed again immediately before laying;
the adhesive composition that will be used to fix the tiles must be selected taking into account the level of humidity in the room in which to work;

Before you should take care of the quality of the base

for any method that is more complicated than traditional or diagonal, it is advisable to mark on the floor;
for complex patterns, the tiles must be cut in advance and then laid out on a floor surface covered with a cloth in order to look at the result before starting to apply the mortar;
with a simple laying method, you can start from the corner, but in the case of most complex patterns, you need to find and designate the center of the room;
liquid preparations for pre-treatment of the base - ideal to provide the tile with a more secure fixation;
before proceeding to laying tiles, you need to wait for the impregnation to dry completely;
grouting floor tiles can be started no earlier than the period indicated on the package, which is necessary for the adhesive to dry completely;
the color should match or match the color of the tile to create a single beautiful flooring.

The basics of choosing and laying tiles in accordance with the interior of the room

You can choose the most suitable variant of tiling by considering several examples of finished interiors using this material. At the same time, it is important to understand that in residential premises, tiles are almost always combined with a heating system, because otherwise, walking on the floor in the cold season will be quite uncomfortable. You need to read and watch additional training videos on how to properly lay tiles in a bathroom that has an underfloor heating system.

If we are talking about laying floor tiles in the living room, then a coating that looks like a laminate can be an ideal option. This is a suitable option for a modern interior that will harmoniously fit into a room of any size. In large rooms, it is better to give preference to calm, solid colors that will not make the floor too colorful and tiring to look at.

If you want to lay tiles on the floor in the bath, then due to the small area it is permissible to use brighter and more original colors. Do not forget that the selected color and texture of the coating can influence the perception of space. So, for example, a glossy surface of a light shade will expand the room, while a dark matte tile will have the opposite effect.

Before laying tiles in the kitchen, you should make sure that the material chosen is not too easily soiled. In addition, you should not buy slippery tiles, because in the kitchen the flooring is constantly in contact with water, which can lead to dangerous situations.

How to lay tiles on the floor: features of working with various surfaces

Having familiarized yourself with the various ways of laying floor tiles and choosing the most suitable option for yourself, you can safely proceed to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of the laying procedure. Given the considerable cost of laying tiles per square meter, many people want to refuse the services of a specialist and do everything themselves. To do this, first of all, you need to stock up on tools that may be required in the process of work:

building level;
hammer;
glass cutter, or grinder;
wire cutters;
roulette;
notched trowel;
simple pencil;
sponge and clean rags.

Helpful advice! It is worth taking care of the availability of personal protective equipment in advance and purchase, at a minimum, safety glasses that will protect your eyes from dust particles generated during the tile cutting process.

If during the installation process there is a need for curly cutting, for example, to bypass a riser or heating pipe, then a drill with a soldered hard alloy is used for this, as well as a string with an abrasive coating.

Also, in addition to the tile, you need to purchase special crosses that are used as separators, tile adhesive, grout, as well as sealant and silicone sealant. All this will allow you to lay tiles on the floor with your own hands.

How to properly lay tiles on a concrete floor: features of base preparation

The first point of the preparatory work that needs to be carried out before laying the floor tiles is the dismantling of the old coating and cleaning the surface of all existing stains: oil, paint, grease, etc. Then the existing base is checked using the building level, as well as visual assessments: if there is significant damage, potholes, cracks or deviations in height, then a new cement-sand screed must be made.

It is important that before gluing the tiles to the floor, the surface is hard and as even as possible. Otherwise, you will have to spend more glue on laying, and tiles laid on a soft base are much more susceptible to damage as a result of the load: cracks, chips, and simply falling off.

After you are convinced of the quality of the old screed or have made a new one, you should take care of laying a layer of heat-insulating material. This will reduce heat loss and reduce the consumption of resources spent on heating. Another option is the arrangement of a heating system, which is the best solution of all possible.

In the second case, the thickness of the screed should be at least 40 mm, and to further strengthen the base, it is worth using a reinforcing mesh.

If the concrete base is in an acceptable condition, or for some reason it is impossible to make a new screed before laying the tiles in the bathroom, and you have to work with what is, then all the depressions can be smoothed out with cement mortar. But for protrusions, it is best to use a chisel, with which you can relatively easily knock off the interfering parts of the coating.

