Laying porcelain stoneware on the floor with your own hands: photo of step-by-step installation and video instructions. The technology of laying porcelain stoneware on the floor, diagrams and expert advice

Laying porcelain stoneware is much more difficult than conventional ceramic tiles. The key to a successful renovation is the choice of the right materials and careful adherence to laying technology that takes into account the features of this amazing finishing material. For you, our detailed instructions for installing porcelain tiles with your own hands in an apartment, cottage or house.

Leveling the floor and walls before laying

Porcelain stoneware is a rather capricious and demanding material. It can only be laid on a perfectly prepared surface: clean, even, smooth. Only then will it last for many years, will not crack and will show its best qualities: exceptional strength and durability.

What should be the technology of laying porcelain stoneware on the floor and walls? This process has its own rules and features. Previously, the walls and floor must be thoroughly vacuumed and washed - cleaned of any contaminants, whether it be dust, grease residues, paint and any other contaminants. All of them can prevent porcelain stoneware from "adhering" well to the surface.

Before laying porcelain stoneware on the floor, professional builders recommend leveling the base with special self-leveling compounds. Modern plasters are usually used to level the walls.

Using glue for these purposes is an unjustified waste. Although this is often the fault of inexperienced, unprofessional or dishonest lone builders and repair teams offering porcelain stoneware laying services.

Needless to say, the mixtures for preparing the walls and the floor must be of high quality - it is on them that the final result, quality and service life of the cladding largely depend.

If you decide to lay porcelain stoneware on top of the old tiles, the floor must be degreased. For example, wash it with water and caustic soda.

It is very important that the porcelain tile surface is completely dry before installation. To make the laying of porcelain stoneware better and more reliable, it is worth treating the surfaces with a primer.

The warm floor must be turned off before starting laying work and not turned on until the tile adhesive is completely dry.

Preparing porcelain stoneware for laying

Ordinary ceramic tiles are often soaked in water before installation. It is believed that this way it will hold on better. There is no point in soaking porcelain stoneware. This finishing material does not absorb water at all. That is why the glue for its installation must be special.

Ordinary cement when laying porcelain stoneware will be completely useless. He is not able to hold heavy large-format tiles. Features of the material and the installation technology of porcelain stoneware require the use of exclusively special adhesive mixtures with polymer additives. You can read a detailed article on how to choose them.

Before installation, the back surface of porcelain stoneware tiles must be cleaned of any contamination, especially dust.

Preparation of glue for laying porcelain stoneware

To get an excellent result and avoid problems with porcelain stoneware in the future, remember: do not experiment with the proportions of water and dry adhesive mixture. Strictly adhere to the recommendations indicated by the adhesive manufacturer on the package. Accurately maintain the right time and follow the order of the necessary operations.

Keep in mind: the dry mixture is poured into the water, and not vice versa. It is necessary to continuously stir the mixture until a homogeneous plastic mass is obtained. It should not contain any lumps. It is important to remember that the finished glue retains its properties for only a few hours. Therefore, it is very important to correctly calculate your strength.

Porcelain stoneware laying technology

Glue is applied to the surface with a special notched (comb) trowel. The size of the teeth of this construction tool depends on the size and format of the tile. For example, for porcelain stoneware 20 * 20, it is recommended to use a trowel with 8 mm teeth, and for tiles over 30 * 30 - from 12 to 15 mm.

By default, most often tile adhesive is applied to the floor or walls. The layer should be as even and uniform as possible. Experts recommend: the thickness of the adhesive composition should not exceed 5 millimeters. As a rule, it varies from 2 to 5 mm. Thinner - for walls, thicker - for the floor.

If this work is not done carefully enough, voids may appear under the porcelain stoneware. They are the cause of various defects. In the future, porcelain stoneware tiles may peel or crack if something heavy is stepped on or dropped on them.

Experienced tilers give the same advice when laying porcelain stoneware on the floor, facing facades, plinths and other surfaces with high loads and difficult operating conditions.

After that, the tile is applied to the surface and gently pressed, as if smoothing. When laying large-format porcelain tiles, a rubber mallet can serve well.

As a general rule, most porcelain tile adhesives partially dry within 24 hours. However, it may take up to two weeks for complete drying.

As a rule, it is possible to grout tile joints on the walls already 6-8 hours after the end of laying. On the floor - not earlier than in a day.

The optimum temperature for laying porcelain stoneware is not lower than plus 5 and not higher than plus 40 degrees.
The tile adhesives that are used when laying porcelain stoneware tiles contain cement. Therefore, be sure to use gloves and goggles to protect your skin and eyes from contact with the solution.
Keep in mind: when applying glue to both surfaces - the base and the tile - the consumption of the dry mix increases. This should be taken into account when buying finishing materials.
Porcelain stoneware is not recommended to be laid end-to-end, without seams. The joints between the tiles provide sufficient elasticity - a kind of guarantee that porcelain stoneware will not crack, for example, when heated. Therefore, seamless installation of porcelain stoneware is not recommended if a floor heating system is used.
The viability of the solution (the so-called period of time when the adhesive retains its fixing properties) ranges from 1.5 to 8 hours, depending on the manufacturer. Read the label carefully! Therefore, knead the glue in batches.
Apply glue to a small part of the surface. Only the one that you have time to fully tile in 10-15 minutes.

