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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Lay Ceramic Tile Yourself

The most expensive part of getting a new ceramic tile floor or wall is the expense of having someone come into your home to install it. If you do it yourself, you can save a bundle. The problem is that most people don't have a clue how to get started.

Decorative Ceramic Tile
Testour DesignThe first thing you need to do is measure. The tiles usually come in 12 inch squares or 18 inch squares. Be careful checking the size of the area you want to cover with the tiles to make sure you get the right amount.
If you're doing a floor, then lay the tiles out side by side right where they will be going. Don't worry about the end pieces that will have to be cut to fit, but lay all the rest out. Make sure it's really the way you want it before you set started setting the tiles in place.
If you're doing a wall, of course you can't lay the tiles out in advance. Be very careful setting up guides and pay close attention to them. Don't be in a rush to add the adhesive until you're sure you've got your tile exactly where you want it.
When you put the grout between the tiles, let it set for a day before you try to clean up any that got on the tiles themselves. Be sure to keep your work area clean as you're applying the grout. That way there will be less to clean up.
Figuring out how to lay ceramic tile yourself sounds like it can be a big job, but anybody can do it and make it look professional if they just put in a little effort.
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