You can also use a grinder for leveling. And in order to ensure reliable adhesion of the base to the adhesive composition, it is necessary to first apply a layer of primer.

All these preparation methods are relevant for concrete structures or monolithic slabs. But laying tiles on a wooden floor is also possible. Consider how it is worth installing in this case.

Laying tiles on a wooden floor: features of surface preparation

For a wooden base, on which it is planned to lay a tile, the same requirements are imposed as in the case of concrete. First of all, the surface must be smooth and durable. The presence of old, worn or rotten boards is unacceptable, as it can lead to the fact that the tile covering at some point simply fails as a result of the destruction of the base. Therefore, all imperfect boards must be replaced.

Helpful advice! If a good, at first glance, board, as a result of the load, begins to “play”, then this defect can be eliminated by laying additional lags under it. Although in some cases it helps to simply replace the fasteners (nails or screws) with new ones. In any case, it is imperative to carry out an appropriate check before laying tiles on a wooden floor.

Another way to install a solid and reliable base for laying tiles in the case of working with a wooden floor is to use sheets of chipboard, OSB or plywood. In this case, it is very important that the material is resistant to moisture.

In the process of laying such an additional layer, it is necessary to leave gaps of approximately 5-8 mm between the sheets in order to allow the material to compensate for changes in air humidity without surface deformation. The laid out sheets are attached to the base with self-tapping screws and opened with a layer of primer before laying the tiles on the wooden floor.

Given the fact that the ceramic coating does not allow air to pass through and does not allow air to penetrate to the base, it is worth taking care of the presence of internal ventilation so that an environment favorable for the growth and reproduction of harmful microorganisms is not created inside. Thus, laying tiles on a wooden floor is quite possible. The main thing is to pay due attention to the issue of preparing the base, and before laying the tile on the wooden floor, treat it with special protective equipment.

How to choose the right adhesive for laying tiles in the bathroom with your own hands

Regardless of the type of foundation, the laying technique is always the same. But the choice of a suitable adhesive composition should be approached with special attention, since depending on the surface on which it will be applied, its composition should be different. For a concrete floor, a cement-based adhesive must be used. In order to prepare it, it is necessary to add the amount of water specified by the manufacturer to the finished dry mixture.

A completely different glue is used when working with a wooden base. In this case, the adhesive solution has the consistency of mastic, which, among other things, is able to compensate for deformations resulting from changes in the humidity of the air in the room.

Apply with a notched trowel on the reverse side of the facing material. In this case, grooves should form on the surface. Then the tile is pressed against the floor surface and gently tapped with a rubber mallet. You can learn more about how to glue tiles in the bathroom using one or another method of preparing the mixture from the photo or video instructions.

Rules for cutting and calculating tiles on the floor

It is practically impossible to lay tiles on the floor in such a way as to avoid trimming and fitting the material. One way or another, the material has to be adjusted to the required size at the edges of the room or in places where heating or plumbing pipes are located. Particular attention should be paid to how to lay the tiles in the toilet, because in this case, even more complex tile cutting will be required.

It is far from always possible to use a conventional glass cutter for fitting, since manufacturers usually use a stronger material for the manufacture of floor tiles than for wall tiles. In addition, the thickness of the floor tiles is greater, which means that it will be even more difficult to cut it properly.

In this case, it is best to use a grinder, which allows curly cutting, albeit with an uneven edge. All imperfections made as a result of such trimming can be eliminated using special tongs (nippers) manually.

The most convenient option for cutting tiles is to use a tile cutter, since with its help all procedures can be performed as quickly and firmly as possible, and the edges are even.

Important! Despite all the positive characteristics of such a tool as a tile cutter, it is impossible to cut a thin strip (less than 10 cm) with it. In this case, it is better to do it manually using wire cutters.

It is very important not to forget about personal protective equipment, which must be present in the process of cutting tiles. Sharp pieces, which, one way or another, will scatter to the sides, can cause serious injury. Therefore, it is important to protect the eyes (and preferably the entire face) and wear tight clothing that can provide protection.

After all the necessary elements of the tile are cut and laid with the help of an adhesive composition, it remains only to wait for drying and wipe the seams. How exactly this procedure is carried out should be considered separately in order to take into account all the subtleties and nuances. After all, it will depend on the final stage how long the coating will last in the end, and how hygienic its use will be.