Floor porcelain tiles in the homes of ordinary citizens appeared relatively recently. But, despite this, he managed to gain popularity among consumers throughout the civilized world. Porcelain stoneware tiles are distinguished by their aesthetics, environmental friendliness, moisture resistance and, of course, durability, strength and wear resistance. This material is almost an exact imitation of natural stone, has a huge range of textures, textures, colors, shapes and sizes.

Of course, it would be more correct to entrust the laying of floor tiles to an experienced specialist, but if you stock up on the necessary knowledge, you can try to do it yourself. The installation process itself consists of several important points, each of which can affect the final result.

Preparing the base for porcelain tiles

One of the most important steps in laying porcelain stoneware floor tiles is the preparation of the subfloor. This process should be approached carefully, since the durability and reliability of the finished coating directly depends on the quality and thoroughness of the preparatory work.

First of all, the surface must be leveled and checked for strength so that during operation the laid tiles do not crack or peel off under the influence of loads. Epoxy glue will help to eliminate cracks, chips, small recesses, and putty will help to eliminate minor defects. With more significant shortcomings, professional mixtures are used to level the base, which are available in a large assortment in building supermarkets, or a solution of cement with liquid glass. Various bulges or sagging must be cut with a chisel.

It should be noted that it is not recommended to use plywood or chipboard as a base, as they do not have sufficient strength, and porcelain tiles require a strong monolithic base. Roofing material can be glued onto a wooden floor, then a reinforcing mesh made of metal wire can be laid, followed by a cement-concrete screed. But the boards, in this case, should not bend or creak.

Glossy, as well as shiny surfaces should be sanded, the leveled base should be cleaned of debris, dust, grease stains, etc.

Screed device

If the base requires further leveling, as well as hydro, heat or sound insulation, then a screed device will be necessary. In the first case, a screed is made connected, or fastened to the base. It is characterized by the absence of any separating layers and is distinguished by its endurance to loads. But at the same time, shrinkage in it occurs unevenly, which leads to the formation of cracks.

In other cases, a "floating" screed is installed, in the design of which there is an additional layer of dense insulating materials between the ceiling or the old floor covering. Its optimal thickness is 5-10 cm and depends on the expected or calculated load on the coating. Such a screed must be reinforced to give it greater strength.

It is allowed to start the installation of porcelain tiles only after the screed has completely dried and shrinked, i.e. not earlier than 28 days later. Non-shrinking quick-hardening additives will help shorten this period, but experts do not recommend using them.

One of the options for the screed device can be viewed on the video:

The next stage of preparatory work is the application of a primer. It should be chosen based on the type of surface, its porosity and friability. On a clean and dry base, the solution is evenly distributed with a roller or a wide brush.

The choice of adhesive for porcelain tiles

It is worth noting that porcelain stoneware does not absorb water, as it has almost zero water absorption. Therefore, tiles simply will not stick to ordinary cement mortar. This moment must be taken into account when buying glue, not forgetting the base material. It is not superfluous to study the recommendations of the manufacturer of the mixture, set out in the attached instructions or on the Internet.

The adhesive composition must have the following characteristics:

elasticity;
high adhesion;
pasty consistency;
resistance to temperature changes.

The best option would be a high-quality adhesive mixture with the maximum number of polymer additives. In areas with heavy traffic, such as hallways or hallways, it is recommended to use two-component cement-based compounds that include epoxy resins and latex. For bathrooms, loggias and kitchens, it is better to use glue with high elasticity and elasticity.

Dry adhesive compositions are diluted with water before laying. For quick and high-quality mixing, use a construction mixer or an ordinary electric drill with a special nozzle.

Preparing porcelain tiles

To begin with, you should draw an exact diagram of the floor surface with all the protrusions and recesses, for which appropriate measurements are made. Then the area of \u200b\u200bthe base is calculated, the tile layout option and its quantity are determined. Porcelain stoneware should be purchased by 7-10 percent more than the calculated number, taking into account the fact that part of the tile will inevitably have to be cut, regardless of the layout method.

When buying tiles, you need to make sure that all packages belong to the same batch, otherwise the products may differ slightly in their shade.

Preparation of porcelain stoneware for laying consists in cleaning the outer surface of the protective layer. It is applied to protect against possible damage during transportation or reloading of products. It can be paraffin that can be easily removed with a spatula or wax that can be removed with detergents and warm water.

Step by step guide to laying porcelain stoneware

After all the preparatory work has been completed, you can proceed to the installation of porcelain stoneware floor tiles. For work you will need:

smooth and notched trowel;
Master OK;
rubber mallet;
building level;

It should be remembered that when laying porcelain stoneware, it is not allowed to leave an empty space under it, since under operational mechanical loads it can cause cracks and chips on the surface.

The process of laying porcelain stoneware consists of several stages.

In this video you can see the process of laying floor tiles:

After the installation of porcelain tiles comes to an end, it is necessary to remove all cement, adhesive, and lime traces from the surface. This can be done with the help of special chemical solutions that are sold in construction supermarkets. It is important to know that walking on the finished coating is allowed only after 3-4 days.

What you need to know about grouting

After laying ceramic granite tiles on the floor, but not earlier than in a day, it is necessary to carry out the next stage of work - grouting, or jointing. To do this, use special grout, or fugue. By itself, this procedure is not complicated and is performed quickly enough, and the result is worth it.

