The flooring in the kitchen is subject to greater loads than in other rooms. In addition, a characteristic feature of the kitchen is high humidity. These factors are decisive when choosing a material for flooring. The best that meets the criteria of wear resistance, strength and moisture resistance is tile. In addition, a large assortment of color schemes and patterns also helps to improve the interior.
Preparation of tools and material, calculation of the number of tiles
The content of the article
- Preparation of tools and material, calculation of the number of tiles
- Preparation of the base for tiles in the kitchen
- Marking the surface of the floor
- Glue production
- How to lay tiles on the kitchen floor
The following tools are required for laying tile products:
- tape measure, ruler, pencil;
- bubble levels 2 m and 40 cm long;
- paint brush or roller;
- ordinary, comb and rubber spatulas;
- rubber mallet;
- tile cutter;
- crosses;
- punch with a whisk nozzle.
It is also necessary to prepare the following materials:
- deep penetration primer;
- tile glue;
- grout.
The decision on the choice of tiles is made individually based on its cost, color, quality, manufacturer.
ATTENTION! It is not recommended to purchase cheap tiles of any quality, the dimensions of which can vary greatly among themselves, even in one package. It is impossible to make a high-quality coating from such a material.
The easiest way to calculate the required amount of material is to divide the kitchen area by the tile area and add a margin of 10%. But he does not take into account the stacking method and the amount of material that will go to waste. Therefore, more accurate is the layout of the tiles in an appropriate scale.
Preparation of the base for tiles in the kitchen
An even base simplifies the cladding process, reduces the consumption of glue and eliminates the possibility of cracks in the tile coating due to uneven drying of the adhesive. Previously, the installation site is well cleaned and “beacons” are installed according to the level. Using special mixtures based on cement and sand, screed is poured, aligning it with “beacons”.
After complete drying, the level is checked for evenness of the obtained surface and a deep penetration primer is applied with a paint brush or roller. This is necessary to improve the adhesion of tile adhesive to the base.
Marking the surface of the floor
Before you start laying tiles, you must determine the method by which it will be performed and mark the base. This will greatly simplify the work. When facing in rows, along the wall opposite from the entrance, a distance equal to the size of the tile plus 5 mm is marked and a line is drawn along which the tile products will be aligned. If the laying method is more complex, contains decorative elements, it is recommended to mark the base over the entire area.
Glue production
To obtain tile glue, dry mixtures are used, which can be bought at any hardware store. Instructions for making the solution are printed on the packaging.
For preparation, the required amount of water is poured into the container and a dry glue mixture is gradually added. The solution is constantly mixed with a whisk nozzle mounted on a perforator.
The glue should reach the consistency of thick sour cream. Then it is allowed to stand for 10 minutes and mixed again. After that, it is ready for use.
How to lay tiles on the kitchen floor
If the tile will be stacked in rows, on its front side you must first make a mark on the location on the back of the arrow. It shows the orientation of the tile products when they are installed in one direction.
It is better to apply glue on the tile, and not on the base, because while installation and leveling will take place, excess glue solution that did not fall under the area of the tile product will dry. The glue is applied with a conventional spatula and leveled with a comb. The height of the resulting ridges should be about 10 mm.
The first product is laid in accordance with the marking. After installation, it should be pressed down and using a small level to check the horizontal. If necessary, alignment is carried out by blows of a rubber hammer, until the desired result is obtained. The next one is placed end to end first and crosses are inserted between them, which form an inter-tile gap.
The glue between the tiles must be removed immediately before it is dry. The second tile is aligned not only horizontally, but also in relation to the first. To check the level set immediately on two products and, if necessary, carry out corrective actions. After laying several tile coatings, verification is carried out using a large level.
Often the last tile in a row rests against the wall and does not fit entirely. Using a tile cutter or grinder with a diamond wheel, it is cut. When calculating the cut line, the gaps between the tiles and from the wall must be taken into account. For laying tile coatings in places where pipes pass, make round cutouts using a grinder or drill with special nozzles.
After finishing the facing work, the quality is checked by a high level in all directions. If deficiencies associated with poor-quality installation of a particular product are identified, it is removed and reinstalled.
After completion of work, it is possible to pass to the following stages in 24 hours. This time is necessary for the glue to dry.
ATTENTION! Until the glue has completely dried, walking on the tile is not allowed.
The remnants of the adhesive solution are removed from the inter-tile gap and filled with a rubber spatula with grout, the excess of which is removed with a sponge. To hide the gap along the wall, install skirting boards.
This article contains all the necessary information on how to lay tiles in the kitchen yourself.
