Tile choice PDF's on Tiles, Floor Tiles, Bathroom Tiles, Kitchen Tiles, Wall Tiles, Porcelain and Mosaic

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How to Lay Floor Tiles?

Before making a start with your project, be sure you have all of the equipment you need close to hand. You should also wear safety goggles and protective gloves when cutting or trimming tiles. Good preparation is essential. Ensure that the surface to be tiled is clean, dry and flat and that any holes and cracks have been filled.

Mark a line along the centre of the room and loose lay the tiles along the line to see how they will fit. Starting at the centre of the room, you should aim to get an even cut at each end.

Mix the adhesive as per the instructions on the packaging and using a notched spreader, comb the adhesive evenly onto the floor. Do not spread more adhesive than you can tile in 20 minutes using a standard set adhesive. Fix the tiles into the adhesive using a twisting / sliding motion to ensure full contact between adhesive and tile and removing any voids beneath the surface of the tiles.

Using floor tile spacers will ensure that your tiles are evenly spaced to create uniformed grout joints and our staff will recommend the most appropriate tile cutter to ensure a professional finish. Work your way across the floor checking regularly with a spirit level that the tiles are flat.

Excess adhesive should be wiped away immediately using a damp cloth or sponge. Once your tiles have been fixed, allow at least 24 hours for the adhesive to dry before grouting unless you have used a “rapid setting” adhesive. At all times you should follow the adhesives and grouts manufacturers instructions at all times.

Using a grout spreader / rubber faced trowel, work the grout into the grout lines. Wipe off any excess grout with a grouting sponge, used at a 45 degree angle to ensure that the compacted grout stays in the joints, to give a professional finish. Finally, once the grout residue has created a “haze” on the tiles,

use a soft dry cloth to “buff” the tiles to a polish.

IF TILING ONTO A WOODEN FLOOR, YOU SHOULD USE ONE OF OUR FLEXIBLE ADHESIVES THAT ARE MANUFACTUREDSPECIFICALLY FOR THIS APPLICATION.

DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE IN-STORE.

How to Lay Mosaics ?

Before fixing mesh mounted mosaics, ensure that the surface to be tiled is smooth, solid, dry and clean. Porous surfaces should be primed before fixing. Care should be taken in choosing an adhesive to suit a particular installation.

Tile Choice staff will be able to advise you on which adhesive to use. The sheets of mosaic should be fixed by pressing them into a combed bed of adhesive in a staggered brick pattern allowing for a grout joint between each sheet. The joint width on the sheets of mosaic should be used as a guide to the joint between each sheet.

A rubber faced float should be used to press the sheets into place to ensure complete adhesive coverage. Excess adhesive should be removed from the joints and from the face of the mosaic by using a damp cloth or sponge.

The mosaic sheets can be cut to size by cutting through the plastic mesh. Individual tiles can be cut by scoring them with a tile scribe and then using a pair of nippers to snap the tile.

Grouting should take place once the adhesive has had an opportunity to dry thoroughly as detailed on the product packaging.

In the majority of installations, a fine textured, cement based grout can be used. Once again, Tile Choice personnel will advise you on the type of grout required for an individual project.

The grout should be applied over the whole area using a squeegee or rubber faced grout float. Any excess grout should be removed with a grout sponge and the mosaic is then “buffed” to a polish with a soft cloth.

How to tile natural Stone ?

Tile Choice stocks a wide range of care and maintenance products from Lithofin, one of the worlds leading manufacturers and suppliers of aftercare products.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles require regular cleaning to maintain their pristine appearance. Tile Choice stocks a range of cleaning products to suit everyday cleaning through to the most demanding of situations.

Natural Stone requires preparation prior to installation and care and attention once the stone has been fixed. Tile Choice has the products available from stock to ensure that your Natural Stone maintains its original beauty.

It is very important to use the correct maintenance and cleaning products to care for your floor.

Your floor is a porous material and should be protected against moisture and dirt which can stain your floor.

Sealing:

Before sealing takes place the area should be inspected for adhesive residues and general dirt deposits. The areas must be perfectly clean and dry before applying sealant as any dirt or other deposits may interfere with the sealing process and become more permanent. It is recommended that all areas that require sealing are cleaned. There are a few different products that will protect stone. Each has its own characteristics and has been designed to give a required finish or to be used with a specific stone.

Grouting:

For all natural stone, Granfix Floor Tile Grout is recommended. Flexible admixtures should be used in the correct proportions where appropriate. Follow the manufacturers instructions, remembering that polished finishes can be scratched by hard or abrasive objects. The grout should be applied over the whole area ensuring that the joints are completely filled. Remove excess grout with a damp sponge, making sure that it is rinsed out frequently with clean water.

Maintenance:

The following products are available to keep natural stone looking at its best. Many of the products are used for more than one type of stone; however, it is important to use the right product that applies to your material.

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