My first shot at tile work

**Dannyboy** · 08-22-2009, 01:42 PM

This is time consuming and back breaking but now that I'm on the final stage, I'm glad to have saved the money and learned how to do it myself. I had a friend with some experience give me a hand instead of paying a professional.

I bought my house when I was 24, immediately tore out some nasty carpet and 12" white tile and ran pergo floors throughout. It was alright, but a rush job as I would have rather been at the lake drinking beers back then. That floor is no longer available and when I needed to tear a section out for a plumbing issue I was left with rugs covering holes in the floor. I also had some water damage from the dishwasher, ceiling and fridge so it really wasn't looking all that great regardless of the section that was ripped out.

I found this tile at Lowes that triggered this project, tiles were 77 cents/sq. ft and they were giving out $10 on $50 purchases over the 4th of July. I bought 3 boxes at a time a few times a day until I had the 700 sq/ft I needed and averaged spending closer to about 62 cents/sq. foot.

What I'm good at
1) demolition
2) geometry work of measuring and cutting tiles
3) setting tiles
4) grout
5) sealing grout

What I suck at
1) Spreading thinset
2) working a long time before back pain or A.D.D. kicks in

**Dannyboy** · 08-22-2009, 01:47 PM

I also encountered an issue in my bathroom where the base that holds the stool in place was cracked and could not retain one of the bolts that sticks up from the floor. I thought I was going to be paying a lot for that repair, but about 45 minutes with the grinder and a trip to the plumbing supply store I got that squared away. I've never had to grind cast iron, but this stuff is stubborn. I tried cut-off wheels to take out large sections and it snapped the wheels immediately. It made a serious mess too, black powder everywhere.

*JTX* · 08-22-2009, 01:50 PM

Looks nice man! When i buy a house someday i know who to call for my tile work!

**Tbars4** · 08-22-2009, 01:54 PM

...Looks great...

...Are you going to continue this in the bedrooms???...How does Diva like it???...I think she wouldn't get as much traction when chasing the Laser...

**Dannyboy** · 08-22-2009, 02:25 PM

It's definitely cooler. It compliments the kitchen renovation well and we didn't even break the caul lines from the counters!

I'm not out for hire, I gave my buddy $500 for the assistance and that included use of his tile saw and I will say we both busted our asses on this job. He was paid just about slave labor.

The floors are about as slick as the wood but it feels a bit cooler with the stone, going to run carpet in the two bedrooms to finish off everything after all detail painting is done...then it's up for sale

**Tbars4** · 08-22-2009, 02:32 PM

...When do you think you will list it for sale???...My Ranger will be ready for a redemption run at Crown King soon...Let me know so we can plan a trip...

...It sounds like you have the house about finished but, I can bring some tools if needed before you move, Gratis..

*JTX* · 08-22-2009, 02:33 PM

Where you going to move? Damn...

**JDraper** · 08-22-2009, 03:37 PM

Looks good!!!

One of our future projects is probably going to be ripping up the vinyl flooring in the kitchen and putting down tile. We have a natural oak kitchen and I'm thinking about putting down the tile below:

**Dannyboy** · 08-22-2009, 04:53 PM

You got a bigger picture of that tile Jeff LOL. I would plan at least a day to get up all that adhesive from removing vinyl. I've learned that paitence is the key to satisfaction. Big deal if it takes 4 weekends when you thought it was going to take 2, I'm through kickign myself looking at work I rushed. I just got a steal on baseboards and trim and will take my time on each piece instead of swearing every time I walk through a doorway like I do know.

Ted, not sure about when to go up for sale. I still can make a few bucks on this place and there is a lot of deals to be had on other property. I want to invest in more real estate so this may be the perfect platform to go rent-to-own and cash flow. I see that being real popular in the future as banks won't be giving away loans like before, it's going to take baby steps from everybody to get back on their feet.

**Blee1099** · 08-22-2009, 05:03 PM

Good luck ripping that sheet vinyl up Jeff.. Go to a tool rental company and rent a self propelled stripper with a 6" vinyl stripping blade. Just make sure its the one for hardwood and not concrete. Word of caution though trying to lift it up sucks.. The one I had weighed about 300 lbs

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dannyboy

You got a bigger picture of that tile Jeff LOL

You have to remember at his age he can't see things well so he has to blow them up the point it would cover a wall in his office for him to see it.

**section525** · 08-22-2009, 07:32 PM

That came out great. I remember reading when I was a kid that you're supposed to start in the middle of the room and split it into four quadrants. Is that sorta what you did? Or how did you determine where to lay the first tile?