The fugue is a dry mixture consisting of cement and polymer additives that give it plasticity and water resistance. You can use these grouts everywhere, even on the street. But in the latter case, the components must be resistant to low temperatures.

Porcelain stoneware floor tiles require a special quick-setting grout capable of sealing joints up to two centimeters. For the floor, as a rule, a fugue of gray shades is used to prevent too rapid contamination of the seams. But if you wish, you can choose another color you like or add a certain color to the mixture when kneading.

Dry trowel mass is diluted with water to a jelly-like consistency. The finished mixture is partially poured onto the surface of the tile and spread with a rubber rake in a diagonal direction relative to the joints until they are completely filled. Excess grout is carefully removed with the same squeegee, and the remaining plaque on the tile is wiped with a damp sponge after the mortar has set - after 15-20 minutes.

What is the cost of laying porcelain stoneware

When inviting a master tiler, you need to understand that the cost of his work may depend on many factors. First of all, it is professionalism. It should be understood that quality work is not cheap.
But not always the "expensive" specialist has enough skills, so you should ask for feedback on his work and relevant recommendations. There are other factors that affect prices - this is the region of the country, the size of the settlement, the presence or absence of competition. Therefore, the cost of laying porcelain stoneware can only be approximated.

The average installation price per square meter of tiles is in the range of 550-1000 rubles. Laying luxury porcelain stoneware will cost 1.5-2 times more. Additional expenses:

screed device - from 200 to 450 rubles per square meter, depending on the materials used;
base primer - about 50 rubles per square meter;
cutting tiles - from 200 to 500 rubles per linear meter, depending on its cost and the complexity of the cut;
drilling holes - 100-150 rubles apiece;
grouting - about 50-80 rubles per square meter.

In addition, there may be unforeseen expenses that must be taken into account in advance and included in the estimate.

The better to cut porcelain stoneware and how to do it

Home craftsmen often think about the question of what tools can be used to cut porcelain tiles, since this is a fairly durable material, and an ordinary glass cutter cannot cope with such work. Help solve the problem:

professional mechanical tile cutter;
machine with water cooling disc.

A tile cutter with a platform and guides is used for cutting even pieces. A cut line is drawn on the tile with a pencil. Then the porcelain tile is laid on the platform in such a way that the diamond roller, located on the carriage, can pass evenly along the drawn line without any stops. This will ensure the clarity of the cut. In cheaper tile cutters, the tile is held by hand, and expensive models are equipped with clamps and rulers, which allows you to cut at any angle.

The simplest and most common option for self-cutting porcelain stoneware is a grinder, which is much more common in home workshops than a tile cutter. But in this case, the cut turns out to be of less quality, since chips appear on it. In order to have fewer of them, it is necessary to try to make a cut in one pass, which, moreover, should not be made along the marked line, but with an indent of 2-3 mm. In the future, the edge is ground, reaching the desired dimensions. The advantages of the grinder include the possibility of obtaining lines of various shapes. But do not forget that you should work with this tool very carefully, observing safety rules. The very process of work is quite dusty.

The best quality cut is obtained on an electric water-cooled tile cutter. Working on it is safer and less messy. The design consists of a table on which porcelain tiles are fixed and a cutting element driven by an electric motor. Moreover, some models are notable for the fact that the disk moves along the cut line, while in others it remains motionless.

Holes in porcelain stoneware are made with special cutters with diamond nozzles or with an electric drill with stone drills.

Conclusion

With a minimum stock of knowledge and little experience in laying porcelain tiles, you can take on the work of installing flooring yourself. The main thing is to adhere to the correct technology, correctly select materials and perform installation with high quality. Only strong, durable and aesthetic flooring will not disappoint the owner and will delight him for decades!

Among the materials used as flooring, it is impossible not to mention porcelain stoneware. Such a floor will have good indicators of resistance to physical influences, while having an attractive appearance, which makes this finishing option appropriate in many cases. However, it is important to understand that when working with the material, it is necessary not only to follow a number of mandatory rules, but also to have some experience in the production of such actions.

In this article, we will talk about the self-laying of porcelain stoneware, give detailed instructions, as well as photo and video materials.

Material Description

It is customary to call porcelain stoneware an artificial finishing material obtained in the process of pressing and subsequent firing of molded blanks consisting of special mixtures. The composition includes components such as various types of clay, quartz sand, spar and water. To give products an aesthetic appearance, various dyes can be included in the composition of the tile.

Porcelain stoneware has the following performance characteristics:

Good resistance to moisture. It is this property that makes it possible to use the material as a finish in rooms with high humidity, as well as in facade work.
The material is resistant to chemical elements, and therefore can be used for finishing laboratories, chemical fertilizer warehouses and other premises.
Resistant to temperature extremes.
Aesthetic appearance.
Resistance to mechanical influences. This means both resistance to abrasion in the case of use as a floor covering, and resistance to fading if the facade is finished with the material.
Durability of use. Thanks to the combination of the above properties, the porcelain stoneware finish is able to perform its functions for a long time.

General rules

Before proceeding to the description of laying porcelain stoneware on the floor, it is necessary to consider some general rules in accordance with which work must be carried out.

