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Laying ceramic

Like most renovation jobs, a patient and meticulous do-it-yourselfer will have no problem laying ceramic. In case of doubt, leave it to a professional. Redoing a ceramic floor or even a part of a wall is quite unpleasant. Here are a few guidelines to help you determine if you should do the work yourself.

  • Laying ceramic is not as easy as pouring a concrete floor or laying a carpet. Especially if the choice of tiles requires various cuts.
  • The range of required tools and instruments is impressive. You will need to rent or borrow them.
  • Remember, generally speaking, the ceramic used to cover a wall is different from floor ceramic, as it is much more fragile. However, there is model of ceramic that applies easily to the floor, the wall and even the work surface in the kitchen. Lastly, there is a model reserved exclusively for floors, which is the sturdiest of all ceramics. 
  • Don’t make the mistake of gluing the tiles immediately. Take the time to place them to get an overall view. If not, you can no longer move them. Very frustrating when the time comes to level them.
  • A level is required to make sure that all tiles are the same height. The thickness of the adhesive placed under the tile affects the height and cannot be seen by the naked eye.
  • Don’t forget to leave a space between the tiles so that you can spread the grout at the end.
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  • Remove as much water as possible from your sponge before using it to remove the excess grout from the joints. Otherwise, the excess water could soften the grout.
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iStock
  • The better prepared you are, the less cuts you have to make.
  • The joints must be perfect to prevent them from becoming havens for germs and bacteria, especially in the bathroom and around the stove.
  • It is strongly recommended that you place cement boards behind a ceramic wall in the bathroom. The panels don’t absorb water. If there is a leak, you will avoid mildew.
  • You can replace a ceramic coating over another ceramic coating, but make sure you talk to a specialist first.
  • If you lay ceramic on a vinyl floor, remember to clean the surface with a degreaser. A specialist can tell you which product to use for adherence.
  • If you opt for a heating floor under the ceramic, keep in mind that you cannot use all materials on this surface. Take the time to consult a professional.

 

Photos: istock.com