Next you should learn how to do a tile shower. So I can copy that.

*RockRanger* · 08-22-2009, 11:37 PM

Looks good Dan. I really like the couch on the kitchen island. Gives a nice modern look.

**BrooklynBay** · 08-23-2009, 12:08 AM

It looks good. Some guys don't know about tile spacers, but you have them set up correctly. Use sanded grout on the floor tiles, and non sanded on the wall. Clean off the excess grout before it becomes too hard to work with. Remember not to start near the door, and work your way into the corner!

. You would be trapped in that spot until the tiles are ready to be walked over.

*Stic-o* · 08-23-2009, 12:55 AM

Looks good danny

Tile is really intimidating, till you do it. Then it's not so bad. Thats why I started with a small bath room

However it a killer on the knees

**Dannyboy** · 08-23-2009, 12:17 PM

Yes, the first tile was decided after a lot of debating on placement. You can't have everything so we chose to have a straight line down the hallway and a straight line towards the front door so the main walls weren't running in an odd pattern. This posed a challenge for the island in my kitchen, which couldn't be shifted at all so that's really the only place tricky cuts came into place. Even with a few test layouts we still ended up with one groutline that was a bit on the thin side when we got to the other side of the island.

As for quadrants, we did as the second photo shows. Knocked out a big section and then built off that. The best advice is to never put yourself in a situation where you are going to meet two ends and hope they will line up.

SVO · 08-23-2009, 12:41 PM

Wanted:

Someone to install tile in house, in exchange for a motor install.

Jeff -

**Blee1099** · 08-23-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVO

Wanted:

Someone to install tile in house, in exchange for a motor install.

Jeff -

Umm how about you throw in a solid axle swap.. Tools will travel.

*Stic-o* · 08-23-2009, 01:46 PM

LOL... I guess Danny is doing a roadtrip... AZ to So Cal to Tx

*Joe Dirt* · 08-23-2009, 05:13 PM

Wow Danny- great job! I'm going to shortly be tackling a dishwasher install that is going into my house which has never had one, and thus- doesn't have electrical under the sink either, so that will be a big deal for me. I've always been apprehensive about working with electrical, unless it's in a Ford...

**Dannyboy** · 08-23-2009, 06:09 PM

ah, that's not going to be a problem at all for you. Dishwashers are a breeze, as for running electric there...do you have electric by a garbage disposal under the sink?

So the lady and I are really taking our time on the grout seal. I know this is my first time doing this, but wow, another long process. It's seriously going to be close to 120 total labor hours when this is all said and done for the entire project. At $2 a sq.foot my sweat equity rate is coming in at under 12 bucks/hr. I really don't know if I'd be any faster at the next go around either. Tile may be something I hire out on the next house.

08-22-2009, 01:42 PM	#1
Dannyboy Other Make & Models Mod 43°48′48″N 91°13′59″W 91 4 do' Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 5,407 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	My first shot at tile work This is time consuming and back breaking but now that I'm on the final stage, I'm glad to have saved the money and learned how to do it myself. I had a friend with some experience give me a hand instead of paying a professional. I bought my house when I was 24, immediately tore out some nasty carpet and 12" white tile and ran pergo floors throughout. It was alright, but a rush job as I would have rather been at the lake drinking beers back then. That floor is no longer available and when I needed to tear a section out for a plumbing issue I was left with rugs covering holes in the floor. I also had some water damage from the dishwasher, ceiling and fridge so it really wasn't looking all that great regardless of the section that was ripped out. I found this tile at Lowes that triggered this project, tiles were 77 cents/sq. ft and they were giving out $10 on $50 purchases over the 4th of July. I bought 3 boxes at a time a few times a day until I had the 700 sq/ft I needed and averaged spending closer to about 62 cents/sq. foot. What I'm good at 1) demolition 2) geometry work of measuring and cutting tiles 3) setting tiles 4) grout 5) sealing grout What I suck at 1) Spreading thinset 2) working a long time before back pain or A.D.D. kicks in Attached Images __________________ In chatrooms I'm a 14 year old girl 91 long travel 4x4 94 Limited The Diva 2007 cadillac escalade

08-22-2009, 01:47 PM	#2
Dannyboy Other Make & Models Mod 43°48′48″N 91°13′59″W 91 4 do' Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 5,407 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	I also encountered an issue in my bathroom where the base that holds the stool in place was cracked and could not retain one of the bolts that sticks up from the floor. I thought I was going to be paying a lot for that repair, but about 45 minutes with the grinder and a trip to the plumbing supply store I got that squared away. I've never had to grind cast iron, but this stuff is stubborn. I tried cut-off wheels to take out large sections and it snapped the wheels immediately. It made a serious mess too, black powder everywhere. Attached Images __________________ In chatrooms I'm a 14 year old girl 91 long travel 4x4 94 Limited The Diva 2007 cadillac escalade