Another feature is the correct choice of the adhesive composition used in the installation of the coating. It is mandatory to use only special mixtures, which are prepared with the addition of a minimum amount of water compared to conventional tile adhesive.

As in most cases, tile laying work must be divided into several separate stages and carried out sequentially.

Training

At the preparation stage, it is necessary to determine the type of porcelain stoneware used. Among the most common options are technical, glazed, matt, polished and satin. In addition, the material may differ in the size of the elements and thickness.

At the same stage, it is necessary to dismantle the old coating and prepare the base in accordance with the principles of work mentioned above. Particular attention should be paid to leveling the plane. If the surface has significant elevation changes or other defects, then a concrete screed should be made.

In addition, you should prepare the glue necessary for laying. It is important to note here that the mixture should be prepared in strict accordance with the attached instructions. The use of any third-party additives in this case is unacceptable. It should be noted that the mixture is poured into water, and not vice versa. This common mistake leads to a violation of technology, which will affect the quality of the coating. The solution is kneaded until it acquires a homogeneous and plastic consistency.

After mixing the components, the solution is suitable for use within 2-3 hours.

Before work, the surface is also primed with special compounds.

Technology

After preparing the surface, you can start laying porcelain stoneware. Glue is applied first. It is most convenient to work with a special spatula with teeth.

The thickness of the adhesive layer should be no more than 5 mm. Do not apply the solution to a large surface area. It is better to limit the area to two or three tiles.

So, a layer of glue is applied, on which the tile is laid, after which, with the help of a mallet, with light taps, the tile is slightly sunk into the glue. At the same time, it is important to maintain the horizontal position of the element, for which it would be appropriate to use the building level.

The next tile is laid next to it. The work is carried out in a similar way, but for the uniformity of the seam between the tiles, special plastic crosses are installed. Thus porcelain tile keeps within on all surface of a floor.

It is important to note that often when placing the extreme elements of the coating, they need to be cut. For these purposes, a special cutter should be used. It will be possible to use the coating only after the adhesive composition has completely solidified, which, depending on the brand, can be 1-3 days. Excess glue that may come through during the laying process must be removed immediately, since after hardening it will be much more difficult to do.

In addition, it should be borne in mind that before the glue hardens, any mechanical impact on the surface is unacceptable, so the laying of porcelain stoneware should be carried out starting from the far corner of the room towards the door. After the glue has hardened, it is necessary to rub the seams with special grouts of a suitable color. This is necessary to achieve absolute tightness of the coating.

On this, the description of the main stages of installing porcelain tiles on the floor can be considered complete. As can be seen from the material presented, it is quite possible to cope with the installation work on your own. It is important to follow all the necessary rules and pay attention to the choice of suitable materials and tools. If qualifications are not enough, then you can turn to the services of specialists, but even in this case it is better to know the general algorithm of actions in order to be able to control the actions of workers.

Among all modern floor coverings, porcelain stoneware is rightfully considered the most versatile; it is used both in residential and commercial, warehouse, industrial and technical premises. This versatility is due to the high physical characteristics of the tiles.

Moisture absorption. The parameter is important for unheated rooms with high humidity. The less moisture is absorbed, the less risk that after freezing the water will destroy porcelain stoneware. No building materials can withstand the pressure of ice. Glazed porcelain stoneware absorbs only 0.1% of moisture, and unglazed no more than 0.5%. This figure is much lower than that of ceramic tiles (3.5–4.5%).

Frost resistance. The tile withstands at least 200 freeze/thaw cycles. Such a high result is due to low moisture absorption. Manufacturers guarantee at least 75 years of operation while maintaining the original physical performance.

Wear resistance. In accordance with the generally accepted classification, the resistance of artificial stone to abrasion corresponds to the 4th degree. This is slightly superior to glazed ceramic tiles.

Thermal stability. Porcelain stoneware does not lose strength at a temperature of +125°C for 45 minutes. The data fully meet the stringent requirements of fire protection.

High mechanical strength. In some cases, porcelain stoneware can withstand a load of 500 kg / m2, which allows it to be used in industrial workshops with heavy equipment.

Plastic. Insignificant plasticity increases the resistance of the coating to sharp dynamic loads.

Chemical resistance. The material does not react to the effects of chemical compounds, including aggressive ones. Such characteristics greatly facilitate the maintenance of coatings.

Manufacturability. Porcelain stoneware is easy to process and cut. Unlike natural stone, it does not give chips and cracks. Another plus is maintainability. If cracks or depressions occur for various reasons, they can be repaired without replacing the tiles. At the same time, the place of repair is imperceptible to others.

A wide range of choice in thickness, dimensions and appearance. The thickness of porcelain stoneware slabs ranges from 7–30 mm. Thin material is used for finishing walls and floors of residential premises, thicker slabs are recommended for use during the construction of trading floors, office or government premises. Slabs with a thickness of approximately 30 mm are used for the construction of steps for the entrance groups of private and commercial buildings.

Health safety. The manufacturing process of porcelain stoneware slabs does not involve the use of toxic substances. During operation, the material does not release prohibited compounds into the air.

The technology of laying porcelain stoneware is simple and almost no different from laying ceramic tiles. Works can be performed by middle-class tilers, during laying special expensive tools and equipment are not required.