Grouting tiles on the floor: what is it for

In order to pay due attention to grouting between tiles, it is necessary to understand how important this process is in terms of its further operation. First of all, it is worth noting that the seams are the gap that remains between the elements after they are laid.

There are certain norms and rules that indicate the main guidelines that you need to rely on in the process of work. So, the basic rule is that the larger the width of the tile, the larger the seam should be. Usually it is from 2 to 5 mm.

The need for grouting is due to several reasons:

over time, the walls undergo natural shrinkage, so some free space is needed so that the tiles can move without damaging the surface;
due to the presence of cracks in the dense lining, the walls "breathe";
the use of a special grouting compound prevents the penetration of moisture, and hence the development of mold, fungi and simply the accumulation of dirt in the crevices;
due to the presence of grout, adhesion between individual fragments of the cladding is improved;
grout has a significant decorative role. Properly and neatly designed seams can mask minor tile defects, such as notches and chips. In addition, using grout, you can hide the remnants of the solution.

Thus, the service life of the flooring, as well as how attractive its appearance will be, depends on the observance of the grout application technology. That is why it is worth considering in more detail on what principle it is worth choosing a mixture and how to carry out all the necessary work yourself.

How to choose the right grout mix

In order to avoid any problems during the grouting process, it is necessary from the very beginning to choose a mixture that is ideal in all respects. This seemingly insignificant nuance plays an important role, so you should pay attention to the following aspects:

The color of the grout is the main criterion that most people pay attention to in the first place. The color of the grout can both positively and negatively affect the appearance of the entire coating. A universal option that is appropriate almost always - white. But in combination with colored tiles, it will not give the feeling of a single canvas. For this. you can choose a grout shade that is as close as possible to the color of the tile. Contrasting colors are used less often, since choosing the right combination can be very difficult.

Helpful advice! To get the grout of the desired shade, you can simply add the right amount of color to the white base mixture.

The composition and properties of the grout also play an important role. Depending on what components are included in the mixture, and it can be alabaster, gypsum, epoxy resins, Portland cements and others, the characteristics will also be different. Here you need to focus on what conditions the material will have to face.

So, for rooms with high humidity, for example, when it comes to a bathroom, you need to choose compositions that include water-repellent components. If the surface is subject to serious loads, then you should pay attention to the wear resistance of the composition. The best solution is epoxy mix.

The composition of the grout will differ depending on what surface it is intended for. For example, if we are talking about tiling the wall surface, ordinary grout is used, which, under significant loads, can wear out over time. For flooring, it is worth purchasing a more tenacious mixture, designed for constant contact with shoes, furniture, etc. The main thing is that the grout structure is not loose.

Technology for preparing grout for tile joints on the floor

Today, many different manufacturers are engaged in the production and sale of high-quality grout. Such a wide range allows you to choose the most suitable option for a particular situation. On sale you can find two types of grout for joints: dry powder and mass ready for application.

In the first case, the main difficulty is the dilution of the required amount of the mixture, since it can be difficult to understand exactly how much you may need. Therefore, the best option is to dilute the powder little by little, gradually using it as needed. Usually, manufacturers indicate on the packaging as accurately as possible how much water needs to be added to obtain the desired consistency, but you can also adjust it yourself, by eye determining whether the result you get tired of.

The second option is a mass that is completely ready for use. It can usually be purchased in jars or small buckets. The main advantage of this solution is that there is no need to bother with breeding on your own and the ability to carry out all the necessary work as quickly as possible.

The disadvantages of the finished mass in the first place include a short shelf life. For this reason, leftovers that have not been used will most likely have to be thrown away. Given this, we can conclude that self-dilution of grout from a dry mix is more profitable.

If there is a desire to save money on the purchase of grout, you can consider the option of home cooking. To do this, you can use alabaster diluted with water to the consistency of a plastic mass. The main disadvantage of this option is the short service life, since usually such a grout crumbles quite a lot. You can add a gypsum mixture to strengthen it, but this will only slightly improve the situation.

How to grout the seams on the tile: the technique of applying the mixture

In order to apply the finished grout to the seams and bring it all into proper shape, you will need a container into which the solution will be poured, a brush, a construction mixer, as well as a foam rubber sponge and a small rubber spatula. It is best to dilute the grout gradually, in small portions and in a small container.