08-22-2009, 01:50 PM	#3
JTX Rollin... New Mexico 94 xlt Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 2,508 Vehicle Specs	Looks nice man! When i buy a house someday i know who to call for my tile work! __________________ -=Elite Registry=-

08-22-2009, 01:54 PM	#4
Tbars4 Offroad Moderator anaheim hills,california 95 ranger 4x4/ 91 X 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 21,915 Vehicle Specs	...Looks great... ...Are you going to continue this in the bedrooms???...How does Diva like it???...I think she wouldn't get as much traction when chasing the Laser... __________________ I have Rocks in my head. What's in yours? '95 ranger xl 4x4 2.3L std cab, 2 sticks Ranger RegistryThe Squirrel '91 4x4=To much to list, much more to add.. Project "X" and more Pics & Mod's List How to: Wheels,Tires, & Lifts... Buy Explorerforum.com Items here

08-22-2009, 02:25 PM	#5
Dannyboy Other Make & Models Mod 43°48′48″N 91°13′59″W 91 4 do' Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 5,407 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	It's definitely cooler. It compliments the kitchen renovation well and we didn't even break the caul lines from the counters! I'm not out for hire, I gave my buddy $500 for the assistance and that included use of his tile saw and I will say we both busted our asses on this job. He was paid just about slave labor. The floors are about as slick as the wood but it feels a bit cooler with the stone, going to run carpet in the two bedrooms to finish off everything after all detail painting is done...then it's up for sale __________________ In chatrooms I'm a 14 year old girl 91 long travel 4x4 94 Limited The Diva 2007 cadillac escalade

08-22-2009, 02:32 PM	#6
Tbars4 Offroad Moderator anaheim hills,california 95 ranger 4x4/ 91 X 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 21,915 Vehicle Specs	...When do you think you will list it for sale???...My Ranger will be ready for a redemption run at Crown King soon...Let me know so we can plan a trip... ...It sounds like you have the house about finished but, I can bring some tools if needed before you move, Gratis.. __________________ I have Rocks in my head. What's in yours? '95 ranger xl 4x4 2.3L std cab, 2 sticks Ranger RegistryThe Squirrel '91 4x4=To much to list, much more to add.. Project "X" and more Pics & Mod's List How to: Wheels,Tires, & Lifts... Buy Explorerforum.com Items here

08-22-2009, 02:33 PM	#7
JTX Rollin... New Mexico 94 xlt Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 2,508 Vehicle Specs	Where you going to move? Damn... __________________ -=Elite Registry=-

08-22-2009, 03:37 PM	#8
JDraper Elite Garage Builder McVeytown, PA '11 XLT Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 15,400 Vehicle Specs	Looks good!!! One of our future projects is probably going to be ripping up the vinyl flooring in the kitchen and putting down tile. We have a natural oak kitchen and I'm thinking about putting down the tile below: __________________ Moderator..Home Improvement/Explorer 911/2011 Explorer Forum You took my breath away....and now I want it back.... '66 Mustang Coupe, '04 Mustang Mach 1, '08 Focus, '11 Explorer XLT "Ex"plorer's: '92 Sport, '94 Sport, '01 XLS Our Crappy Website

08-22-2009, 04:53 PM	#9
Dannyboy Other Make & Models Mod 43°48′48″N 91°13′59″W 91 4 do' Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 5,407 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	You got a bigger picture of that tile Jeff LOL. I would plan at least a day to get up all that adhesive from removing vinyl. I've learned that paitence is the key to satisfaction. Big deal if it takes 4 weekends when you thought it was going to take 2, I'm through kickign myself looking at work I rushed. I just got a steal on baseboards and trim and will take my time on each piece instead of swearing every time I walk through a doorway like I do know. Ted, not sure about when to go up for sale. I still can make a few bucks on this place and there is a lot of deals to be had on other property. I want to invest in more real estate so this may be the perfect platform to go rent-to-own and cash flow. I see that being real popular in the future as banks won't be giving away loans like before, it's going to take baby steps from everybody to get back on their feet. __________________ In chatrooms I'm a 14 year old girl 91 long travel 4x4 94 Limited The Diva 2007 cadillac escalade

