How to Install Slate Tiles
When planning on remodeling your floor, you have to consider the material that you’re going to use. If you don’t like to have a slippery floor, use slate tiles. Here are some easy ways to install slate tiles.
Things You’ll Need:
Slate tiles
Wet saw for cutting the tiles to your desired size and shape.
Saber saw for cutting the lower portion of your door.
Underlayment for making a surface appropriate for laying down your slate tiles.
Thinset to secure the tiles.
Trowel for spreading the thinset.
Sponge or a damp rug and water to clean out excess mortar.
Grout to place in between gaps
Paint roller for applying the sealer.
Steps:
Buy Slate Tiles
Your choice would be dependent on several factors.Here are some of the things you need to consider when buying slate tiles
Color
Size
Pattern
Preparing Your Floor Area
Remove all obstruction that may get in the way when you start playing down your tiles. Freeing the floor with unnecessary things would help you work faster.
Check if the floor is even. If there are some grooves or lowered areas, use an underlayment to level the floor.
Check your tiles for cracks and other damages. If you need to replace some tiles, make sure to get the same lot number. There may be slight differences in color among your tiles. Making sure that your replacements come from the same rock will avoid replacement tiles to stand out once your done laying them out.
Lay down tiles and make a pattern before you place the mortar. This will lessen your mistakes later on when you’ve set the mortar and you find yourself not wanting some tiles on certain areas on the floor. It’ll be hard for you to pull out tiles you’ve already placed with the mortar already set.
On your entry way, try opening and closing the door. If the tile blocks the door, measure and cut the lower portion of your door with a saber saw.
Remove the tiles and remember how you placed them on the floor.
Installing Slate Tiles
Cut all the tiles to your desired shape and size.
Spread the mortar on a small section and place your tiles. Finish one small section of the floor first before starting on another section
Apply gentle pressure on the tiles to secure them in place. Do one tile at a time.
Be careful when applying pressure on your tiles. Too much pressure will damage your slate tiles.
Keep the rows of tiles straight by frequently measuring them and using a chalk to mark your lines.
Use fillers between tiles.
After placing all tiles on the floor, wait for the mortar to set before you caulk them.
Final Touches
When the floor is completely dry, put grout on your tiles.
Remove excess grout using a clean sponge or damp rug and water. Make sure not to use too much water when cleaning out grout.
When your slate tiles are cleaned, seal it to protect your tiles and make them last longer.
Make your floors last longer and attractive with the use of slate tiles. They’re really very easy to install. You don’t need to hire somebody to get this job done. Follow these easy steps and you’ll have good looking slate tiles in no time.