Note: Only make up enough ceramic adhesive for 30 minutes, as this material has tendency to harden up rather quickly.

Once adhesive has been applied, begin installing tiles working from center outward. On larger tiles you should back butter them. Basically, apply a thin coating of mastic to back of tile prior to laying it on floor. This will help ensure a good bond.

As you near walls or edges of cabinets, tubs and toilets, you will need to cut some of tiles. I highly recommend use of a Wet-Saw. A Wet-Saw will allow you to make very accurate cuts, both large and small. You will also save money, as you will waste many fewer tiles with bad cuts or broken tiles. Wet-Saws are not that expensive and once you see your finished product you will certainly be installing more tile. Wet-Saws can also be rented as a cheaper alternative.

When applying Tiles, you may want to use Lugs. Lugs are effectively spacers that come in various thicknesses. I typically like to have no more than a ¼” space between tiles. Employing Spacers will ensure uniformity with your tile spacing.

Grouting

After Tile has been completely installed, allow it to sit for 24-48 hours before applying grout and walking on it. Grout comes in many different colors and is very easy to install. Simply mix grout with water or a special bonding agent and apply with a rubber trowel. Run trowel on a bias when going over tile corners.

Once grout has been applied, immediately wipe tile of excess grout, using a wet sponge and a bucket of water. Wait 30 minutes and again wipe tiles down of any residual grout. Wait another 60 minutes and repeat. If grout is left on tiles to dry, you will have a great deal of elbow work scraping it off.

Let grout sit up for 24 hours and it is ready for use and admiration.

Me_Donovan@comcast.net www.homeadditionplus.com

Over the past 20+ years Mr. Donovan has been involved with building homes and home additions. Mr. Donovan's formal education & profession have been as an Electrical Engineer & Marketing Manager.

Inevitably bricks/pavers will need to be cut or split when building walkway. Unless you want to buy or rent an expensive wetsaw, I would suggest purchasing a simple brick/paver splitter. It is basically a chisel with a wide end that is width of bricks/pavers. To actually cut/split brick/paver, lay it in a bed of sand and place chisel at a 75% angle over spot where you want to break brick. Then using a hammer strike butt end of chisel firmly. You may need to do this a couple of times. You may also want to flip brick/paver over and strike other side of brick using hammer and chisle. Within one or two strikes brick/paver should break cleanly. If your walkway has curves you will need to buy/rent a wetsaw.

After installing bricks, build up outside edges with additional sand, and then shovel in topsoil and pack down firmly.

Finally, spread stone dust over new walkway and sweep into cracks. Repeat this process a couple of times to ensure cracks are fully filled. This will complete interlocking of bricks and help to eliminate any weed growth. Just add grass seed to outside edges and you should have a beautiful entrance to your home within a couple of weeks.

Me_Donovan@comcast.net www.homeadditionplus.com

Over the past 20+ years Mr. Donovan has been involved with building homes and home additions. Mr. Donovan's formal education & profession have been as an Electrical Engineer & Marketing Manager.