Question:
Floating a concrete floor?
Asked by Facebook User on Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 10:22 PM
I will be laying ceramic tile in my kitchen during my remodel. How do I "float" a concrete floor in preparation for laying the said tile?
Is this an important step, or can I skip it?
Answer:
Answered by boscoe on Sunday, November 1, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Yes, this is an important step IF your floor is out of level. Floating a floor is an extremely time-consuming and tedious project. If your floor is somewhat level, varying no more than 1/4 inch per 6 feet, then you can choose to skip this step. If you choose to skip this step, you MUST ensure that each tile laid is level by varying the amount of thin set used to lay each tile. The lower the floor, the more thin set that needs to be applied.
Float the floor:
• Ensure the existing concrete floor is clean and free of dust by mopping or sponging floor.
• Mix 1 part of Portland Cement to 3 parts Masonry Sand (both found at hardware stores or material yards). Add cement and sand together once completely mixed, begin adding a little water, the consistency will be loose like sand but when made into a ball in the palm of your hand, it will hold together.
• Find final height of your tile, and then subtract thickness of the tile this gives you your starting point for your floated area.
• Bring in float mix and begin to apply to floor
• using a level and a hand float, pack the float mix to the elevation you desire,
• using the level to screed off excess float mix.
• use hand float to ensure mix is packed well and continue on repeating these steps
• Be sure to leave an exit path.
• You can begin to lay your tiles after 24 hours.
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