I want to put tile in my kitchen floors. I now have the terazo (spelling?). Where do I start?

Question

I have the ceramic tile. What other materials do I need? Any advice is greatly appreciated. I'm a YOUNG single mother, and can't afford to have anyone put them in for me. So I'm attempting this on my own.

Answer 1

You need to lay a cement board or equivilant under the tile or it will crack when it is cured.

You don't use thin set on ceramic tile. They make a special cement to use for ceramic tile that sets quick.

The two who told you to go to Lowes on Saturday are exactly right. Just be careful of the sales pitches.

You will also need to rent (why buy it if you are only doing one floor) a wet cutter.

I just did my kitchen. I took my time and it came out great..

Answer 2

If the existing floor is concrete or vinyl over concrete, you need a professional grade thin set and you are ready to lay tile.  That is, if the vinyl is well stuck to the floor.  If the floor is wood sub-floor and if a glass of water vibrates when you jump up and down; the floor is not stiff enough for tile.  Put down a layer of plywood everywhere(with screws): 1/2" minimum, 5/8" is better; put down a layer of plastic and tile backer board (with screws).

Now you are ready to lay tile.  I'm not making this up, this is what it takes to do a tile job.

Answer 3

Hi HisStar,

Terrazzo is a great substrate to lay over if it intact and there aren't signs of movement.  Cracks will let you know if this is the case or not.  I'd advise you to start a thread for pros to help decide whether or not you need a crack isolation membrane, what you need to do to rough up and clean the surface to accept the proper thinset mortar for the tile installation, and what products to use and how to use them on this website...

http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/inde...

Friendly bunch with tons of info.  :)

Good luck!  You can do this!

Answer 4

Mistress D hit upon a little known fact.

Home Depot usually have Saturday "hands on" classes on this very subject.

Trust yourself, you CAN do it. It's messy, but fun.

BTW, be SURE to buy good knee pads before you start, they will save your knees and lower back.

Answer 5

hi dear,

i too am a single mother and a professional carpenter, flooring can be a little tricky.  i advise that you call lowes or homedepot to see if they are offering a class on how to install ceramic tile.  they will tell you all that you will need from start to finish, and they are right there to answer all of your questions and help you learn how to use the tools.  you go girl