But porcelain stoneware slabs also have several disadvantages:

relatively high cost;
high thermal conductivity, the floors are "cold".

The latter parameter is considered both a disadvantage and an advantage at the same time. Due to the fact that porcelain stoneware has high thermal conductivity, this material is recommended by professionals as a topcoat for artificially heated floors. All other coatings reduce the efficiency of floor heating, low thermal conductivity causes additional energy losses.

Porcelain stoneware is the best finish for underfloor heating

Types of porcelain stoneware

In order to make the best choice when finishing specific premises, you should know the features of the boards produced.

Variety of porcelain stoneware	Brief description of performance indicators
	The front surface of the plates is glazed by hot firing. Due to this, the quality is significantly increased, the glaze is firmly soldered to the material. Glazed porcelain stoneware is recommended for use in rooms with a small load on the floor coverings. The disadvantage is that the plates are very slippery, especially wet.
	The surface of the plates after grinding is polished on special equipment. The plates have a mirror shine, look great in large rooms. Disadvantage - not recommended for outdoor use and public buildings. Micro-scratches are noticeable on polished surfaces, they lose their luster and original attractiveness.
	The coating is less slippery and more resistant to difficult operating conditions. Plates of universal application, can be installed both in residential and non-residential premises.
	A special processing technology allows you to create matte front surfaces, the floor does not slip, micro-scratches are not visible on it. Matte tiles can be used to decorate various outdoor architectural elements.
	The slabs imitate natural stone, wood, brick, etc. They are used during the creation of exclusive interiors, allowing new rooms to fit organically into existing design styles.
	During manufacture, salts are added to the mass, during firing they burn out, the surface becomes polished. The strength of the material increases, the tile is not afraid of scratches and shock loads. Universal application, can be installed in large sales areas.
	Rectification is a separate stage in the production of ceramic tiles, at which the dimensions of the material are adjusted. During rectification, all linear deviations that occur after thermal firing of the mass are eliminated. Rectified porcelain stoneware can be laid without seams, which increases the tightness of the coating.

Prices for porcelain stoneware for the floor

floor tiles

When choosing a specific brand of porcelain stoneware, you need to take into account the maximum number of individual factors, including the cost of the material. Only a balanced decision will allow you to achieve the desired result with minimal financial losses and in the shortest possible time.

The technology of laying porcelain stoneware on the floor

For example, consider the option of laying porcelain stoneware on a warm floor. Above in the article, we have already mentioned that it is this material that is considered optimal for arranging underfloor heating. The type of heating does not make a fundamental difference.

First, draw up a preliminary plan of your actions, this will help you strictly observe the existing work production technologies. Count the number of tiles, taking into account non-productive waste, buy materials.

Important. The amount of waste depends not only on the professionalism of the master, but also on the chosen installation method. Remember that all diagonal layouts have more waste than straight ones.

To work, you will need a mixer, a simple and comb spatula, a trowel, a tile cutter, a level, as a rule, a tape measure.

Step 1. Check the condition of the base. Porcelain tiles are laid only on concrete bearing surfaces. Using a long rule or level, check the horizontalness of the plane. If there are significant elevations, then they need to be cut down. It is not necessary to specially seal the recesses, the base will be leveled with glue during the laying of porcelain stoneware.

Step 2 Prime the base. Buy only high-quality primers, do not leave passes. If the warping absorbed the liquid very quickly, then the priming must be repeated. It is easier to cover the floor with a roller, and in hard-to-reach places use a paint brush. Before priming, clean the floor from dust, you can do this with a vacuum cleaner or a broom.

The primer performs several functions:

increases the strength of the top layer of the cement-sand base, sticks the smallest particles of sand and dust, does not allow the coating to crumble under the feet of the tiler;
increases the coefficient of adhesion of tile adhesive to the surface. Due to priming, the adhesion force is increased by at least 20%;
reduces the rate of moisture absorption. All porcelain stoneware adhesives are cement-based. For a full set of strength, the cement must be kept moist for a certain time, the lack of moisture during hardening significantly reduces the physical strength indicators. The primer creates a waterproof film on the surface of the subfloor, which improves the conditions for the adhesive to harden.

Wait until the primer is completely dry. The time depends on the number of layers applied, the type of primer, the temperature and humidity of the air in the room.

Step 3 Proceed to the layout of porcelain tiles on the floor. Decide on the layout method, it should take into account the features of the texture, the size of the room, the placement of windows and doors. Manufacturers indicate on the boxes the recommended types of layouts, try them too. Try to ensure that the layout requires a minimum number of undercuts. The fewer undercuts, the less waste and easier to lay porcelain stoneware.

The first way of laying - straight

The second way of laying - apart

The third laying method is a square with tiles in different directions

If the tile has a non-uniform texture, then on the reverse side there are arrows indicating the direction of laying. All arrows must be placed in the same direction. Before starting work, mix the tiles from different packages. The fact is that the production technology cannot guarantee the complete identity of the materials, if they are not mixed, large color spots will be noticeable.

Step 4 Start working from the far corner of the room and gradually move towards the exit. Do not forget to leave a gap of about 1-2 cm between the tile and the wall. The gap will be closed with a plinth in the future.

