FLOOR TILER DERBY

Floor tiling can be perceived, incorrectly, as one of the easier DIY tasks or indeed one of the easier tiling disciplines however, that's not the case. Floor tiles will generally be subjected to more wear and tear than wall tiles and as a result are more prone to cracks and damage which can be exasperated if the laying of them is not done to best practise. Before laying any floor tiles, adequate floor preparation is crucial for several reasons:

1. Ensures Adhesion: An unstable or uneven surface can lead to tiles cracking or lifting over time.

2. Prevents Moisture Issues: Proper sealing can prevent moisture infiltration, which could damage the tiles and the underlying structure.

3. Enhances Lifespan: A well-prepared surface is integral to extending the life of your tiles as laying tiles, especially large tiles, can crack under pressure if not on a flat surface.

So before any tiles are laid our tiler will assess the Subfloor. It’s essential to examine the existing floor. Our tiler will check for structural issues such as cracks, unevenness, or water damage. Depending on what is found will determine next steps. If the current base is not deemed suitable in its current state remedial work will be required and depending on what this is will impact the time taken and whether the surface can be walked on or not and for what period of time. A good example being applying a layer of screed to the floor, which may be needed across the whole or a section of the floor surface to provide an even base.

Prior to anything being applied to the floor our tiler will ensure that the surface is clean. He will remove any dirt, dust, grease, or old adhesives that may interfere with tile bonding. This may involve the use of a commercial floor cleaner, or a mixture of vinegar and water, a scraper or sander depending on the type of dirt and how it can be best removed.

Whilst the floor assessment may reveal a relatively flat subfloor our tiler will repair and level and smaller uneven sections. Cracks need to be filled with an appropriate filler, and any uneven areas will be levelled. If a wetroom floor is being tiled rather than use a shower tray then then the floor will need to be formed to include deliberated a sloped section that will take water to the waste pipe.

If we are installing tiles in a high-moisture area, like a bathroom or basement, it’s essential to apply a moisture barrier. This can be in the form of a paint-on membrane or a polyethylene sheet. This will be followed by marking out the layout of the tiles. Best practice dictates marking the center of the room and laying out the tile pattern before securing them. This will prevent unsightly cuts at the walls and enhances symmetry. However, this may not always be the case depending on the room's layout and purpose and our tilers start point will be the most appropriate to achieve a neat and tidy finish.

Once the layout and marking out has been done our tiler will begin applying the appropriate floor adhesive. Selecting the right tile adhesive is crucial. For heavier materials like stone, a medium-bed adhesive is appropriate. Lightweight tiles can use thin-set mortar.

When the tiler has applied enough adhesive to lay a section of tiling down he will start laying them. He will start laying from the appropriate start point and use spacers to ensure uniform gaps between tiles for the grout. Once floor tiles have been laid we would recommend at least 24 hours for the adhesive to set and cure properly. We appreciate that as a homeowner this may cause some inconvenience but we would have made you fully aware of the  steps so you can plan for this and if not practical agree a work around to perhaps apply in sections. Walking on floor tiles ahead of time is what can cause problems which are hard to correct such as movement of tiles which then set in the incorrect position.

When all the floor tiles have set properly our tiler we will set about grouting - which depending on the size of the area may take an hour or two. This time will also include the wiping off any excess grout following application, to provide a clean finish. Again we would recommend not walking on the area for 24 hours but this would be less problematic if the tiles have already set properly and you take care to avoid walking on the joins between the tiles where the grout has been applied.

Depending on the tiles you have selected the final stage may, or may not, include sealing then. If it does, again we would recommend waiting at least 24 hours before walking on them but most will be touch dry after about 4 hours, so you should be okay to walk on with clean dry feet or shoes. The key thing is to avoid moisture contact for at least 24 hours.

TYPES OF FLOOR TILES DERBY

To get a more detailed overview of the types of tiles we can lay you will find further information on this on our 'types of tiles' page. The most popular being ceramic, stone, porcelain and vinyl.

Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) is the most different floor tile variant as they are a man made flexible tile compared to the traditional rigid tiles which most people would associated with a tiler.  However, they provide an excellent alternative to traditional tiling, so whist the application technique uses different adhesives the principles are fairly similar but with less stages as LVT does not require grouting. This is probably the biggest tell tale sign that a floor has been laid with LVT rather than traditional tiles, along with the quieter sound when walking on it. There is a huge choice of styles and makes to choose from and may provide a more funky floor than traditional tiles depending on the style you are looking to achieve.

Whatever tiling your choose for your floor at Derbyshire Tiling Specialists we are happy to install any type of floor tile for you.

MOST COMMON NEW FLOOR TILING QUESTIONS: