Handyman question. Tiles installation

[Net4n6]

I want to lay new tiles on the kitchen, hallway and bathroom. I have one simple question. I need to rent a tile saw from HomeDepot. Can I lay all the tiles which do not need to be cut first then rent the saw or rent the saw at the begin of the tiles installation?

I have about 500 sq ft of tiles to lay. Your experiences and tips are greatly appreciated. This will be my first tile laying project.

 

[CookieRoe]

I want to lay new tiles on the kitchen, hallway and bathroom. I have one simple question. I need to rent a tile saw from HomeDepot. Can I lay all the tiles which do not need to be cut first then rent the saw or rent the saw at the begin of the tiles installation?

I have about 500 sq ft of tiles to lay. Your experiences and tips are greatly appreciated. This will be my first tile laying project.

I've seen tiles installed numerous times when I lived in south america. The workers always layed the uncut/whole pieces down first and cut the tiles needed to "finish" the same day. In another words, they cut everything FIRST, then install, because you can't lay and install the whole pieces first, then come back and install the pieces. The cement or adhesive will dry and mess up the work. So get the cutter first to cut all of your pieces needed, then you shouldn't have to go back to it. This is how I've seen it done. Beside, it shouldn't be more than a couple of days work, right?

Good luck

 

[aha2988]

without seeing the layout its hard to give the best advice; however, you'll find the need for the tile saw pretty quick after you start getting down to laying tile.

your going to start in the center of the room furthest from the "exit" (whichever traffic pattern your working towards to prevent walking on fresh layed tile)

the whole tiles lay fast you thinset the back of them then push them to the floor flush with the tile next to it. your not looking for levelness as much as just each tile laying flush with the one next to it.

what you'll want to do though is measure out your tile pattern so that the cut tiles are even on each side of the hallway kitchen and other rooms your tiling. you do this by centering the first layed tile and working left and right of it working out towards the walls.

when you get to the walls is where you'll need the tile saw. once you know that measurment for the cut peice of tile you can go cut it then bring it in an lay it measure for the next cut peice behind that on the start of the next row lay it...then work through that row get to the end cut two pieces start your second row work back accross the room back an forth until your done.

I just finished laying a tile shower and bathroom floor, geeze tile walls are a PITA!!! floors are pretty easy though. the whole tiles lay fast you just grab them out of the box thinset the backs push to the floor. cut tiles you'll want to lay them when you get to them so I say rent the tile saw for the remainer of the project..

If you can figure the cost difference between renting a tile saw for the project time period and actually purchasing one. It may be cheaper to buy one. you can alway sell it later or have it for future tile projects.

other option is do a one day rental at a time. get a much done in one day as you can then take it back then wait for the next day you have free to work to go rent it again.
hope this helps.

 

[flash]

Net, I've been doing tile work (not as a profession) for sometime now and in the beginning, I'd rent a saw.
My last job, kitchen backsplash, I decided to buy a saw.
Why?
Our HD wanted $70+ for 24 hour rental and I knew I'd have it longer than that considering I was putting up a stone border (pepin) also.
HD has a nice Ryobi wet saw for $100. Do yourself a favor and buy a saw! This way you won't be rushed to finish the job and get the rental back to HD plus you'll save some $$$.

BTW, the Ryobi can cut stone and ceramic tiles with no problems and without chipping!

 

[Antman]

Net, I've been doing tile work (not as a profession) for sometime now and in the beginning, I'd rent a saw.
My last job, kitchen backsplash, I decided to buy a saw.
Why?
Our HD wanted $70+ for 24 hour rental and I knew I'd have it longer than that considering I was putting up a stone border (pepin) also.
HD has a nice Ryobi wet saw for $100. Do yourself a favor and buy a saw! This way you won't be rushed to finish the job and get the rental back to HD plus you'll save some $$$.

BTW, the Ryobi can cut stone and ceramic tiles with no problems and without chipping!

I agree- buy the saw and take your time. I purchased a 4" mini wet saw about 7 years ago and I have done 8 backsplashes, 1 shower, 6 bathrooms, and an entryway since then. Little sucker's made me a lot of money! You can buy one at Harbor Freight for really cheap.

Take your time and read as many "how-to" articles as you can. It's not hard to do! One thing to remember, the subfloor is just as important as the tile you lay. It CANNOT flex, or the tile/grout will crack. Lay down some concrete backerboard if you are installing over a wood floor.

Have fun.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Antman is 100% correct in stating that the subfloor needs to be level, and smooth as possible.
You need a corded drill to mix the thinset in one bucket. It needs to be similar to oatmeal in thickness.
Get stainless trowels and the like. They are only a little more $$$.
Let the thinset and grout air dry.
Lastly, buy the HD tiling book. It is a good one for beginners. Good luck.

 

[Net4n6]

I am very appreciated for your tips. Now, time to request vacation days and get dirty.

 

[flash]

I am very appreciated for your tips. Now, time to request vacation days and get dirty.

Anyone can grab a paint brush and color a wall, but a true artist will create his masterpiece with tile.......

Take your time and have fun!

BTW, the wifey loves to paint, I'd rather shovel $hit than grab a paint brush.
Give me a wet saw and some tile, I'm in heaven.
Get creative with your tile and grout color selection, the possibilities are endless.

Here's some shots of my kitchen tile backsplash project. Keep in mind I had to remove old boring tile, mud smooth and start with basically fresh walls.

 

[ladywolf]

Anyone can grab a paint brush and color a wall, but a true artist will create his masterpiece with tile.......

Take your time and have fun!

BTW, the wifey loves to paint, I'd rather shovel $hit than grab a paint brush.
Give me a wet saw and some tile, I'm in heaven.
Get creative with your tile and grout color selection, the possibilities are endless.

Here's some shots of my kitchen tile backsplash project. Keep in mind I had to remove old boring tile, mud smooth and start with basically fresh walls.

that looks awesome! gives me ideas to do mine. I really want to put the glass tile in.