Practical advice. Porcelain stoneware can only be cut with a special water-cooled tile cutter or grinder with a diamond blade. In the first case, the cut is perfectly even, in the second, the quality depends on the skill of the master. Remember that porcelain tiles cannot be cut with a ceramic tile cutter. During cutting, do not apply much effort, select the speed of the cutter empirically. The correct modes guarantee a smooth, chip-free edge.

Step 5 Cut to size blanks in several rows, take measurements each time. Take your time, porcelain stoneware is one of the most expensive finishing materials, minimize waste. In order to make the markup correctly, you need to turn the tile in the opposite direction in the direction of the arrow, draw a point with a sharp pencil at the place of cutting and draw a line under the square. The tile cutter has its own square, but double control does not hurt. If the tile does not have to be cut at a right angle, then the tile cutter disk will only have to be set along the drawn line. Pay attention that the finished factory end lies on visible seams, and the cutting line is located near the wall itself.

Step 6 To constantly monitor the correct installation of porcelain stoneware, it is recommended to make several parallel lines on the floor in accordance with the position of the rows. The lines are drawn using a laser level or an ordinary blued chopping cord.

Leveling the position of the tiles can be done with a special device consisting of a base and a wedge. Such devices are sold in specialized hardware stores. It is recommended to work with devices for beginners, professionals control the position of the tile with an ordinary bubble level, it is much faster and cheaper. As for quality, the indicators are no different. The final results of the tiler's work depend not so much on tools, but on skill and conscientiousness.

Step 7 After laying out, carefully fold each row of tiles into a separate pile, do not confuse them in places.

Step 8 Prepare the glue. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, the amount of glue should correspond to your capabilities. For underfloor heating, special glue should be used. The fact is that during the heating / cooling of the floor, the linear dimensions change, as a result of which the separation forces increase significantly. Stir the mixture very carefully, first always pour water into the container, and then add the dry ingredient. After stirring, let the mixture 5-10 minutes for the final infusion. The consistency of the finished glue should resemble fatty sour cream.

Practical advice. Select the height of the spatula combs taking into account the quality of the base. The more uneven, the higher the comb should be. Keep in mind that the tool tilts during operation, and this reduces the height of the glue ridges.

Step 9 Apply adhesive to the surface of the base with a comb. Lay the first row. It is very important that the adhesive does not protrude into the joints of porcelain stoneware. In order to prevent such a negative phenomenon, before laying the second tile around the perimeter of the first, remove the glue a little with a trowel or spatula. The width of the removed strip should be approximately one centimeter. If glue gets on the surface of porcelain stoneware, then immediately remove it with a slightly damp sponge or cloth. It is especially important to immediately clean the surface of complex structured tiles, this will greatly facilitate and speed up the finishing work.

If you have little experience in tile work, then lay no more than two rows at a time, with this calculation spread glue on the base. Remember that it is strongly not recommended to add water to the thickened glue. The glue hardens not because the water evaporates, but because it enters into chemical reactions with the cement. The hardening process cannot be stopped by increasing the amount of water.

Step 10 Using the same technology, continue laying the next rows. Constantly monitor the position of the tile, if problems are found, eliminate them as soon as possible.

Important. The quality of tile laying largely depends on the correctness of the first row. Do not be lazy to do it very carefully, check the position of each tile several times.

And one more note. If you use special devices to check the position, then you need to work with them very carefully. The fact is that they only align the tiles in the same plane with respect to each other, but do not control horizontality. If the first tile had a slight slope, then the second will have exactly the same angle, and the distance between it and the base will increase. Depending on the initial parameters, after several tiles, the distance from the base may increase to critical values. We'll have to remove all the porcelain tiles and start work all over again.

Another big disadvantage of wedges is that under load, the tile that has less adhesion, and not the one that is needed, changes its position. This means that the last tile will not always be recessed, the previous one often rises. As a result, it breaks away from the glue. This not only significantly degrades the performance of the floor, but also further degrades the levelness of the surface. Conclusion - do not rush to acquire widely advertised devices, learn to work with proven and reliable tools and devices. The first practical experience will appear after a few hours of work, and in the future everything will become much clearer and easier.

If you plan to finish work or take a long break, remove the adhesive from the floor

Step 11 Grouting can be started only after the glue has completely cooled down, in most cases this takes 48 hours. Grouting is done according to the usual technology, before starting work, the seams should be cleaned of glue residue.

If you have completed all the work according to the instructions, you can be sure that the porcelain stoneware floor will last a long period of time. And the last. Never throw away leftover pieces of tiles, they may be needed for urgent repairs.

Professional answers to your questions

How to choose the right adhesive for porcelain stoneware?

A large list of manufacturers and aggressive advertising make it difficult to choose an adhesive. When reading the description of the properties, it is very difficult to make the right choice of a particular brand - all manufacturers assure of the highest quality of their products. This is true, modern compositions are distinguished by high adhesion rates. Professionals advise to pay the main attention to the type of base under the tile, try to buy glue for this parameter. The compositions of the brands Knauf, Ceresit, Eunice, Rusean, Volma have excellent reviews.

How to choose tiles for an existing interior?

A wide range of ceramic tiles simplifies the process of choosing a particular type. If you do not have the opportunity to consult with professional designers, then take a small sample of the wall decoration material to the store. It can be a piece of wallpaper or lining, a paint can or a ceramic wall plate.

