Birmingham Stone Expert Details How to Maintain Limestone Tiled Flooring Correctly

A homeowner in Darlaston near Walsall got in touch regarding their White Limestone floor, which was being easily marked from foot traffic. Dark marks were being left on the floor which they couldn't remove.

   

 This was concerning as the floor had only been laid a few months earlier and it had been cleaned and sealed by another firm. When I asked about that it turns out the cleaning firm had cleaned, burnished and sealed the whole floor in one day, which was incredibly quick when you consider the floor measured 120m2! This was a red flag for me as I would have expected a floor of this size to take four days when done correctly.

   

 The only solution would be to do the floor properly so I popped over to survey the tiles and conduct a few tests. Whilst there I demonstrated the finish that we could achieve which they were happy with and I worked out a quote. They were happy with that and relieved the problem wasn’t more serious accepted my quote and the job was booked in.

Cleaning a Limestone Tiled Ground Floor

I returned a few weeks later and started by dividing the floor into four zones, which would make the job more manageable and have the advantage of being able to move furniture around.

Each section was cleaned with a strong dilution of Tile Doctor Pro-Clean which was left to dwell and soak in for ten minutes before being worked in. I use a rotary machine to scrub the floor fitted with a 240-grit silicone carbide brush which combined with the Pro-Clean loosens trapped dirt and sealers from the floor. I then went over the grout with a grout brush by hand to get that clean. Next the soiling was rinsed away with water and extracted with a wet vacuum.

   

 I then started the process of burnishing the natural stone floor, starting off with a coarse 400-grit and working through 800 and 1500 grit diamond pads fitted to the rotary machine which had extra weights added to increase traction. The pads are run over the floor with water for lubrication and after each pad the floor is rinsed and the soiling extracted with the wet vacuum. The pads struggle in the corners and edges so these are doing with a handheld polisher fitted with 6-inch burnishing pads to ensure no areas were missed.

 

The section was then allowed to dry with the aid of a floor fan whilst I finished off the process in a previous section by polishing the Limestone with the last pad which is very fine 3500-grit. This last pad tightens the pores and gives the stone a natural sheen, it is applied dry with only a little water sprayed onto the tile.

Sealing a Limestone Tiled Ground Floor

The last step was to seal the limestone tiles and grout using a couple of coats of Tile Doctor Ultra-Seal which is a natural look sealer that doesn't alter the look of the stone. This product is also an impregnator which works by soaking into the stone occupying the pores and ensuring dirt remains on the surface where it can be easily cleaned away. Afterwards the floor was buffed with a white pad to remove any excess sealer and further bring up the appearance of the Limestone.

   

The client was very happy with the results, and I left them a bottle of Tile Doctor Stone Soap to maintain the floor going forward. This will ensure the floor is easy to maintain and being a ph neutral product won’t impact the new sealer.

   

 Source: Limestone Tile Maintenance Services in Darlaston Wednesbury

Cutting Porcelain Tile by Hand

 Cutting porcelain tile is necessary to make it fit into certain areas. Usually, tiles that fall into corners and along the edges need to be trimmed to enable them to fit in place properly. Although porcelain tile is extremely dense, choosing the right tools enables you to do a good job. For small projects that involve straight lines, a manual tile cutter can help you cut properly. This allows you to complete your tiled installations yourself which helps to keep costs down. Below are the steps outlined on how to cut porcelain tiles by hand.

What You'll Need:

• Porcelain tiles
• Manual tile cutter
• Grease pencil
• Ruler
• Spray lubricant
• Soft cloth
• Safety goggles
• Dust mask

Set Up Your Workstation

Identify a spacious site that can accommodate your equipment and materials. It should contain a flat work surface or table to lay out the tiles. It should also allow you to move freely. You can obtain a manual tile cutter from a home improvement store. Be sure to wear safety goggles before you cut. This will protect your eyes from tiny fragments of porcelain. It is also a good idea to wear a dust mask to prevent inhalation of dust and debris.