Helpful advice! Using a mixer is justified only if you have to work with a large area. In all other cases, to obtain the desired consistency of the mixture, it will be enough to mix it for some time with a spatula.

The grouting procedure is as follows:

Tiled joints with which to work must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, dust, and fungus. For this, a special tool is provided.
Using a brush previously dipped in water, the seams are soaked to increase the quality of adhesion between materials.
Then you need to dilute a small amount of grout in a prepared container.
Using a rubber spatula, the elastic mixture is applied to the seam so that the gap is completely filled. In this case, additional tamping is necessary to avoid the formation of voids.
All excess that has fallen on the tile can be easily removed with the same spatula.
To prevent the appearance of cracks in the future, at this stage, the grout in the seams must be moistened with water.

Important! In order to provide maximum protection against the effects of water and the formation of fungus on the surface, it is recommended to additionally treat the places where the plinth will be laid with a sealant.

You need to understand that the procedure for grouting joints on the floor and walls is somewhat different. And if in the case of wall covering, the seams must be sealed from top to bottom, then for floor covering the rule applies - from the far corner to the exit. Before starting work, it can be extremely useful to watch a training video. Grouting floor tiles in this case will certainly be carried out better.

In order for the grout to fully dry out, it is necessary to leave it for a day. And after that, you can proceed to the final processing of the seams. To do this, use special antiseptic agents that can prevent the appearance of fungus and mold, protecting all vulnerable areas of the coating.

One way or another, if we are talking about laying ceramic tiles on the floor, some moisture will accumulate on its surface and, over time, may begin to penetrate through the seams. To prevent this, use . Its application is the final stage of seaming, which provides the maximum level of protection.

Final cleaning of the tile surface before use

In order to start using the coating that resulted from the work, it is necessary to give it an attractive and complete appearance. The main task is to eliminate as much as possible all traces of excess mortar and putty. And since rubbing is usually carried out in several approaches, since the mastic tends to partially sag as a result of drying, surface cleaning should be done only at the very end.

In order to effectively clean the surface, you will need a foam sponge moistened with water. The tile must be wiped so that the grout, which is located on the surface of the tile, is slightly soaked. Then, using a scraper or the same spatula, you can remove all excess. All stains are easily washed off with a damp cloth or sponge.

Helpful advice! If a relief tile was laid, then it will be quite difficult to clean it with a sponge. In this case, it is best to use an old toothbrush.

It is best to clean the surface before the final drying of the grout occurs, since after that it will become very problematic to soften it. Of course, even in this case, it is possible to completely remove the excess, but the process will take much longer and require a lot of effort.

Scraping completely dried putty must be done very carefully, as it is very easy to damage the surface of the tile, especially if the tile surface is glossy. As for the relief surface, it will be almost impossible to remove dirt here, so this needs to be done as soon as possible.

Tips for caring for floor tiles

It may seem like all you need to know how to tile your bathroom floor is to get a beautiful, durable finish. But in fact, it is constant care that is the key to a long service life of the tile.

In this case, you need to learn two fundamental rules:

Only regular cleaning of the seams can guarantee the absence of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. At least once a month it is necessary to clean the grouts in the tiles on the floor. How exactly to do this, everyone decides for themselves: you can resort to using special detergents or soapy water, you can also use vinegar or lemon. Chlorine is suitable for surface disinfection. In addition, a steam cleaner will do a wonderful job of cleaning.
If possible, you need to save the remains of the grout in order to be able to produce regular grout, which, one way or another, will be needed. Such re-grouting is done as needed if the old seams have darkened and cracked. In this case, the old putty is cleaned, after which the seams are treated with an antiseptic, and a new layer is applied. If it is also necessary to remove a layer of sealant, this can be done with a blade.

By following these simple recommendations, and regularly paying attention to the condition of the tile, you can significantly extend the service life and keep it in its original appearance. It will also be useful to read recommendations and user reviews on the Internet on how to clean the seams between the tiles on the floor. Often on the forums you can find useful ideas and tips.

