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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2001-05-09, Page 25Long-lasting Ceramic tiles work well in high traffic areas because of dura- bility and ease of cleaning. 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Day" I .nrn Air THE RIVER ROCK DEPOT A division of John McKercher Construction Ltd. 887-9061 NOW OPEN 110/ MO' ntlf • a Say. Nappy itativea `flay with a gilt certificate from The River Rock Depot and help Mom create the garden of her dreams • Rod ery Lighting for flower beds alas, available );I, Free Sand Box Sand while supplies last. For pick up only • Decorative crushed stone for flowerbeds & landscaping • Mulch • Screened topsoil • Stone dust • Great Selection of Natural Stone • And much more COME & CHECK US OUT!! For pickup or delivery IN W E Wingham Lisloael Brussels Line at Jamestown Brussels OPEN: Tues. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Belmore Hwv 86 E THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2001. PAGE 25. Home & Garden 2001 Ceramic floors add beauty, durability Whether in a front foyer or heavi- ly-used kitchen, there are high traffic areas in every home which are per- fectly suited to durable, long -wear- ing and easily maintained ceramic tiles. When one homeowner decided that carpeting was not the answer for the main entrance to the home, the ceramic tile option was investigated. Though it is often more expensive than vinyl tile or sheet flooring, ceramic tile is exceptionally durable and a quick mop cleans up after (NC)—Choosing a good looking floor treatment is essential to creat- ing the right mood for any room. The bathroom, with its fixtures and limit- ed space, presents special chal- lenges. The do-it-yourself experts at Home Hardware offer the following tips to consider when selecting floor- ing for a bathroom renovation: What to look for • Water resistance is an essential quality, especially in a home with young children. • Bare feet on a cold floor can be an uncomfortable start to the day. Floors with unheated crawl spaces and basements under them may not be suitable candidates for ceramic tile. • A wet floor can become extreme- muddy shoes or snow-covered boots. Laying ceramic tiles can be a daunting task, but by following a few key steps and the manufacturer's instructions on required materials, it is a job which can be completed by a do-it-yourselfer in about a week. The first task is to remove whatev- er floor covering is currently at the location. The base for a ceramic floor, which is heavier than other options, must be sound. Plywood is recom- mended. ly slippery, and as a result, danger- ous for young and old alike. Look for non-slip finishes. • Bathrooms require regular mop- ping and dusting. Textured non-slip floors are harder to clean. • In high traffic areas, wear pat- terns can appear quickly if the floor- ing is not up to the job. Wall-to-wall options • Ceramic floor tiles are a favourite in bathrooms because of their dura- bility and easy maintenance. When installed properly, ceramic tiles can handle both the water and traffic of a bathroom, but keep in mind that they can be cold underfoot and high gloss tiles are slippery when wet. • Good quality sheet vinyl can take the traffic, is warm and withstands All nails in the plywood must be recessed and the floor leveled with' a leveling compound. Any unevenness could cause tiles to crack. When preparing to lay the tiles, pre-planning is vital. While some instructions suggest snapping a chalk line from the centre of the doorway at a 90' angle, this may not be feasi- ble with more than one doorway in the tiled area or uneven spacing of tiles along walls. Find the centre of the area by snap- ping lines at the inidWay point of the walls. Lay four tiles around the cen- tre mark, ensuring even spacing between tiles and perfect alignment with the chalk-lines. - Tile spacers -can be purchased along with other required materials. - Adry run maybe needed to deter- mine if the resulting pattern works. Check for small pieces of tile along any of the walls or in doorways. The centre starting point can be adjusted slightly so that the pattern is more even. Once the appropriate starting point is determined, begin by applying the tile adhesive over a small area for the four centre tiles. Ensure a square fit. Work back towards a corner, away from the door, completing small sec- tions at a time. With each row completed. use a straight edge to ensure' continued alignment. It is recommended a space equal to that between the tileS be left along the walls, both for expansion and an easier tit, .The space will be tilled with grout and covered by base- board. - When at all possible, do not work across tiles already in place as the weight may shift the tile. Instructions on the tile adhesive used will indicate trowel size and drying time. When working around floor vent's, closets - or for narrow pieces around the edges. tile cutters or saws can be rented to create accu- rate cuts. water easily. , Fitting requires patience and experience. • Vinyl tiles are easy to install, but have a more limited resistance to water and wear. • Wood and laminated flooring are easy to install, but spills must be cleaned up immediately. Visit your local Home Hardware and Home Building Centre stores for all your home renovating and d&or needs. - News Canada Once all the tile is laid, the adhe- sive needs to set for several hours. With all the spacers removed, grout can then be applied to the floor. Usually purchased in a matching colour to the tile, the grout is forced into the cracks, on the diagonal, with a rubber float. After approximately 15 minutes, wipe the excess grout from the. tiles with a slightly dampened, clean cloth. When a haze forms on the tiles and the grout has set more firmly, about 40 minutes, wipe the tiles again to remove any residue. The grout requires 72 hoUrs to completely cure. It is suggested the tiles be misted slightly during that period to allow the grout to dry evenly. During this time, there should be a minimum of traffic on the floor. The final step to a long-lasting, beautiful floor is the grout sealer. This prevents spills from di.colour- ing the grout. Two coats are recom- mended with a drying time of 60 minutes between coats and three hours afterwards. Flooring choice improves comfort