More than almost any other type of floor covering tile needs a rock solid base.
How to tile over concrete basement floor.
Once everything is ready start by applying a layer of mortar to the floor.
Cut the membrane so it s 1 1 2 times the width of your tiles.
Leave at least 1 4 inch around the perimeter of the room to accommodate for expansion which is covered with baseboard.
If you feel that despite all precautions the basement floor may get wet put down 2 by 4 inch sleepers cover with plastic and then install the plywood as the subfloor.
Use tile spacers for grout joints.
The commercially available mortars generally need to be mixed with a proportional amount of water.
If you attach the tile to concrete you need to take special precautions by uncoupling the tile from the concrete.
Skip this step and we guarantee your new tile will crack right over the cracks in the concrete.
Remove dusts and debris with a vacuum cleaner and a broom.
Mortar is basically the adhesive that helps the tile stick to the concrete so choose the one that best suits your needs and your current situation.
Tile is available in many different sizes and styles and the price range is equally broad.
Step 2 cleaning the concrete flooring.
Cuts edge tiles using a tile cutting board or a tile wet saw.
When setting the tiles work in grids of 2 tiles by 2 tiles.
Remove stubborn dust and dirt with a mop soaked in a solution of bleach and water.
Installing a tile floor in all or part of your basement lets you have some fun with design while still quickly covering up existing concrete floors.
Place the tile firmly on the mortar moving it slightly back and forth so it attaches to the mortar properly.
Mop the entire floor area of your basement as any dirt or dust is a potential hazard to the success of your tiling job.
Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of a good degreasing cleanser such as dishwashing soap or trisodium phosphate to a gallon of warm water and scrub.
Let the primer dry and then apply the membrane photos 3 and 4.
Then prime the concrete see photo 2 with the recommended solution consult the membrane manufacturer s literature.
After mopping allow your concrete basement floor to completely dry.