How much does it cost to put tiles on the floor: prices for services

If after you are fully familiar with how to properly tile in the bathroom, the task still seems too complicated for you, it may make sense to seek the help of professionals. Experts know exactly how to properly lay tiles in the bathroom, kitchen or corridor by any method and will cope with the task as quickly as possible.

So, it remains to find an offer at the most reasonable price. Many masters offer to lay tiles on the floor, but this service should not cost less than 550-600 rubles per 1 m². Of course, there are a huge number of masters whose services are much more expensive, so here the choice is solely up to the customer.

In any case, it will be useful to get acquainted with the pricing policy, and if such a cost seems excessive to you, then you can always read the instructions again, watch the video about laying tiles on the floor and try to do everything yourself.

Bathroom tile laying technology: video instruction

Having thoroughly familiarized yourself with how to lay tiles on the floor, as well as with how to properly grout the seams on the tile, in most cases you can get to work without hesitation. However, it can also be very useful to watch a training video, which demonstrates in detail each stage of the work and provides useful recommendations from experts in this matter.

Reading time ≈ 5 minutes

A tile floor is not only beautiful, but also durable, easy to clean and maintain. To lay ceramic tiles on the floor, it is enough for the performer to have a small amount of perseverance, accuracy, artistic taste, as well as the ability to do something on their own without involving specialized specialists.

Before laying tiles on the floor with your own hands, you need to acquire the necessary set of materials and tools, without which this process will be difficult or even impossible.

materials

First of all, you will need to choose the floor tiles themselves, guided by the overall design of the room. Depending on the room in which the floor area for tiling is located, the material is selected with a glossy or matte surface. For safety, it is worth taking a tile with a non-slip surface.
When buying tiles for laying on the floor, you need to take into account that its actual consumption will exceed the area of \u200b\u200bthe room by 5-10%, since part of the material will go to cutting and cutting. You should carefully review all packages, sorting out possible deviations in size and shade.
You will need to purchase tile adhesive, based on the consumption indicated on its packaging. The contractor must be prepared for the fact that the actual consumption of glue, depending on the surface of the subfloor, may differ significantly from the declared one.
To prepare the surface for laying tiles on the floor, according to the technology, you need to purchase a deep penetration primer.
For grouting, you will need a special mixture. You can choose a variety of colors, focusing on your vision of the overall design of the floor.
It is advisable to buy all building mixtures from one manufacturer - this will ensure their proper interaction with each other.

Tools

To lay tiles on the floor, you need a minimum set of tools and fixtures to ensure successful work.

It is advisable to purchase a set of plastic crosses of the right size, a small trowel, plastic utensils for preparing an adhesive solution, a metal spatula with teeth.
To prepare the adhesive solution, you will need a powerful drill with a mixer.
In addition, you need: a rubber spatula, a rubber mallet, pliers (depending on the area of laying the tiled floor, it can be of the simplest design or in the form of a full-fledged electric tile cutting machine).
To measure and mark the tiles, you will need: tape measure, building level, pencil, square.
To protect the legs and hands of the performer, it is advisable to purchase knee pads and gloves.
For fine cleaning of the floor, it is worth stocking up with a sponge and a rag.

Step by step instructions for laying tiles

1. When starting the process of laying floor tiles, it is necessary, first of all, to prepare the work surface. To do this, you need to check the horizontal level of the rough floor covering with a level, if necessary, clean it from roughness, vacuum it, removing dust and debris from the surface. The floor must be thoroughly rinsed to remove possible grease stains. In order to ensure the reliability of gluing the tiles, the surface must be treated with a deep penetration primer.

2. Before laying the tiles on the floor, it is necessary to mark the surface in such a way that a minimum of undercuts is visible and the new coating lies symmetrically to the room. To do this, it is advisable to look at the photos, videos on the site, demonstrating the nuances of the process. Experts recommend starting marking from the entrance to the room. Initially, the first row is laid dry to determine the correct breakdown.

3. Mixing the adhesive solution (using a mixer or manually) requires strict adherence to the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of water added and the preparation technology indicated on the package. Experienced experts advise preparing a small amount of mortar at a time, focusing on the speed of laying tiles.

4. Having prepared the adhesive solution, you can start laying the adhesive on the floor surface using a trowel. Further, the glue is evenly distributed, thanks to the use of a notched trowel-comb. If the tile is large (sides larger than 30 cm), the adhesive should also be applied to the tile itself.

