Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-12-16 Origin: Site
One of the major advantages of SPC tile flooring over traditional tile is the ease of installation. SPC tiles utilize a click lock system, so that they can be installed without the need for glue, nails, or grout. as it can be installed by homeowners without the need for professional help. Additionally, the tiles can be easily cut with a utility knife, unlike tile which requires specific tile cutting tools, which are often expensive and are a very single purpose tool.
Installation time is significantly faster compared to traditional tile, and there’s no wait time mortar or grout to dry, which adds days to the installation process. Since SPC flooring is a floating floor system, it does not require preparation of the subfloor other than cleaning and ensuring that there is no major unevenness. Of course, leveling the floor with a self-leveling compound will always create a better end result. Mortar and grout are avoided with SPC, while traditional tiles absolutely require it. Traditional tiles require a layer of thin set mortar to secure the tiles to the subfloor. After a day of settling and drying, grout is used to fill the spaces between the tiles to further secure the tiles into place and avoid potential shifting over time. This multistep process, plus the extremely long dry time makes it time consuming from a waiting and labor standpoint. Each step requires special tools as well with traditional tiles, you’ll typically need a tile cutter, trowel, grout float, spacers, levels and other tools regardless of the size of the job.
· Tiles (ceramic, porcelain, stone, etc.)
· Tile adhesive/mortar (thin-set mortar)
· Tile spacers (typically 1/16" to 1/4" depending on grout line preference)
· Notched trowel (for spreading adhesive)
· Tile cutter or wet saw (for cutting tiles)
· Measuring tape
· Pencil or chalk line
· Level
· Rubber mallet
· Grout (and grout float)
· Grout sealer (optional)
· Bucket (for mixing mortar and grout)
· Sponge (for cleaning grout residue)
· Floor primer/cleaner (if needed)
· SPC Tiles (
· Ultility knife (or power saw)
· Pen or pencil
· Measuring Tape
· Rubber Mallet
You will need to use a mixing tool to blend water with the dry thin set. You need to be careful not to add too much or too little water, because this will affect the strength of adhesion, as well as change the drying time.
Use a notched trowel tool to spread the mortar on both the back of the tile and the subfloor. This can be quite messy without lots of experience.
Start with placing the first tile in the center of the room and work in rows from there. Once you gentle place each tile, check for spacing between tiles and keep then aligned in neat rows. Apply pressure on the tile and tap it gently with a rubber mallet to get proper settling and adhesion to the floor.
Place tile spacers along the edges of each tile to give appealing, consistent grout lines. Without spacers, you will likely end up with misaligned tiles, which are unsightly. You will also want to use leveling spacers if possible, to prevent lippage between tiles.
Tiles will need cutting just like SPC tiles, but will require either a tile saw or wet saw, which are specialized cutting tools for traditional tile material.
You need to let the mortar dry for 24 hours before grouting. You also need to avoid walking on the tiles during this time.
After 24 hours, you can clean the tiles and apply grout to the grout lines. Also, you need to make sure that the grout used is correct for the grout line size. Using the wrong grout can give you issues and end up with failing tiles.
Use a grout float tool to spread grout over the tiles by pressing the grout into the empty grout lines.
Once you've filled all the grout lines, use a wet sponge to wipe off excess grout from the surface of the tiles. Keep the sponge damp, not soaking wet, and change the water frequently.
Let the grout dry for about 30 minutes, then use a dry cloth to take away haze left on the tiles.
A grout sealer should be used afterwards to further waterproof the grout lines, which are the most susceptible to water intrusion.
SPC planks need to acclimate to the room's temperature and humidity, because fluctuations in both can cause both shifting and warping after the installation is complete, causing the owner to either repair or even rip up the floor and start over in some cases. This is obviously something that you want to avoid, and can easily do so simply by following this step. Leave your SPC tiles in the room where they will be installed. For 2 to 3 days.
Once your subfloor is ready and your tiles are acclimated, you are now able to install the flooring. The first row needs to be straight to make sure that each row after is installed in the right position. You may want to use a chalk line or a laser to draw a straight line on the subfloor along the first wall. This will help to ensure that spacing in the first row is even across the wall length, with consideration given for when walls are bowed or uneven. This is also applicable to traditional tile.
SPC tiles are designed with a click-lock system The tongue of the first piece will slide into the groove of the second piece, then angle the plank down for it to click into place. Use firm pressure until you hear a clicking sound. You may need to use a hammer and tapping block or rubber mallet to remove any visible seams and create a strong, tight lock between each tile. Some will snap into place perfectly with just the force from your hands, while others need a little extra tap from a hammer or mallet.
The next rows will snap into place the same way. For the last row to fit, you will almost always need to cut off at least some excess length to make it fit to size. Measure the space, draw a mark on the plank and cut it with a utility knife or composite flooring cutter. The cut edge will face the wall. If you cut the wrong side, there will be no tongue or grove to slide into the other pieces of flooring. The last row of tile may not fit into place perfectly. Use a pull bar to pull the final row tightly together. This will draw the tiles into place will preventing yourself from damaging the wall.
Looking at both the tools and materials needed, plus the steps required, which type of flooring makes the most sense for you? To most, the obvious choice is SPC flooring. It is hard to imagine that many people wouldn’t prefer to avoid the time, hassle and added costs associated with traditional tile, when a proven alternative is right in front of them.
