Home Repair and Paint Guide

... Ceramic tile subflooring must be able to carry heavy loads without movement. ... Heavy appliances, cabinets, and other items will place a lot of stress on the subfloor. ... If you decide to apply ceramic tile over an existing floor, make sure it is flat, solid, and well bonded to the subfloor. ... This is especially true where the room is on the second level of your house. ... Tile can be installed over an existing ceramic tile floor long as it’s level and in good condition. ... Remember that installing ceramic tile over an existing floor will raise the height of the entire floor. ... A lot of people don’t know that these cut-ins allow room for your feet when standing in front of a counter. ... Doors are another problem. ... Concrete backerboard (cement board) is the standard material for ceramic tile subflooring. ... It can’t be damaged by water and is the ideal solution for bathroom and kitchen installations. ... Using a framing square, score your cut line a few times. ... A special carbide-blade cutter works better ...

... Ceramic tile is used in many areas of the home. ... The bathroom will usually have a tile floor and shower stall along with ceramic wall tiles. ... Cleanup is quick and easy with just some warm water and a sponge or mop.  Installing ceramic tile in a new home presents a few considerations. ... Because of this, it will gradually change shape over time. ... In fact, you will most likely have to replace several tiles after a new home has settled. ... You might not be able to find the same pattern in the future. ... This means using a product such as cement board for the surface. ... It also allows a small amount of “give” to the underlying substrate and helps prevent cracking. ... The floor joists must be securely attached and spaced correctly. ... I have personally seen areas where floor tile has cracked substantially due to the weight of a large refrigerator. ... The “contractor” that did this type of work was either a crook or an idiot and it is probably not possible to determine which one ...

... Good planning and layout before installing bathroom shower tiles is very important for a professional and attractive result. ... Purchase all tiles you will need at the same time, with about 10% extra for breakage and future replacement. ... Take your time during surface prep and make sure everything is clean and flat.  The surfaces to be tiled must be smooth, even, and free of defects, especially high and low spots. Uneven areas will make alignment nearly impossible. ... For a tub or shower enclosure, the basic procedure is to start with the ceiling first. ... Once the ceiling has been tiled, proceed to the back wall. ... Horizontal Working Lines Horizontal working lines are drawn first. ... The 1/8″ difference (if there is a difference) can be hidden with grout. ... Make a line (using a level and a straight edge) along the back wall and the two end walls. ... Determine a level line just like for a level tub and run a batten along the bottom of the line. ... This provides a level surface for the tile. ... You will have to cut the bottom row of tiles to fit along the uneven top edge of the tub or pan ...