After the tiles are installed, the next step that needs to be done is to cement the gaps between the tiles. This job is less time consuming and less expensive than laying tiles, but cementing is definitely more important than just making sure all tiles are straight and look good. Cementing properly ensures that the floor under the tile is kept safe from moisture. To do so, you'll still have to bother working on your knees for a while, so it's no small feat. To get you started right, read Step One below.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Selecting and Mixing Cement
Step 1. If you want to re-cement the old tile surface, remove the old layer of cement first
You can remove the old cement layer with a cement saw or cement cleaning machine. Make sure the former layer of old cement is completely gone before installing the new cement.
Step 2. Choose a cement color
The color of the cement will affect whether the eye catches the beauty of the individual tiles, or the pattern of the tiles as a whole. Light colors tend to accentuate individual tiles as they blend in with the color of that tile, while dark colors tend to accentuate the tile pattern and overall structure on the floor.
- Choose a color that matches the color of the tile if you want the floor to have a unified look. If you're installing the tiles yourself and the cement lines aren't perfectly straight, a matching cement color will help disguise the imperfections.
- Choose a cement color that contrasts with the color of the tiles if you want each tile to stand out. If you're laying tiles with irregularly shaped edges, then a contrasting color will accentuate that feature on the tile.
- Choose a dark color for frequently traveled areas. Cement that is white or light colors will look dirty faster.
Step 3. Choose between sandy cement or non-sand cement
Sandy cement is stronger than non-sanded cement. Sandy cement is required to strengthen the mortar when the gap between the tiles is wider than 3 mm. Non-sand cement will crack more easily in wide joints.
Step 4. Wait for the tile adhesive to dry
Tile adhesive is used to glue the tiles to the floor when they are installed. The length of time this adhesive takes to dry varies depending on the brand. Read the description on the tile adhesive packaging carefully. Usually, you will have to wait at least a day before you can cement the floor tiles.
Step 5. Mix the cement according to the directions on the package
Make as much mortar as you can put together in half an hour. Otherwise, the cement will start to dry.
Pour the cement powder into a large bucket, and add about 3/4 of the recommended water. Stir until smooth using a shovel. After that, add the remaining 1/4 of the water and stir again. The consistency of the mixture should be quite thick. Too much water will make the mixture not harden properly
Method 2 of 2: Installing Cement
Step 1. Take the mortar with a shovel and pour it between the tiles
Start at the corner furthest from the door and work your way backwards.
Step 2. Spread the cement over all the small joint gaps
Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle to the floor to press the cement into the joint. Slide the trowel at a diagonal angle across the joints for a smooth finish. If you sweep the cement in a direction that is parallel to the line, the end of the trowel may actually gouge the cement.
Step 3. Clean the remaining cement
The floor will be filled with muddy cement, which is unsightly. After installing the cement, wait about 15 to 30 minutes for the cement in the joint to dry. Then start cleaning up the remnants:
- Prepare two buckets of water.
- Dip a large sponge with rounded corners into the first bucket, then squeeze out the water.
- Sweep in a circular motion or in a diagonal direction to the cement joint line, to remove any remaining cement from the tile surface.
- Rinse the sponge in the second bucket and repeat until all the cement remains off the tile surface.
- Wait about three hours before you repeat the process.
- Finally, sweep a damp sponge along the cement joint line to ensure that the joint line is smooth.
Step 4. Check if the cement color result is what you want
Use a hairdryer to dry a small area quickly, so you can see how the cement color compares to the color of the tiles that are already installed. Now is a good time if you want to change it, because once the cement dries it will be very difficult to disassemble.
Step 5. Continue cementing when you are satisfied with the color result
Work on one small area at a time, so you can quickly remove any remaining cement before it dries. If someone else helps, one person can cement and the other remove the remaining cement.
Step 6. Clean the floor from the cement film after everything is dry
No matter how effectively you remove cement residue from the tiles, there will likely still be a “cement film” covering the tiles after all the work is done. To clean it, do the following:
- Take a dry towel or an old rag and rub it on the cement membrane until it peels off. You can also use old socks. Put socks on your hands and scrub the webbed floor.
- Clean the rest with a broom.
Step 7. Wait for the cement to dry before you apply the tile adhesive
Read the instructions for use to determine how many days you should wait. To apply tile adhesive, do the following:
- Open all windows so that the room has good ventilation.
- Pour a little adhesive on the cement. Use a sponge and sweep in small circular motions.
- Remove the adhesive after 5 to 10 minutes. The wait time before deleting this may vary. Look at the information on the product packaging to be sure.
- Reapply the adhesive to the cement joint every six months or once a year, if possible.
Tips
- Wear knee pads when you cement floor tiles. You'll be kneeling on the hard tile for a long time. Using coarse gritty cement can scratch the unprotected skin of your knees.
- If you used plastic spacers between tiles during installation, remove them before you cement (unless the instructions for use state that they can be left in place).
