Laying tiles on uneven floors

It should immediately be noted that it is not recommended to lay the tile on an uneven floor. First, the surface must be prepared, leveled and primed for better bonding. But there are times when it is required to carry out work on an uneven surface. Consider how to avoid mistakes and subsequent troubles.

Features of laying tiles on uneven floors

In contrast to the process of laying ceramic coating on a flat and prepared surface, where the process does not require special expenses and time, in this case it will be much more complicated. Therefore, you should immediately prepare for the following:

• The time for work will take twice or even three times as much as with normal laying;
• Due to surface differences, it is not possible to initially calculate the required amount of tile adhesive. It is possible that it will have to be bought, and more than once;
• The estimated high consumption of the adhesive mixture implies its preparation (kneading) in large quantities. Therefore, it is better to purchase a special mixer for such work, as a conventional drill or hammer may fail.

Tile Laying Sequence

Spreading ceramics on an uneven surface is a rather unique process. There are certain conditions that must be met in order to avoid difficulties in the future.

1. According to the rules, tiles begin to be glued from the wall, or from the corner. In this case, it should be done differently. First you need to measure the height over the entire surface and find the highest point. From it, and will have to start.
2. From this point, you should mark up to the walls, having verified the distance taking into account the subsequent trimming. You should also take into account the type of future coating in terms of aesthetics, how it will look when entering the room and being in its various places.
3. When laying, the tile will have to be aligned step by step, choosing the thickness of the adhesive base and, possibly, a waiting time is required in order for the glue to freeze and the tile not to “float”.
4. In order to lay out the tiles in a quality manner, it is advisable to pre-make the level with a construction thread, and during operation use the construction level, at least one meter long.
5. The adhesive mixture should not be prepared according to the instructions indicated on the package, but a little thicker, it will be easier to manipulate the tiles during leveling and subsequent shrinkage will be less.
6. Glue needs to be applied both on a floor, and on a tile surface.
7. It is advisable to clean the seams from the glue immediately, otherwise after drying it will take more effort and time.

Which tile adhesive to choose

The glue mixture, depending on the place of laying, the room or open space, is selected in accordance with the purpose. So, for example, glue for the street withstands temperature extremes from +40 to - 40 degrees. For the premises, respectively, such a characteristic is not needed.

In general, the brands of glue on the market do not differ from each other, but for an uneven surface it is advisable to choose glue with various plasticizers. Due to them, even a thick layer of the adhesive base will not disperse during operation.

In the end, I want to note that if you use a self-leveling mixture and prepare the surface, it will be slightly cheaper than the cost of tile adhesive. Yes, and spread ceramics will be easier, faster and more enjoyable.