[jk6672]

Has anyone ever laid floor tile before? I have never attempted, but I'm about to jump into the world of DIY. I have read a little and asked a few question, and I am considering attending the home depot class. I had my renters move out, and since they destroyed the carpet I figured this is the perfect time to replace it all will tile. I went down to Mexico and picked up some nice tile at a great price and I'd like to hear any DIY stories that might help me in my adventure.

[Tondtar]

It's not that hard but you definitely need some practice before doing it in your own home. You also need to have the right tool and proper rotary saw/ blade for cutting the tiles.

Home Depot used to have free DYI classes on Sunday mornings. Not sure if they still do w/ this crappy economy.

[in5ane_3]

Yeah I've laid the tile down at our patio and garage and it was a pretty easy job. Be prepared to drain yourself of energy though, you'll be sore and your back will hurt.

Make sure you're comfortable using the cutting board for tiles though and use goggles. If you're a fairly handy person you'll be able to do it, no problem.

[AjzRide]

If it is just a big square room you will have no problems, if you have to cut alot of corners, it will be very time consuming. Make sure not to get too much thinset, or it will fill up all the grooves for your groute. Most importantly, rent or a buy a good tile saw, don't try to use the little $69 POS they sell. It will jam like crazy and sprays water everywhere.

[yomama69]

Make sure you buy a tile saw (also known as a wet saw), use the right blade for the type of tile you are cutting (porcelain and stone use different blades) and always use spacers, but don't forget to remove them prior to grouting.

Kneepads aren't just for whores.

[UncleWede]

Your MOSt IMPORTANT tile is that first one. If you don't have it square to the room, EVERYTHING will be off.

I've done several DIY on homes (mine, dad's, rentals) and have learned over the years that
a) I'd probably let somebody else do it now, I'm 42 and my back hurts thinking of it
b) if you go DIY, rent the saw, use it the first day to do ALL the cutting and lay the tile out, including the spacers, then pick it up as you lay the thinset. Have a few extra spacers handy to wipe the extra out of the seams so you can get grout it.
c) wait at least a day before grouting, even though your back will scream more on that third day.

You need to lay a row in both directions so you can determine initial placement that will provide the best optical viewing, and where you will have to make the most cuts. Be smart with the cuts, try to save peices to use as the splash on the wall.

[jk6672]

Thanks for the tips guys. I went to that home depot class today and laid a few tiles, so I kind of know what I gott myself into.

[UncleWede]

Do they make you lay them on the ground, or up on a nice height table? Floor work is a whole 'nother bag!