This is an example of tile lippage and what you want to avoid when laying flat tile.
Laying Flat Tile Tips – Tile Leveling Systems
The most common issue with laying tile flooring is keeping it level. With the newest trend of larger format tiles, laying flat tile becomes even more difficult. In the Annapolis and Severna Park area, there is a popularity for plank shaped tiles, such as 6” x 39”, and even larger tiles. We are also seeing a great deal of 12” x 24” tiles being installed. So, how do you keep the tiles level and flat with keeping grout joints as small as possible?
First, know this might seem complicated but it doesn’t have to be. It is common that your floor isn’t level to begin with. If you ever ran your hand across a tile floor a felt a slight bump where some of the tiles are a bit higher or lower, this is called lippage. This is essentially what we want to avoid. Read on for tips on laying flat tile.
How to Get a Flat Tile Installation with Small Grout Joints
We highly recommend using self-leveling tile spacer. This helps to make the space between the tiles even and identical. The spacers will also allow you to have flat floors or walls. Atlas Marble & Tile has been in business since 1993, and from our vast experience, we like the simplicity and functionality of the Progress Proleveling System. The system allows you to get a small grout joint to keep the tiles flat. Progress makes the levelers for 1/16”, 3/32” and 1/8” grout joints. The levelers make for a quicker and better-looking installation.
Self-leveling spacers ensure an even and flat tile installation.
To use the Progress Proleveling Systems is fairly simple. Here are the basic steps you need to follow:
- Set the leveler between the tiles.
- Twist on the blue cap to tighten down on the tile.
- The screw-on-caps adjust the height of the tiles and give you a small grout joint and a flat installation.
- Then, the next morning you snap off the breakaway blue caps, and you have tight grout joints and flat tiles!
The system is straightforward, easy to use, and utterly brilliant. It is one of those products that I am kicking myself for not inventing years ago.
Stop by Atlas Marble & Tile today to get 1/16”, 3/32” and 1/8” grout joints. We are ready to help you get a top-notch installation.
Cheers,
John ☺
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