5. The first tile must be laid, strictly focusing on the marking lines applied to the floor, after which it will need to be leveled horizontally using a rubber mallet and a level. When laying the next tiles in a row, it is advisable to use crosses to maintain the width of the seams between them.

If you started a repair and plan to do the work yourself, be sure to familiarize yourself with the process of laying tiles on the floor. To ensure that the cladding goes smoothly, study the rules for surface preparation in advance and purchase the appropriate materials.

Laying on the floor has a number of features

Required Tools

straight and notched trowel;
tile cutter or grinder;
rubber mallet;
level;
roulette;
plastic crosses and wedges;
adhesive solution.

Some specific tools can be replaced with what is on the farm.

A rubber mallet is used to level the masonry

When preparing the surface, you will need putty, screed, grout and primer. If the room involves frequent contact with water or you install underfloor heating, additionally take care of waterproofing.

Surface preparation

First of all, the area is freed from everything superfluous: furniture, old coatings, debris. If before that there was another ceramic tile on the floor, it is necessary to remove it and clean the base from the old mortar. Here they use a grinder or a grinder with a diamond disc.

The next step is waterproofing. To protect concrete from the penetration of excess moisture into its structure, liquid coatings or floorings are used. Film or bitumen is considered the best option, painting is simple. Part of the wall is also processed.

If the differences are less than 3 cm, you can do without a screed, just apply more glue to the tile itself.

After drying, the surface is primed. Additionally, it is recommended to treat the floor with antiseptic impregnation.

Square Leveling

markup

Now it is necessary to mark the position of individual control fragments and designate the boundaries of the work. The sides of the room are not perfectly flat, so you need to outline the perimeter. Use a string or laser level.

Since laying starts from the far corner, markings must be done in the same direction. Mark with lines 90 degrees, everything that goes beyond will be hidden by the plinth. The work is carried out taking into account the fact that the distance from the extreme tile to the wall is on average about 1-1.5 cm.

Whole fragments are located in the center

To determine the layout scheme, lay out the tiles on the floor and visually evaluate the benefits of each. Additionally, draw it on paper. Mark the position of the control elements and the areas where the cut fragments are used.

Solution preparation

There are two options: sand-cement mortar or purchased adhesive mixture. In the first case, only clean sifted sand can be used. Usually its ratio to the amount of cement ranges from 3:1-5:1. For elasticity and strength, lime, PVA glue or detergents are added to the composition. First, dry ingredients are mixed, then pure water is poured until the mixture acquires the desired consistency. The cement mortar must be kneaded in advance so that the components have time to swell.

It is preferable to use a special tile adhesive

Laying tiles with ready-made powder mixtures is much easier - dilute the required amount with water and get to work. They contain sand, fine Portland cement and modifying additives. Thanks to this, the cured adhesive becomes durable, repels water and resists the growth of bacteria.

Stages

Apply a small amount of the mixture to the floor (for about 3-4 tiles) and spread it with a notched trowel.
If there are small differences, apply an additional layer to the tile and smooth over the entire area with a small spatula.
Start gluing tiles from the farthest visible corner. Laying is carried out on a pre-marked place. Lightly press the item.
To drive out the air and tamp the glue, tap the tile on top with a rubber mallet or a wooden hammer handle through a rag.
Check the level and correct any errors before the mortar sets.
Place pegs along the walls, and crosses along the seams to fix the width and indents.

Laying is done in rows. First there are whole fragments, then rifled ones. If the scheme is used in a run, glue alternately one at a time.

Each row of lined surface is checked by level

cutting tiles

When laying tiles, it is impossible to do with only whole fragments. For cutting, use a manual or electric tile cutter, grinder or glass cutter. To avoid chipping on glazed tiles, they work only on the front side. The movement should be clear, assertive and done once.

If you need to make a rounding, use a jigsaw with diamond wire or a drill with various nozzles.

To make a straight cut, you will need a pencil and a ruler. Measure how much you need to cut off and make a mark on the back of the tile. Then draw a straight line to clearly see the cut.

Grouting

To bring the surface to perfection, you will need to seal the joints between the tiles. The color is better to choose the same tone or slightly darker. Light mastic will instantly get dirty.

