Installing floor tiles should be similar to the way we install wall tiles. Both surfaces should be free from foreign matter and completely dry. They should also be perfectly smooth, firm and in good condition. In this case, we should press the sheets of tiles into the adhesive spread and these tiles should be set for at least an hour. However, there adhesive can still be pliant after that time and we may still have an opportunity to re-align some the tiles slightly. If we need to walk of these tiles, we should put boards over them, so they can distribute our weight equally. Before grouting, the floor tiles should be allowed to set for at least one day. Floor tiles usually have little absorbency, so it isn’t necessary to soak them before putting them on the floor. Grout mixture could vary, but it should be consisted of one part finely screened sand and one part waterproof Portland cement. We should add a minimum amount of water when mixing these two components, just enough to allow for workability. We can start by spreading the mixture over the joints and push it with a squeegee.
It is important to make sure that the joints are fully filled. It is important to remove all excess mortar before it starts to harden. We can clean it using burlap cloth, followed by damp cloth. Sometimes, we need to do this several time until the joints look clean. The tile can be polished with dry cloth. It should be time to get the floor cured and it is important to prevent heavy traffic from moving on top of it for about three days. If we do need to walk over them, we need to use boards, so the weight can be distributed. House owners can perform fine installations of the tile on countertops, floors and bathroom walls. This is essential on places where waterproofed surfaces are needed, such as laundry area and kitchen. Game rooms may require durable tiles with permanently decorative finish. We may also use colourful ceramic tiles for the exterior of our house, where weatherproof and decorative tiling is desired. This is especially useful for exterior areas overlooking the terrace. Terraces should use tiles manufactured from natural ceramic materials that can withstand prolonged uses and natural exposures.
It is preferable to use smaller decorative tiles around the house, including windowsills, hearths, shelves, stairways, radiator tops, surfaces of room dividers and fireplace fronts. These natural ceramic materials should be quite easy to clean. Detergent can work well for both wall and floor tiles. We could let the detergent solution remain on the surface of the walls or floor for a few minutes before we mop them. Then, we could wipe the wall and floor dry with soft cloth. We should use specific type of detergent and we shouldn’t choose detergent that leaves sticky residue on top of the tile that can make it slippery and catch dirt. If the detergent layer remains, we could use kerosene or scouring powder to clean the detergent residue on the tile.