How to install tiles on an uneven surface

Successfully installing tiles requires a smooth, flat surface to adhere. Installing tiles on a floor uneven is a frustrating process that can result in easily broken tiles, or that seem damaged, even when new. Follow these steps to create a suitable surface; saves time, effort and frustrations, plus help you make a floor attractive and usable.

Instructions

  1. Measure the floor area to determine the total number of tiles you’ll need. Buy the required amount plus an additional 5 percent to be available for cutting tiles to cover areas requiring partial tiles.
  2. Remove the edge of the floor and baseboards present around the floor, using a metal lever to pull the nails out of the edges. Save any edge or baseboard for use later.
  3. Examine the soil surface to determine why is uneven. If the surface is uneven due to material damage or incorrect installation thereof, proceed to level the floor. If damage is caused by a problem in the base floor, repair it and then proceed to level it and install the tiles.
  4. Repair or replace damaged soils basis. If is wood, replace the wooden panels that form the base floor. If concrete, remove any loose or damaged concrete and fill the cracks in the concrete surface, before leveling the floor.
  5. Level the floor to provide a flat surface for the new tiles. If the floor is wood, sand any area higher than the rest using a polishing floor, and fill the cracks that may arise. Small cracks must be filled using wood putty spread on the tip of a putty knife, then the section should be sanded with putty until it is flush with the rest of the floor. Fill large cracks with a self-leveling compound distributed evenly with a spatula and let dry. Level concrete floor grinding high surface areas with a concrete grinder, then remove dust and spread a layer of self-leveling compound across the floor, and let dry completely.
  6. Clean the floor completely.
  7. Measure each wall with tape measure and divide that in half, placing a mark in the center of each wall. Marks two opposite walls with chalk line, up the rope and drop it on the floor to create a line. Do the same with the other walls and get a mark in the exact center of the room.
  8. Remove the backing paper of self-adhesive tiles and place the first tile in the center of the room using one of the angles made by the centerlines.
  9. Continue placing the tiles, using one line to place the first row. Place tile spacers between each tile to provide uniformity and space for the tiles to expand. Continue placing tiles, working from the center out. Next to the walls, may be necessary to cut tiles. Measure the space where the tile will be cut and cut before placing the tile using a utility knife or tile cutter. Leave 1/4 inch (0.63 cm) off the wall tiles to expand.
  10. Big sack separators tiles and using a joint knife, to place grout between the tiles, filling the joints completely. Clean any excess grout with a wet sponge. Let the grout dry from one day to the other and remove any residual grout the tiles with a clean, lint-free towel.

Tips & Warnings

  • Heavy machinery, such as polishing floors or concrete grinder can be rented at shops rent equipment or home stores.
  • Use latex gloves and a mask while working with concrete, grinding or sanding the floor, to protect you from breathing particles and irritate the skin.