Installing a Tile Floor in Your Kitchen: Questions Answered

April 9, 2011 | Author: admin

Modern houses look to convenience in cleaning and maintenance. This is why many people are opting to have tile floor installation in their kitchens. Here is some basic information which might come in handy if you decide to install tile in your own kitchen.

Kitchen tiles are usually pressed and can be classified as either mono-cottura or bi-cottura. The third kind of tile is the completely vitrified or porcelain floor tile which are very long lasting. However, if you want a combination of looks, economy, durability and ease of maintenance in your tile floor installation, then the ceramic kitchen floor tile is the way to go.

When you are carrying out a tile install, you can either buy your own tools and do the tile floor installation yourself or hire professionals to do it for you. A tile floor installation in a kitchen requires practice; therefore, it is recommended that you get professionals to do it for you if you are new to it.

Here is how a tile installation is done.

First, you will need to prepare a foundation or substrate, followed by waterproofing. After that, you will need to apply a thin layer of mortar, and then set the floor tile on it using a backer board. Once you have your entire floor tile laid out, you have to let it set for a day, after which grout is applied and set for 24 hours.

Having a kitchen tile floor installed will create a temporary mess both within and outside your house. If you have an installer doing the work, then he will dispose of the waste at a negligible fee.

Tile Installation

Ceramic kitchen tiles are available at less than $1/square foot. Other basic tools include a tape measure ($5-$10), chalk line ($5-$10), straight edge ($55-$70), speed drill and drill bits ($120-$150), trowel (up to $20), grout float ($10-$15), tile sponge ($2), wet saw, which with a seven inch blade permits you to saw up to 16 inches of tile ($60-$90), mortar or cement ($34/bucket), backer board ($9/sheet), screws ($4/box), grout ($19/25 pound bag), notched trowel ($8) and spacers ($3/bag).

All said and done, if you are investing in a tile installation company to do your tile install work for you, then you can expect to pay an average of $5-$10/square foot. This amounts to $500-$1,000 for a 10×10 foot kitchen space, excluding materials cost. Make your decisions wisely, and get a lovely tile install done in your kitchen floor within two days!

 

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Will Mastic Hold up Wall Tiles?

April 9, 2011 | Author: admin

One may consider many adhesives when looking for one to hold up those kitchen wall tiles or tile for any other room effectively.  Many may turn to mastic adhesive, but is this really the best choice when it comes to wall tile?  Many construction professionals use mastic adhesives for both heavy-duty construction jobs, as well as residential jobs because they are high grade adhesives.  They are used to bond a number of structures including asphalt, concrete, fabric, leather, plywood panels and ceiling, floor and wall tiles.

Others may also want to try a mastic adhesive because it is organic glue.  It can be found in many forms such as thick glue, a thin liquid or a sticky paste.  Some people also use mastic as a temporary adhesive for fixtures, especially for a job that calls for one person who needs to use both hands to screw in or otherwise affix some structure without permanently adhering it.

Another benefit to mastic adhesive is that it is relatively simple to use and does not take very long to apply.  One can find out what size trowel and how to mix the adhesive from the packaging.  If the surface that needs to be bonded is clean and free of dirt, paint, varnish or wax, the bond should take as expected.

Even though a mastic adhesive may work for ceramic wall tiles or other tiles, one has to be careful where he or she uses this adhesive because it is susceptible to mold infestations.  In addition, it can return to a liquid state.  Therefore, the organic substance should not be used in high moisture areas.  For instance, when one is installing kitchen tiles near a sink or faucet, it may be best to use some other adhesive that handles water and moisture more effectively.

When one needs to install ceramic tile or another form of tile, he or she may use a thin-set mortar.  The advantages of this adhesive is that it is not water-soluble even though it is also not waterproof.  Still, it is better to use around water sources or areas that are susceptible to moisture because the inorganic substance does not feed mold the way mastic adhesive does.  In other words, mastic adhesive is good for kitchen backsplashes and walls with no moisture present, but thin-set mortars are better for all floors and bathroom and shower tiles.

 

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Duraceramic Tile by Congoleum

April 9, 2011 | Author: admin

DuraCeramic has the look of ordinary ceramic tile but has many benefits beyond that of conventional ceramic.  DuraCeramic tile is warmer to the touch than ceramic and other natural stones, quiet when walked upon and durable enough to last through the conventional wear and tear.  Furthermore, this particular floor tile is also easy to install with or without grout and has a built in soil and stain repellent.  One can use Congoleum DuraCeramic for kitchen tiles or for other rooms in a residential or commercial setting.

There are many other reasons why DuraCeramic works for a home.  The limestone composite base keeps it durable so that it does not suffer from the permanent damage that can occur with ceramic materials.  It also comes with silver antibacterial protection to prevent the growth of bacteria, mildew and mold along with the Scotchguard protector that prevents stains and soiling.  In addition, there are a good number of choices in designs such as Cambridge Tile, Dreamscape, Earthpath, Heirloom, Mercer Tile, Pacific Marble, Rapolano, Sandalstone, Sierra Slate and Terano, so one can easily match his or her decor.