Video - How to choose porcelain stoneware

What are the criteria for choosing bathroom tiles?

Quite a difficult question, in bathrooms there are specific requirements for flooring. This is explained by the operating conditions. Wet polished porcelain stoneware is very slippery, therefore, it is not recommended to install it on the bathroom floor. European standards require slip characteristics to be indicated on the packaging; for bathrooms, this parameter must comply with DIN 51130.

Video - Types and types of porcelain stoneware

What is indicated on the packaging boxes?

Before studying the inscriptions on the package, pay attention to its appearance. If the pictures or letters are vague, the pack does not have right angles, then you have a fake. Do not buy such products and do not pay attention to the inscriptions. Conscientious manufacturers indicate on the package the country of origin, the name of the company and the address, the type and name of the tile, the linear dimensions and thickness, the number of tiles in pieces and square meters. Separately, the color is indicated in accordance with the generally accepted table, the type of surface, the water absorption class, the batch number. The information on the packaging gives a complete picture of the product, carefully study all the inscriptions.

How to check the quality of porcelain tiles?

Remove the tile from the package, carefully inspect the surface. It must be clean, without mechanical damage, chips and uncharacteristic stains. Attach two tiles with the front surfaces to each other, look at the clearance. There is a gap - the surfaces are uneven. Attach the tiles with their side surfaces, they must be even, the presence of cracks and vibrations is prohibited.

Video - Porcelain stoneware quality check

Porcelain stoneware tiles are highly durable and therefore ideal for laying on floors. If you decide to make porcelain stoneware floors in your apartment or house, then you did the right thing, because in the end you will get a coating that will not need to be repaired for the next 20-30 years. To install tiles on the floor, it is not necessary to contact a specialist. You can make high-quality porcelain stoneware floors on your own, and our article will help you with this.

Porcelain stoneware tiles are made by pressing semi-dry powder under high pressure and firing the finished product in a kiln at a temperature of 1300 degrees. Porcelain stoneware has the following properties:

Impact resistance.
Break resistance.
High frost resistance.
Resistance to temperature difference.
Resistant to chemicals.
Preservation of the original color during long-term operation.

Tiles made of porcelain stoneware are of the following types:

Technical tile- similar in structure to ordinary granite, it does not have a very beautiful appearance, but it is very durable and affordable. Technical tiles are used in rooms with a high load on the floor.
Matte tile is a product that has not been polished, and therefore has a lower cost compared to other types of tiles. Matte tiles have a higher wear resistance than polished tiles, but are inferior in beauty.
polished tiles– has a surface polished to a mirror finish. Due to the complexity of the polishing process, it has a higher price than other types of tiles. So that the polished surface does not wear out during operation, manufacturers varnish the tiles or recommend doing this after installation.
glazed tiles- has a layer of glaze applied to the surface and fixed during subsequent firing. Glazed tiles, although they have a beautiful appearance, but due to the fact that over time the glazed surface is erased, it is recommended to install it only in rooms with low traffic.
Structured tiles- Has a textured surface. Thanks to modern technology, manufacturers have learned how to make structured tiles that imitate natural stone, wood, and even fabric or leather.
lapped tiles- despite the original name, this is just a tile processed by the method of incomplete grinding. The surface of such a tile has both matte and polished areas. This type of tile has an original appearance and is often used for non-standard design solutions.
Satin tiles- is made using wax and mineral salts, which are added to the surface before firing. The tile has a slightly shiny and not as slippery surface as after polishing.
Tiles made using the double backfill method- has two layers. The first layer is made using dyes and pressed with a second layer of the same material, but without paint. This production technology allows you to save on costs and produce tiles at an affordable price without losing product quality.

Adhesive for porcelain tiles

Having chosen the desired variant of porcelain stoneware tiles, it is now necessary to choose the adhesive for laying. Adhesive mixtures for tiles are available in three types:

- Polyurethane adhesive- contains stable particles of polyurethane and hardeners. At a rather high price, it has excellent performance characteristics and is recommended for use both in internal and external works.

- Dispersion adhesive- consists of a special hardener and epoxy resin. The epoxy based adhesive is water resistant and therefore ideal for use in the bathroom.

Cement Adhesive - The most affordable adhesive that contains Portland cement, sand and chemical additives. Due to the rapid hardening of the mixture, the cement adhesive is not very easy to work with, and it is also poorly resistant to water, so it is best to use it in combination with a water-repellent grout.

The choice of adhesive for porcelain stoneware tiles largely depends on the room in which it will be installed. For floors in rooms with high humidity and outdoors, an adhesive based on epoxy resin is best suited.

Grout for joints

Just as important as the choice of adhesive is choosing the right grout mix. Grout for joints is divided into two main types:

- Cement grouts- made on the basis of sand cement, chemical additives and dyes.
  Pros: affordable price, a wide variety of colors and shades.
  Cons: poor resistance to water, low strength.

Grouts based on epoxy and furan resins- more elastic and water-resistant grouts compared to cement grouts.
Pros: good water resistance, high strength.
Cons: high price, poor miscibility with dyes.

Just like when choosing an adhesive, when buying grout, you should consider the effect of water on the tile.

Installation of porcelain tiles

Before you start laying tiles, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. To make it easier for you to reconcile, be guided by the list below.

