How to Replace a Rug With Tile
- 1). Pull up a corner of the carpet with pliers. Once you have done this, cut lengthwise strips in the carpet with a utility knife.
- 2). Remove the carpet or rug. If you have a rug, this step is simple. On the other hand, carpet must be removed in strips.
- 3). Remove the tack strips. There will be tack strips around the perimeter of the room. Use the pry bar and hammer to pull up the tack strips. A paint scraper will help remove any glue that may be left over.
- 4). Do a dry run with the tiles. Lay them on the floor before you begin tiling. This will give you a chance to really see where the tiles will need to be cut and how many you will need.
- 5). Lay the ¼-inch cement backerboards on the floor. Use the construction adhesive to apply the backerboard to the floor.
- 6). Trim the door casings with a flush-cut saw. You will want the tiles to be able to slide underneath the casings easily.
- 7). Mix the thinset per manufacturer instructions. Apply the thinset with a tile trowel. Spread a thin layer of the thinset with the flat side of the trowel. Once this has been done, hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle and create the notches in the thinset.
- 8). Lay the tile. Use spacers to get the correct spacing between tiles.
- 9). Make the final cuts to the tile. Measure the tiles that will need to be cut and cut them appropriately. Allow the tiles to dry for a full 24 hours before walking on them.
- 10
Mix and apply a grout mixture. Make sure the tiles have tried for 24 hours and then apply the grout mixture to the tiles. The tile joints should be filled completely with the grout. Use the rubber trowel to remove excess grout. - 11
Remove the grout haze from the tiles with a sponge and water. This should be done approximately 30 minutes after the grout is applied.