Ceramic Tile job....

[heyttown]

Well I came home from vacation and noticed a small drip from below the tank of my toilet in my #2 bath.....Its been on my wish list of remodels to do,just not this high of priority...Well that priority just got bumped to the top of the list. I have a concrete floor that sits the current toilet on now....My question is,Im planning on laying Ceramic Tile(1st time) and was wondering how to make the flange flush with the tile (Is that neccessary to have it flush?) If so how do I accomplish that in concrete? Also do you set the Vanity on top of the tile,or set the vanity first and tile up to the vanity?<br /><br /><br />1 More quick question, are those drill operated mixing blades/beater.....are they neccessary to have to do the job,or can you correctly mix by hand? Bathroom is 7x5 so it isnt a very big job.<br />Thanks

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: Ceramic Tile job....

I just redid my downstairs bath and I tiled the floor before placing the vanity,shower or stool.Just be real careful that everything is level.I used a 3ft level to make sure there were no high spots.<br />As far as having the flange flush you can use the one that has a rubber boot that fits snug over/in the pipe.<br />Good Luck.

 

[Ron G]

Re: Ceramic Tile job....

You can go to a plumbimg supply store and ask for a flange spacer, they go over the top of the flange youll need t2 of them your tile should be roughly 1/4 inch thick,if you still think its too low usy a wax ring with a flange and a wax ring with out the flange on top,you can also cut the flange off and install a new flange thy make a flange with a rubber boot it slips into the pipi and then you tighten up with allen wrench,yes a mixer is very handy for mixing thinset and grout.The flange is actually 1/2 up from the finish floor,if its flush youll need to wax rings for sure.good luck let us know how it goes.

 

[jamesgreen]

Re: Ceramic Tile job....

you migt want to think about a moisture barrier between the tile and concrete. I used the Schluter System it worked well and it allows the floor to breath. Keep in mind if you do use it it will raise the flooe another 1/4-3/8 of an inch. I would go under the vanity you might want to change it out one day and have tile issues later.<br /> http://www.schluter.com/english/products/2002/sectionf/ditra/601-index.html

 

[HappyHillbilly]

Re: Ceramic Tile job....

I know I'm a bit late but thought I'd go ahead & put in my 2 cents worth. I've been self-employed in the floorcovering biz for 13 yrs.<br /><br />As for the toilet flange, very seldom have I had to use an extension. Two wax seals, one with & one without a flange most always works fine if the flange ends up being aprox. 1/4" or so below the tile. If its more than 1/4" lower I would use an extension.<br /><br />Personally, I think forming a moisture barrier over concrete is useless, unless you have known problems with moisture seeping up from under the concrete. <br /><br />Remove the vanity & baseboards & then set the tile. This makes a neater/prettier job. You can tile up to the tub/shower but if its fiberglass & the front of it flexes much, on down the road you might need to cover where the tile meets it due to the grout cracking out. If so, liquid nail a piece of shoe mold or quarter round to the front of the tub/shower.<br /><br />For only a 5 x 7 bath, I woouldn't bother with the mixer unless you have an industrial type drill and/or don't like to get your hands dirty. You'll burn up a typical 3/8" drill trying to use one.<br /><br />Add the water a little at a time to the thinset & stir. You'll need to aqueeze the thinset in your hand while stirring to make sure you get rid of all the small dry clumps. You don't want it too wet or too dry. It should be smooth, creamy and barely drip off of your fingertips with your hand held down. <br /><br />Make sure the door will clear the tile before you set it. A flooring rule of thumb: Stop the flooring where the edge will be in the center of the door with the door closed. This way, with the door closed, you can't see the type of flooring that's on the other side of the door. <br /><br />Yell if you've got any more questions.<br /><br />HH<br /><br />PS<br />Don't be fooled by how many years experience someone's got. During my 4th year in the trade a carpet store I subbed from teamed me up with another installer. We both made a seam in the carpet & I was surprised at how he was making his. When we were done I told my helper to look at the 2 seams & told him that the other guy has over 20 years experience. <br /><br />My helper looked at me & said; "It don't matter how much experience he's got if he's been doing it wrong all this time!"