How hard is it to install floor tile?

[tiggerlover]

Just wondering how hard it is to install floor tile? Is this something DH and I could figure out how to do or is it something better left to a professional?

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

Depends on how ambitious you are. It is not hard, but you have to do it right. If you don't have to cut too much it's not bad. My DH has done a few tiling jobs, including just finishing our bathroom. Of course, he's a dentist and he claims it's just like "drillin' & fillin'", so I don't know ...Read up on it ahead of time so you know ALL the steps you need to do. It will save you a lot of money to do it yourself. GOOD LUCK!

 

[swea_pea1]

Give a call to your local Home Depot. Ours has a tiling class probably once a month on Saturdays. I also looked online and they classify this as an "easy" job and I usually fnid those classifications true. Click here for instructions. Good luck!

ETA: I noticed they have the setting and grouting listed as medium jobs.

 

[snowwite]

It is harder than it looks! I tried to do my bathroom which is only 4x6' but it didnt go well and now I have vinyl. Measure it out first and be sure you have extra in case you cut some wrong.

 

[belle&beast]

The cutting is the toughest part and grouting is time consuming, but it is very doable. When we bought our house we tiled the kitchen, 2 baths and the entryway. 7 years later it all still looks great and we still love it!

 

[JR6ooo4]

I redid the tile on the shower wall after the faucet started leaking into the kitchen. you start at one edge and then cut the last tile to fit. In one area I broke 7 tiles before getting the cut correct.

You can read up on all the tips and tricks that the Pros know. Then buy cheap tools that work cheaply, or buy medium to expensive tools that work mcuh better, or you can rent the Pro tools like a wet tile saw etc.

We have wood door trim that has like 6 curves. Cutting the tile to match that can be hard. A rotary grinder(like a dremel tool) with a ceramic cutting bit will help cutting those little contours. If you only have straight lines it will be much easier.

But as with anything else the foundation must be proper and in good condition. So if the underlayment is in good condition that will help.

Mikeeee

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

It's not a hard (as in complicated) job, but after doing the kitchen I understand why labor for installing tile is expensive. That's one reason many people decide to install tile themselves. The labor can be three times the cost of the tile itself.

Be sure to figure about 10% extra for waste and cuts (20% if you're laying the tile on a diagonal). Don't forget to install a backerboard if you have a wood subfloor. If you only have straight cuts, a tile cutter will be fine.

And be sure to research all you can on tips from pros, like JR6ooo4 suggested.