The finished look of the surface will provide grouting of tile joints

A ready-made mixture and a rubber spatula are used. It is recommended in advance to treat the recesses with antifungal impregnation and moisten them with water for better adhesion.

Apply a little grout to the joint area and tamp it down with a spatula. A seam that does not go over the tile itself and is slightly concave is considered ideal. Remove excess mass with a spatula, and then wipe with a rag. To protect against dirt and moisture, treat the dried putty with a special water-repellent liquid or fill the joints with an epoxy compound. Joints with the wall, furniture, plumbing and other items are sealed with silicone.

Properly executed laying will extend the life of the surface and provide decorative and aesthetic cladding.

Perhaps the best bathroom flooring is tile. It is universal, not afraid of moisture, has a sufficiently high strength, does not require regular maintenance, is resistant to mechanical abrasion, is easy to clean from dirt, is practical and durable. In addition, thanks to a wide range of colors and patterns, the material allows you to achieve almost any desired interior style in this room.

Self-laying tiles with your own hands is not as difficult as it seems at first. Of course, a novice who has never dealt with repairs will cope with the task poorly, so for him the best solution is to contact a specialist. But for a person who already knows how to hold a tool in his hand, and knows firsthand about the repair of a house, this operation will not take much time and effort.

Floor preparation

Like any repair work, the installation of tiled flooring is carried out sequentially and in stages, in strict accordance with the technology developed over the years. First, prepare the surface of the concrete floor, leveling it, cleaning it from dirt and debris.

The plinths are dismantled, the old flooring is removed to bare concrete, after which a layer of cement screed about five centimeters thick is laid on it. As soon as the screed dries, its surface is primed and covered with waterproofing - it is best to use an emulsion based on rubber and bitumen for this purpose.

Laying tiles on the floor can be done by any home master. It is only necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of specialists and perform all actions in strict sequence.

A tile (this is what ceramic tile products are most often called) is a very popular material. It is characterized by excellent external data, durability during operation in various conditions, high strength and abrasion resistance. It is also important that the care of ceramic tiles is really simple.

With proper installation, tiles from the first days of operation demonstrate all their special qualities. Most often it is laid in kitchens, hallways and bathrooms.

And here you need to know that tiled products for these rooms should be chosen different. Each type of tile has its own special performance indicators.

Variety of ceramic tiles

For kitchens, for example, it is recommended to purchase and install tiles with your own hands, which are classified in terms of abrasion to the third class. This is due to the fact that the floor coverings in such rooms are exposed (and constantly) to the influence of various negative factors.

Something always crumbles, falls, spills on the kitchen floors. Therefore, they are simply obliged to resist well such physical, mechanical and chemical influences. Experts, in addition, do not advise buying tiles with a porous or textured surface for the kitchen. She is very difficult to take care of.

Tiles of a small abrasion class are suitable for bathrooms and bathrooms. In these rooms for hygiene procedures, the traffic is not so high as to be spent on buying expensive ceramic tiles. Do not opt for glossy products - they are really slippery and not suitable for the bathroom. It is better to choose a tile with high resistance to moisture and a variety of chemical compounds.

But on the floor in the hallway, it makes sense to purchase the most durable tile (class 4). Laying such an expensive material will fully justify itself with long-term trouble-free operation in difficult conditions. It is in the hallways of apartments and residential buildings that there is always a high permeability of people.

The preparation of the floor base for the installation of tiled products on it should be approached as responsibly as possible. First you need to remove the old coating. This operation is carried out with a perforator with a nozzle in the form of a spatula, or with a chisel and an ordinary hammer.

When dismantling old tiles or other coatings with your own hands, do not forget to wear gloves. They will protect your hands from injury and serious injury. Goggles and a special mask that protects the respiratory system from dust will also be useful. Instead, you can use a respirator.

Mortar for laying tiles

High-quality do-it-yourself tile laying is impossible on a curved and sloping floor. The base must be absolutely level. Align it like this:

Eliminate the possibility of drafts in the room where the tiles will be laid on the floor (just carefully close all windows and doors).
Sweep the floor base, remove all traces of oils, greasy compounds, varnishes, paints from it, wash and vacuum, then dry. Installation of tiles on a dirty and damp floor is not allowed.
Using a laser level (in the absence of one, the usual one), determine the curvature of the base (all existing concavities and bulges). The maximum possible height differences are 0.5–0.9 cm.
Using a mixture of water, four parts and one part of M400 cement, close up all the potholes. If there is no desire to prepare such a solution with your own hands, just buy a special leveling compound at a hardware store. Spread it according to the instructions and make the floor even.
Wait until the mixture dries (10-12 hours).