Tools

Tile cutter or "grinder" with a disc for cutting stone.
A spatula with a straight edge.
Notched spatula.
Rubber small.
Rubber spatula.
Rubber mallet.
Drill with a nozzle for mixing.
Container for glue.
Level.
Marker.
Square.
Yardstick.
roller.
Rag.

Expendable materials

Porcelain tiles.
Glue.
Grout for seams.
Plastic crosses.
Primer.
Cement and sand (if a base screed is needed).

If you have all of the above, then you can safely get to work:

Prepare the base for the tiles. Check the surface to be tiled for deep depressions, sharp transitions and bumps. If necessary, pour a cement screed to level the surface.
After the screed dries, make markings for the tiles on it. Determine the center of the room and draw four lines through it, two diagonal, from corner to corner, and two perpendicular, from wall to wall.
Prepare the adhesive solution according to the instructions.
Start tiling from the center of the room. Apply the prepared adhesive to the surface and spread it with a notched trowel. The adhesive layer directly depends on the thickness and area of the tile. The larger the tile, the thicker the adhesive layer should be.
Lay the tile on the adhesive and tap it with a rubber mallet or press it down with a rubber mallet.
Using the level and markup, check the correct position of the tiles.
Place the second tile next to it in the same way.
Insert two crosses into the seam between the tiles.
Place the level on the tiles and check their horizontal position in relation to each other. If the position of the tiles does not match, correct it with a rubber mallet.
Thus, moving from the center of the room to the walls, lay the rest of the tiles. As you lay, promptly remove excess glue that squeezes out through the seams.
Having reached the walls of the room, you will need to trim the tiles. To cut the tiles, use a cutter or grinder.
After installing all the tiles, let the glue dry for a day. Dilute the grout mixture and, using a rubber spatula, spread it along the seams between the tiles.
After setting the grout, wipe the tile with a rag from the remnants of the mixture.

The process of installing porcelain stoneware tiles on the floor is completed!

You can also watch a video instruction for laying porcelain stoneware on the floor:

Installation of porcelain stoneware on the "warm floor"

Laying porcelain stoneware tiles on the "warm floor" system is not very different from the usual installation on a concrete base, but still this process has its own nuances that need to be taken into account:

Before laying the tiles, be sure to check the operation of the system and the integrity of the pipes or heating cable.
To lay tiles on a floor with water heating, it is necessary to hide the pipes in a cement screed and glue the tiles on it. When installing tiles on a floor with electric heating, it is not necessary to make a screed, you can lay it directly on the heating mats or cable.
When laying tiles on a warm floor, the adhesive should be distributed evenly over the entire surface of the tile. Point distribution of glue is strongly not recommended, this leads to the formation of voids under the tile and uneven heating of the surface.
When working with a notched trowel, be careful not to damage the heating cable.
Be sure to leave a gap between the tiles of at least 2 millimeters, this contributes to an even distribution of heat over the floor surface.
Do not turn on the "warm floor" system until the glue and grout are completely dry. After the glue has dried, increase the heating power of the cable in stages.
Consider the factor that the thicker you make the layer of glue, the more you reduce the efficiency of the "warm floor" system. The same remark applies to the choice of tile thickness. For residential premises, tiles of three millimeter thickness are quite suitable.

How tiles are laid on a warm floor, you can also see in the video:

Installation of porcelain stoneware on a wooden floor

Can tiles be laid on a wooden base? This question causes a fierce debate among professional builders. Someone claims that it is possible, someone is categorically against it, but we will not take sides. If you decide to install tiles on wooden floors, then pay special attention to preparing the base:

Reinforce the floors with screws and, if possible, lay sheets of thick plywood. Your task is to completely get rid of the arching of the floors while walking. Otherwise, during further operation, the tile may peel off or collapse due to vibration.
Make a good waterproofing of the base, moisture from the glue should not get on the tree.
Use epoxy-based adhesive and grout as they are more flexible and adhere better to non-absorbent surfaces.

Otherwise, the installation of tiles on a wooden floor repeats the usual installation.

How to lay tiles on a wooden base, see also in the video:

If you are installing porcelain stoneware on a "warm floor", then when buying glue, be sure to look at the packaging for information on whether it is possible to use it for warm floors. Here is a list of adhesive mixtures that have proven themselves when used for laying tiles on a warm floor:

Tile adhesive "CERESIT".
"Knauf-Flex".
UNIS PLUS.
TYPHOON-MASTER No12

Some masters offer customers to use the method of seamless laying of porcelain stoneware. Allegedly, this significantly saves money on the purchase of grout. But this is not entirely true, the savings are very small, but significant problems can arise. First of all, it concerns the displacement of the tile, due to the curvature of the sides of the tile, invisible to the naked eye. This problem is easily eliminated with a seam installation, but with a seamless installation, it can lead to significant curvature. Therefore, we advise you to always lay with seams.

You can often hear the question: what is the ideal distance between the seams? The answer to it is quite simple, the distance between the seams of the tile depends on its size and location:

- Tiles on the walls - the distance between the seams is from 1 to 2 millimeters.
- Tiles on the floor - the distance between the seams is from 2 to 4 millimeters.
- Large tiles in public buildings - the distance between the seams is from 3 to 6 millimeters.

Now you know almost everything about porcelain stoneware tiles, so you can safely proceed with self-assembly!