08-22-2009, 07:32 PM	#11
section525 sextion525 Red Bluff, Ca 1975 Ford Bronco 4x4 Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 14,909 Vehicle Specs	That came out great. I remember reading when I was a kid that you're supposed to start in the middle of the room and split it into four quadrants. Is that sorta what you did? Or how did you determine where to lay the first tile? Next you should learn how to do a tile shower. So I can copy that. __________________ Support the Forum '13 3.5 Explorer '08 2.0 Focus '75 5.0 Bronco '04 6.0 Super Duty

08-22-2009, 11:37 PM	#12
RockRanger Elite Ranger Fresno CA 86 ranger no more Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,261 Vehicle Specs	Looks good Dan. I really like the couch on the kitchen island. Gives a nice modern look. __________________ 93 ranger rock stock.

08-23-2009, 12:08 AM	#13
BrooklynBay Aerostar Forum Moderator Brooklyn, NY 88 89 93 95 96 Aerostars Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 45,686 Vehicle Specs	It looks good. Some guys don't know about tile spacers, but you have them set up correctly. Use sanded grout on the floor tiles, and non sanded on the wall. Clean off the excess grout before it becomes too hard to work with. Remember not to start near the door, and work your way into the corner! . You would be trapped in that spot until the tiles are ready to be walked over. __________________ My list of useful threads. My photo gallery. My product reviews. My list of items for sale. Aerostar owners thread. Aerostar parts work in Explorers, Rangers, and Bronco II thread. History of the Aerostar thread. Aerostar Forum. New Members Forum. Ford/Lincoln/Mercury Forum.

08-23-2009, 12:55 AM	#14
Stic-o Elite Movie Star Tujunga, CA '99 XL 4x4 & '06 XLT 4x2 Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 12,426 Vehicle Specs	Looks good danny Tile is really intimidating, till you do it. Then it's not so bad. Thats why I started with a small bath room However it a killer on the knees __________________ The JP Mobile ~'99 Explorer XL The Mall Crawler ~'06 Explorer XLT The Tow Rig ~ '05 F-150 SuperCrew The Commuter ~ '10 Focus SES

08-23-2009, 12:17 PM	#15
Dannyboy Other Make & Models Mod 43°48′48″N 91°13′59″W 91 4 do' Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 5,407 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Yes, the first tile was decided after a lot of debating on placement. You can't have everything so we chose to have a straight line down the hallway and a straight line towards the front door so the main walls weren't running in an odd pattern. This posed a challenge for the island in my kitchen, which couldn't be shifted at all so that's really the only place tricky cuts came into place. Even with a few test layouts we still ended up with one groutline that was a bit on the thin side when we got to the other side of the island. As for quadrants, we did as the second photo shows. Knocked out a big section and then built off that. The best advice is to never put yourself in a situation where you are going to meet two ends and hope they will line up. Attached Images __________________ In chatrooms I'm a 14 year old girl 91 long travel 4x4 94 Limited The Diva 2007 cadillac escalade

08-23-2009, 12:41 PM	#16
SVO Moderator Emeritus/Doctor Bastrop/Austin, Tx Turbocharged Navajo LX Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 9,675 Vehicle Specs	Wanted: Someone to install tile in house, in exchange for a motor install. Jeff - __________________ The problem with America is stupidity. I'm not saying there should be a capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself?

08-23-2009, 01:46 PM	#18
Stic-o Elite Movie Star Tujunga, CA '99 XL 4x4 & '06 XLT 4x2 Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 12,426 Vehicle Specs	LOL... I guess Danny is doing a roadtrip... AZ to So Cal to Tx __________________ The JP Mobile ~'99 Explorer XL The Mall Crawler ~'06 Explorer XLT The Tow Rig ~ '05 F-150 SuperCrew The Commuter ~ '10 Focus SES

08-23-2009, 06:09 PM	#20
Dannyboy Other Make & Models Mod 43°48′48″N 91°13′59″W 91 4 do' Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 5,407 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	ah, that's not going to be a problem at all for you. Dishwashers are a breeze, as for running electric there...do you have electric by a garbage disposal under the sink? So the lady and I are really taking our time on the grout seal. I know this is my first time doing this, but wow, another long process. It's seriously going to be close to 120 total labor hours when this is all said and done for the entire project. At $2 a sq.foot my sweat equity rate is coming in at under 12 bucks/hr. I really don't know if I'd be any faster at the next go around either. Tile may be something I hire out on the next house. __________________ In chatrooms I'm a 14 year old girl 91 long travel 4x4 94 Limited The Diva 2007 cadillac escalade