Laying ceramic tiles on the prepared base is then carried out after 48-72 hours.

Wooden floor coverings are not leveled with sand-cement compounds. They are prepared in a different way. The floor is impregnated with oily special paint, a waterproofing layer is installed, on which small gravel and a thin reinforcing mesh are placed. From above, such a “pie” is poured with a liquid solution of cement. Then wait for the complete solidification of the base.

The amount of tiles required for the work is easy to calculate. It is done like this:

Measure the width and length of the room.
Multiply the resulting numbers.
Divide the calculated value by the geometric index of one side of the tile you want to purchase. When doing this, be sure to take into account the width (about 3–5 mm) of the tile joints.

Installation of tiles in the bathroom

This completes the calculations. You know how many tiles you need to purchase. But it is recommended to add another 12-15 percent of the material to this exact figure. Do-it-yourself tile laying does not always go smoothly. Some of the tiles will crack, some of them you will have to cut. It is better to play it safe and take a tile with a small margin.

Laying tiles with your own hands is easiest in one of two ways:

From the middle of the room to its edges.
To the door from the far free corner.

The first method is considered more complex. It is usually used when laying tiles on the floor is carried out in spacious rooms. To lay a tile, you need to divide the floor base into equal sections (into four sectors). To do this, you need to draw a line (straight) down in the middle of one wall, and then make another line perpendicular to the first. Marking is made from the point of their intersection.

Laying tiles after that can start from the corner you like in the center of the room. Moreover, a trimmed tile that is identical in geometric parameters with this technique will always be mounted around the perimeter of the room.

The second method is best used for rooms with original geometry and for rooms in which the floor has a relatively small area. This technique is always used by novice craftsmen who decide to lay ceramics with their own hands for the first time.

Whatever method of tile installation you choose, first do a test. Just spread the tiles around the room, mark their locations, leave room for tile joints. This will save you from serious mistakes, and hence from excessive consumption of material, and from delaying installation work.

Get glue. It is sold in the form of dry formulations that need to be diluted with water, as well as in a ready-to-use form. Dry mixes are cheaper, and it’s not difficult to breed them (all the information is in the instructions for the glue). It is recommended to prepare a small amount of the composition so that it does not have time to harden if the installation process does not go very well.

Laying tiles in the bathroom

You also need to stock up on special ones. It is with its help that you will install the tile. Spatulas can have U-shaped, V-shaped or square teeth. The latter type of tools are ideal for laying medium-sized tiles with high quality. And for large tiles, it is better to use a spatula with teeth in the shape of the letter U.

The scheme for laying ceramic tiles is as follows:

Apply a primer to the floor base (it will increase adhesion and protect the floor from fungus). Wait for it to dry, slightly moisten the surface.
You process a section of the floor base with a gear tool, applying an adhesive to it. At this stage, you should spread the glue very carefully (you should get the most even layer) on the floor.
You also treat the reverse side of the tile with an adhesive mixture (put a little solution on it with a trowel, and then smear it with a spatula).
Turn over the ceramic product, apply it to the floor and press down. Distribute the pressing force over the entire surface of the tile as evenly as possible.
Control the accuracy of mounting tiles horizontally with a nylon thread or level. If the tile protrudes above the required level, remove a little adhesive from under the tile, if the product is too deep, throw another portion of glue under it.
After laying, wipe each tiled square with a rag to remove the adhesive mass from the surface.

Small (3-5 mm) gaps should be left between the tiles around the perimeter of the room. They are mounted suture plastic separators in the form of crosses. This is not done for beauty. Such crosses do not allow the tile to crack, bend and swell after installation is completed.

After the glue has dried, remove all small debris from the joints and treat them with a grout with moisture-resistant characteristics. It is desirable to apply such a composition with a rubber spatula. Then you need to wait a few hours and carefully wipe the laid tiles with a soft cloth.

After a day, perform a wet cleaning of the floor. You were able to lay the tiles yourself. Congratulations!