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Tile install

I was nervous getting started on the tile because I'd never embarked on such a project in my entire life! But it was time, I had to and I wanted to make an attempt at installing it myself. As usual, I called the helpline line at Custom Building and went through the preparation and the procedure with them and they gave me the thumbs up.

I had to do it over two nights and the first night was quite difficult. I mixed up the mortar per the specifications and ended up with extremely thick mortar. It took a lot of effort to get it out of the bucket and then form it properly on the floor and apply it to the back of the tile (backbuttering). I think it took me about three hours to install about 12.5 sq. ft. No joke, it took that long. But it all went in and it all lined up. I even thought they were pretty level with each other. I had to stop by this point because it was about midnight.
The next day, I called Custom Building again and explained my problem with the thickness of the mortar. They suggested I add a little more water at the initial mixing phase and to aim for peanut butter like consistency.  For those of you who don't know me, I'm allergic to peanuts hence, I'm not familiar with peanut butter like consistency. That evening, I had to get an education on what that consistency looks like through opening a jar of peanut butter and stirring it up. I think I got it and discovered it sure was easier to manipulate!

A few nights later, I returned-itching to finish the job. I mixed up the mortar and got it thinner and more manageable. As I was installing the tile, I began to see the thinner consistency of the mortar was allowing the tile to sink further down than the tile I'd previously installed. (I had a feeling this was going to happen! I should have applied more mortar.) In addition, I think there was a slight low spot that I had missed. As a result, not all of the tiles were level with each other. But they all lined up straight and fit into the bathroom quite well. It still took me about three hours to finish.
I came back a few days later to finish with the grout and sealing. This part wasn't so bad. I was bummed about how uneven the tile was and tried to compensate by installing enough grout to have a short slope from one height to another and to minimize the tripping hazard. Sadly, the installation of the grout really gives away the unevenness of the tile. 

Oh well, this was my first attempt at such a project and I think I should take some pride in it. I'm an amateur and I got amateur results. I hope, if I have to do this again, it'll be better. 



This was my best section.





Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 6, 2017 at 9:54 PM

    Great job Brian! You can do it! - Elaine (Chan Tam)

    ReplyDelete

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