Person wearing white gloves using a handheld power tool to cut a piece of material, possibly wood or drywall, in a construction or renovation setting. A level is leaning against the wall nearby.
Person wearing white gloves using a handheld power tool to cut a piece of material, possibly wood or drywall, in a construction or renovation setting. A level is leaning against the wall nearby.
A person laying tile on the floor using a grout float to press grout into the space between tiles. The floor has brown marble-like tiles with decorative matching tiles at the edges.
A person laying tile on the floor using a grout float to press grout into the space between tiles. The floor has brown marble-like tiles with decorative matching tiles at the edges.
A person is installing tile on a wall, holding a row of small rectangular tiles and applying adhesive. Pink tile spacers are placed between tiles for even spacing.
A person is installing tile on a wall, holding a row of small rectangular tiles and applying adhesive. Pink tile spacers are placed between tiles for even spacing.

TILE | INSTALLATION

At Okanagan Hardwood Flooring & Tile our experienced tile setters have years of experience installing beautiful tile floors, backsplashes, showers, tub surrounds – all types of tile projects.  Below is an overview on what to expect, and the type of preparation involved in a typical tile installation.

Floor installation

  • Level the substrate, or apply a backer to wooden subfloors

  • Determine the layout of the tile

  • Any pieces that need to be cut are done so with a wet saw

  • Thinset mortar, a cement type adhesive, is applied to the flooring surface

  • Tile is placed into the thinset and firmly pressed into place

  • 12 to 24 hours is required to cure

  • Grout is then applied, usually mixed on site to ensure a proper match.  Quickset grout is an option for small areas

  • A sponge is used to remove excess grout from the tile surface

  • The final floor needs 24 hours to cure before being walked on.

  • Doors may need to be shaved and rehung, depending on whether the new floor is a different height than the previous one, in the case of a renovation.

  • Good ventilation of the area is required for 48 to 72 hours afterwards, to allow the odour from the glue to dissipate.

  • A tile sealer may also be applied once the final floor is finished.  For unglazed tiles, this procedure is done prior to grouting to prevent the grout from staining the tile.

Bathroom and Backsplash Installation

  • Removal of existing materials (in the case of a renovation)

  • Preparing the exposed surface the tile will be applied to

  • Determine the layout of the tile

  • Any pieces that need to be cut are done so with a tile cutter or wet saw

  • Thinset mortar applied to the prepared surface with a trowel

Tile is set and held in place by either self-spacing, or the use of plastic spacers to maintain consistent joints.

  • Extra time is taken in laying tiles around plumbing fixtures

  • If required, edging materials such as bullnose tile is installed

  • Allow the mastic to cure overnight

  • Tile grout is then applied, and wiped off with a damp sponge

  • Caulking is applied to match the grout in areas around tubs, sinks etc.

Modern bathroom with beige tiled walls and floor, featuring a black-framed mirror, a copper sink, two potted plants, amber soap bottles, and a shower area with a black ceiling showerhead. There are wooden ladder towel racks with dark towels, and a small wooden stool with a gray towel and soap.
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