Mark the Tiles

Lay the tiles on the work surface and spread them out. Position them such that the underside faces upwards. Mark the areas where you intend to cut on each of the tiles with a pencil. Use a ruler to help you draw straight lines that will guide you as you cut. When properly marked, it allows you to cut the tiles more accurately and efficiently.

Position rhe Tile On The Cutter

Move the handle of the cutter aside so that you can place the tile onto the machine. Secure the tile against the tile stop. This will keep it firmly positioned when you make the cuts. It also facilitates accuracy and helps you do a neat job.

Cutting the Tile

Gently push the cutter handle over the tile to score the tile on the surface. The indentation created serves as the initial point for you to begin your cuts. You only need to score the tile once before you proceed to complete the cut. Apply moderate pressure onto the cutter as you press into the tile. Keep up the pressure until you complete the cut. Be careful not to apply too much pressure when you operate the cutter. Excessive force will cause the tile to crack. Once you complete cuts on each tile, lay the tile aside and proceed to cut another.

Clean the Cutter

Spray lubricant onto the cutter. Wipe away dirt and fine debris with a clean, soft cloth. Keep the machine in a safe place. Clear the worksite and install the cut tiles where necessary. You may want to practice on a few tiles before you make your actual cuts. This will help you pick the proper technique so that you do not ruin too many tiles.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Tile Over Sheetrock

 Sheetrock, or drywall, is no different for tiling over than wood, plaster, cement, or other wall materials. If you are tiling an area that is not in a bathroom, tiles can be applied directly to the sheetrock simply and easily. The wall has to simply be prepared in order to complete this task properly.

Note: If you are looking to place tiles on a drywall inside a bathroom, you will need to use a vapor barrier or some type of backing in order to prevent the sheetrock from getting wet, which will cause it to deteriorate.

What You'll Need:

• Joint compound
• Putty knife
• Primer or sealant
• Paint roller
• Tile adhesive
• Trowel
• Tiles
• Tile spacers
• Tile cutter
• Grout
• Grout float
• Sponge

Step 1 - Obtain Materials from Home Improvement Center

Purchase the joint compound, putty knife, primer, adhesive, and other materials needed to apply tile from a home improvement center. You may also be able to find the tiles needed to accomplish this job there, but if you don't see something you like, you can also go to a carpet and tile store for a different selection.

Step 2 - Fill Holes

Using the joint compound and putty knife, fill all holes and punctures in the sheetrock. Scrape the blade over the compound in the hole to smooth it out and avoid having to sand the wall later. Then, allow the this to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 3 - Apply Primer to the Sheetrock

Apply a coat of primer sealant to the wall. Roll it onto the surface evenly to avoid drips that might cause the tiles to hang strangely.

Step 4 - Place Tile Adhesive on the Sheetrock

Next, take the tile adhesive (thinset mortar) and apply it to the drywall with a trowel. Spread the adhesive evenly in small in sections since the adhesive can dry before you lay any tile if your work area is too large. Once you spread the mortar, press the tiles into place. Use tile spacers as you go to keep each piece evenly separate from one another.
Use a tile cutter to make any cuts needed to finish the edge of a row. Measure carefully to decide where the tile needs to be cut, and operate the machine according to its instructions. Do not wear loose clothing when operating this tool and keeping fingers away from the cutting surface.

Step 5 - Grout and Clean

Allow the thinset to dry according to any instructions on the packaging. Then, you can fill in the gaps between the tiles with grout to seal and finish this project.
In this step, you need a grout float and grout that is either redi-mix or a substance you must prepare for the tile. Mix the grout, if needed, according to any instructions, and then start to work it between the tile using the float. Spread a generous amount to fill the gaps. Use a wet sponge afterward to clean away excess, and then use it once again after the grout dries to clean the tiles.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Tile a Kitchen Floor

Porcelain or ceramic tile is commonly used as kitchen flooring because of its durability and attractive appearance. The price of installing kitchen tile, however, is often expensive and doing it yourself can seem daunting at first glance. Fortunately, tiling a kitchen is not as hard as it sounds and can be accomplished by following this simple guide.

