Before Tile Installation
Installing your new tile floors will go as smooth as possible by completing thoughtful steps ahead of time! Remove all furniture and furnishings from your floors and walls, as well as from the closets. It’s also wise to remove all doors where your new tile may raise the flooring height and prevent full range of motion. Tile cannot be installed over existing flooring, so the old flooring must be removed, and your subfloor will need to be completely bare and level. In fact, new tile should not be installed over existing tile, particle or chip board, cushion vinyl, or single layer plywood. Thus, you will need to fix any subfloor imperfections or cracks prior to new tile installation. Set the temperature of the area to 68 degrees Fahrenheit before installation and let the new tile acclimate for at least 48 hours in advance.
During Tile Installation
When the day comes for your new tile floors, plan to be home so that you can answer questions for your installation crew. Keep all children and pets away from the rooms receiving new laminate! Designate an area for your crew to keep all the tools that will be used during the process, cut planks as needed, and mix grout. Make sure to create proper lighting if needed and provide easy access to electrical outlets for your installers to use. If you haven’t read through your new tile warranty, make sure to do so and have a good understanding to prevent voiding it. Now is the time to ask your installers any questions you may have regarding your new tile floors!
After Tile Installation
Once your luxury vinyl floors are down, establish good ventilation and do not walk on the floors for the first 24 hours to allow mortar and grout to cure. Also, grout and tile should be sealed before use. Make sure to use felt floor protectors under heavy furniture and use carpet cushion under rugs. Sweep, dust-mop, Swiffer, wet mop, and vacuum regularly to remove all abrasive particles and dust from the tile surface. Be mindful that dropped heavy or sharp objects can scratch or chip your tile floors. You may also need to shave down the bottom of your doors before reinstalling them to ensure full range of motion.
