How to Prep for Terrazzo Tile
Terrazzo is a floor covering procedure of Italian origin that involves embedding cement with decorative materials. Terrazzo floor tiles use the same basic methods for creating a hard, durable tile, commonly with marble and glass pieces, to create the look of traditional Terrazzo. These floor tiles, like any other hard floor tile, require a solid subfloor that's both level and strong enough to hold the weight of the tile. Prepping the floor can be time consuming, but proper preparation is crucial for the successful placement of the tiles, and the prevention of tile damage in the future. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Remove any trim surrounding the subfloor, and then remove any previous tile placed on the floor. Strip away any old adhesive or mortar on the subfloor using a floor sander on wooden subfloors, or a concrete grinder on concrete slabs.
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Place a layer of cement board over wooden subfloors to create a strong base for the tiles. Place the board over the entire surface of the floor, securing it to the wood with screws placed every foot. Cut the boards to fit by scoring them and then snapping at the scored lines. Mix a small batch of mortar and fill the seams between the cement boards. Allow the mortar to dry for 72 hours, and then go over it with a belt sander to level the seam with the rest of the cement board.
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Mix a batch of skim coat in a bucket according to the manufacturer's instructions. Spread the skim coat thinly across the seam lines in the floor to create a level surface.
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Scrape along the edges of the skim coat, just before the skim coat has dried to the touch, to feather the edge with the subfloor. Remove any debris from the skim coat and then allow it to dry completely before laying the tile.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit texture of paving image by Andrey Zyk from Fotolia.com