Step 1 - Subfloor Prep

It's very important that the subfloor is secure enough to support the tile and the people walking across it. The tile should not flex under additional weight as this can damage the grout over time and lead to water damage. You can strengthen the floor by using a backer board, such as vinyl or heavy felt. Once the floor is sufficiently secure, clean it before you begin the tile installation.

Step 2 - Dry Fit

Find the center of the room by snapping a chalk line from the halfway point of each wall. The lines will cross at the center of the room, which is where you will lay down the first row of tile. Using a straightedge, place the tiles in a row covering at least half the room. Use a tile spacer for better accuracy. Lay the tile until you reach one of the walls. Adjust the center line if the final row is too small of a cut. Repeat the process with the other walls to get the best placement and look.

Step 3 - Mix Mortar

Follow the package instructions for mixing thinset mortar. Do not mix more than you can install within 30 minutes. A drill with a mixing bit can make this process a lot easier. The final consistency should be similar to mayonnaise and will need to rest for around 10 minutes before starting.

Step 4 - Apply Mortar

Begin by applying a thin layer of mortar to an area around two feet square at the center line. Avoid covering large areas at once as the mortar can get too dry. Using a trowel, spread the mortar in curved patterns until it is flat on the surface. Then use the trowel’s notched edge at a 45-degree angle to finish spreading the mortar into small ridges.

Step 5 - Setting Tile

Set down each tile along the center line, pushing down with a short twist until each piece is firmly in place. Use a consistent amount of pressure to keep each tile the same height as its neighbor. Continue this process until all of the full tile pieces are in place as these are the easiest to install. Periodically use a framing square to make sure everything is lining up correctly and keep an eye on all of your lines. Once you reach the edge of the floor, you will need to use a scoring knife to properly cut the final pieces.

Step 6 - Cutting Tile

After all the full pieces of tile have been laid, you will need to start cutting pieces for the outer edge. Taking accurate measurements is critical at this stage and cut one piece at a time until you are certain the size is correct. You can cut the pieces of tile with a hand tile cutter or a wet saw. Scoring the tile will make the cuts cleaner and more accurate.

Step 7 - Grouting

The final step in installing kitchen tile is placing the grout. Remove any spacers and excess mortar before laying down the grout. Using a grout float, apply the grout along the seams of the tile. Use a damp sponge to clean any excess grout, but only after it has dried for around 30 minutes. Once the grout work is done, return the following day and clean the surface with a damp sponge. Apply a sealer after the grout has fully dried. The drying process typically takes three to four days, depending on the type of grout and moisture conditions.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

Installing Ceramic Tile 101

Installing ceramic tile greatly transforms a room. If you plan on doing a home installation yourself, there are numerous installation guides available to help with your project. This article lays out the basics, but installing ceramic tile may involve extra steps depending on the kind of tile, size, and foundation underneath your installation area.

What You'll Need:

• Ceramic tiles
• Grout
• Backing or foundation
• Adhesive or thinset
• Rubber mallet or hammer and block of wood
• Long piece of wood

Before You Install

Installing ceramic tile differs depending on whether you plan to install it directly onto a wood surface, over vinyl or linoleum floor covering, or directly to a concrete slab. Tile experts discourage installing ceramic tile directly to a wood surface. You’ll need to install a sub-floor first. The same sub-floor is required for ceramic tile over vinyl or linoleum floor coverings. If installing ceramic tile directly to concrete, make sure you thoroughly clean surfaces before installation begins. Fill in any dips, cracks, waves, or bumps in the concrete.

