At Okanagan Tile Company, our experienced tile setters have years of experience installing beautiful tile floors, backsplashes, showers, tub surrounds – all types of tile projects. Below is an overview on what to expect, and the type of preparation involved in a typical tile installation.
Floor installation
- Level the substrate, or apply a backer to wooden subfloors
- Determine the layout of the tile
- Any pieces that need to be cut are done so with a wet saw
- Thinset mortar, a cement type adhesive, is applied to the flooring surface
- Tile is placed into the thinset and firmly pressed into place
- 12 to 24 hours is required to cure
- Grout is then applied, usually mixed on site to ensure a proper match. Quickset grout is an option for small areas
- A sponge is used to remove excess grout from the tile surface
- The final floor needs 24 hours to cure before being walked on.
- Doors may need to be shaved and rehung, depending on whether the new floor is a different height than the previous one, in the case of a renovation.
- Good ventilation of the area is required for 48 to 72 hours afterwards, to allow the odour from the glue to dissipate.
- A tile sealer may also be applied once the final floor is finished. For unglazed tiles, this procedure is done prior to grouting to prevent the grout from staining the tile.
Bathroom and Backsplash Installation
- Removal of existing materials (in the case of a renovation)
- Preparing the exposed surface the tile will be applied to
- Determine the layout of the tile
- Any pieces that need to be cut are done so with a tile cutter or wet saw
- Thinset mortar applied to the prepared surface with a trowel
- Tile is set and held in place by either self-spacing, or the use of plastic spacers to maintain consistent joints.
- Extra time is taken in laying tiles around plumbing fixtures
- If required, edging materials such as bullnose tile is installed
- Allow the mastic to cure overnight
- Tile grout is then applied, and wiped off with a damp sponge
- Caulking is applied to match the grout in areas around tubs, sinks etc.