The tiles are available in a standard 16 inch x 16 inch size that is currently popular with many upscale decor styles.  Some designs are available in the smaller 8 inch x 8 inch design that can be used in combination with the larger tiles or on surfaces other than the floor.

The choice in whether or not to use grout can also make a difference in how the floor looks.  When one uses grout it gives the appearance of traditional ceramic and stone, which is a popular look for many.  Those who decide to go without grout will create a more modern and fresh design.  Some designs emulate the look of the great outdoors while others focus on sophistication and elegance.  In any case, it only takes about half the time to install DuraCeramic than it does to install regular ceramic tiles.

The cost of DuraCeramic tile will depend upon a few factors such as how many square feet one must cover.  However, considering that a sample of the material can cost about $15.  If one knows where to look and is not choosy about the design, he or she just may find discount tiles for less than $1 per square foot.  Otherwise, it is most likely one will pay more than $3.50 per square foot for this particular material.

 

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How to Cut Glass Tile for a Kitchen Splashback

March 15, 2011 | Author: admin

Glass splashbacks add character to a kitchen wall, creating a stylish look that can set a kitchen apart from all others.  Available in many colors, these tiles can be arranged in any pattern and customized to fit your tastes.  Once you have a design picked out, you can begin creating the pieces you need.  However, if you choose to do the cut glass for the tile splashbacks yourself, there are precautions to take and tips to follow to attain a professional look.  While cutting your own kitchen tiles, be sure to wear safety goggles to prevent injury.

Supplies needed:  A wax pencil, glass cutter, and lubricating oil, running pliers, a flat surface and the glass to be cut.  Don’t forget the protective wear.

1. Make sure the glass is clean, and lay it on a flat surface.  Mark the size and shape of the tile needed for your pattern. Possible shapes include squares, rectangles, diamonds, crosses and mosaics.

2. Apply the lubricating oil to the wheel of the glass cutter.  This will help the saw to slide smoothly as you score the glass.

3. Take a metal ruler, and line it along the marks on the shiny or smooth side of the glass.  Then hold the glass in place with one hand and use the other hand to control the glass cutter.

4. Next, score the glass.  To do this, hold the glass cutter as you would a pencil and position it on the edge.  Apply even pressure and slide it across the glass, using the ruler as a straight edge to guide you.  Be careful; too much force can cause the glass to shatter, while too little will cause a shallower score, making the glass harder to break.  You should be able to see the line; otherwise, it’s not deep enough.

5. Take a pair of running pliers with the screw side up and line it with the score mark.  Squeeze until the tile snaps.  If you’ve done everything right, the break should be clean along the score line.

Before starting, try these steps on a test piece until you feel confident.  Research and study the available models of glass cutters and running pliers to determine which one will work for you the best, considering the size and shapes of the kitchen tiles you’ll be making.  With a little practice, you’ll soon be creating your own glass tile splashbacks.  Learning these methods will save money on installation costs, as well as, become a source of pride for the homeowner who did it without any professional help.

 

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To Use Marble Flooring or Not

March 9, 2011 | Author: admin

Everyone wants the best when it comes to their homes, the best furniture, the best decorations, the best flooring, etc. A trend that has been sweeping the country over the past few years is the use of marble tile for the flooring. This is a trend that many homeowners can only dream of due to sky high prices and the demand that has been put on marble flooring.

That being said, is marble tile ok to use on the kitchen floor?

The answer to that question depends wholly on several different factors. The first being what quality flooring do you want to purchase? With marble there are varying grades of product, with a finer grade you likely do not want to use it in a high traffic area where it will be used consistently. With a lower grade marble you should be safe to use it in just about any room. The second factor is how roughly will it be treated? Marble is a relatively soft stone and can wear down over time if it is not treated gingerly. With an area like the kitchen where it is likely to come into contact with foot steps each and every day, where things are dropped and it will be cleaned frequently, it is not the best idea to use marble.

kitchen flooring option-blue marble

Another factor to consider is the size of your kitchen. As mentioned earlier, marble is fairly expensive compared to ceramic or linoleum, and if you have a large room but a small budget you may end up not having enough money to complete the project. A kitchen tile floor is generally the best choice for this room as it does meet with high traffic use, but when choosing your tile you must be careful. Yet another factor to consider is how it fits in with your décor. This stone has a distinct look to it, and if your decorations do not match it may seem ostentatious or silly to have it in a kitchen where the flooring does not match the overall kitchen theme.

When you consider using marble for your kitchen tiles you need to keep these things in mind. Though there are several different factors that may discourage you from using this type of stone, it is completely up to the homeowner which product is used. Make sure that if you are considering this expensive remodel you consider all your options and hunt for a great price. It is best to explore all your kitchen flooring options before you buy.

 

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