Step 1 - Lay Out Room

Lay out the tile pattern on the floor before applying adhesive. Use a chalk line to snap a line perpendicular to the room’s length. Do larger tiles first, and then border tiles. Place tile spacers between the tiles. Next, place a long 1-inch thick piece of wood perpendicular to the tiles, securing it with a screw gun. Lay tiles going across the room next to the board in both directions. Be sure to use spacers between the tiles. Once you’ve laid out the tiles, check spacing and shift tiles to achieve balance in the room. The line where tiles intersect the wood board is the point where you’ll snap a second chalk line. This is your starting point for installing the tiles.

Step 2 - Lay Tiles

With a notched trowel, apply a 2 inch square of tile adhesive in your starting corner, using spacers between tiles and a level to ensure they’re flush. Use a rubber mallet (or hammer and block of wood) to nudge tiles down that are too high. Work across and down the entire room. Allow adhesive to set overnight.

Step 3 - Apply Grout

Make cuts and work on installing ceramic tile borders. Cut border tiles with a glasscutter or tile cutter. For more complex cuts, use a tile ripper or tile saw. Mix grout per manufacturer’s instructions and apply at a 45-degree angle. Wipe off excess grout with a sponge. Once your grout sets up, go back over to clean off any remaining grout. Allow grout to cure for a full week before applying clear sealer.

Step 4 - Replace Molds

The final step is to replace base moldings and furniture. Installing ceramic tiles is just that easy.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com

How to Tile a Kitchen Counter

The kitchen counter is one of the first things that people notice when they enter your kitchen, so you need to make your counter look good. If granite counters are beyond your means, there are tiles that bring out your desired results.

Kitchen counter tiles are easy to install, so you do not need to hire an expert to do the job for you. To install tiles on your kitchen counter, follow the step-by-step guide below.

What You'll Need:

• Work gloves
• Face mask
• Sponge
• Trowel
• Electric power drill with screwdriver set
• Tape measure
• Level
• Board knife
• Tile cutter/saw
• Plastic buckets,
• Backer board, ¼-inch
• Backer board tape, 2-inch wide
• Screws, 2-inch
• Tile
• Tile spacers
• Tile modified thinset
• Grout
• Tile or grout finish
• General purpose cleaning detergent
• Water
• Cleaning rags

Prepare the Area

Installing tiles can be a dusty and messy business, so you need to wear gloves and a face mask to protect yourself. After donning your protective gear and clothing, pour water into the bucket and mix it with powder detergent to make your cleaning solution. Wet the kitchen top with water and brush the detergent solution briskly to remove grease, dirt, mold, and so on. Wash the area thoroughly and let it dry.

Measure and Lay down the Backer Board

Use a tape measure to measure the countertop for the coverage of the backer board. Use a knife to cut the backer board according to the measurements taken. Mix thinset according to mixing directions. Spread it evenly on top of the kitchen counter.

Place the backer board on top of the thinset and secure it with screws into the outer edge of the kitchen counter. Allow 5-inch intervals between screws. Once this is done, spread the backer board tape to cover the edge of the kitchen counter, including the wall, where applicable.

Lay the Tile

Mix the tile modified thinset in the plastic bucket with water, according to the package instructions. Use the trowel to spread the mixture on top of the kitchen counter. Place the tiles in a line on the front edge first. Use the tile spacers to keep a uniform distance between tiles. Use the level along the way to ensure that you have uniformly pitched tiles. When you come to the edge, measure the remaining space of the kitchen counter, and if it is less than a whole tile, saw off the extra tile part to obtain the right size to cover the whole surface.

Apply the Grout

Mix the grout in another bucket and spread it out evenly in between tiles, filling out the spaces and cracks. Use a sponge to spread it. Let the grout dry for 1 day. Wet a sponge with warm water to wipe the tile surface, remove the remains of the grout and clean up the tile finish. Let the grout cure for another three days. Then apply a penetrating sealer for the tile and grout. This should keep it shielded from liquid penetration and early grout deterioration.

Finish Up

Gather up all leftover materials and store them in a safe place for future use. Put away all your tools and clean up the kitchen counter using a sponge, mild soap, and warm water.

Source: www.DoItYourself.com