Some lubricants can also be very helpful. In Colorado, dry basement, built 1961. Apply the Mortar Bed. It isn't expensive, but it can also reduce the amount of efflorescence that comes up through the tile and/or grout. No matter the weather or season, a laminate wood floor should be a silent expanse that runs through your living spaces. Dry laying your tiles. The soapy water will remove most stains, but may not be effective on tough grease or oil stains. All Rights Reserved. Remove any carpet or other flooring. Marble floor tile (like all floor tile) requires a smooth, flat, water-resistant base … The tile adhesive is designed specifically to bond tile to a subfloor. Use a thin-set product to install ceramic tile over existing tiles. http://www.custombuildingproducts.com/homeowners/diy-how-to-guides/interior-floors/uneven-concrete-floors.aspx#5092, http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/qa-spotlight/how-install-tile-over-concrete, http://www.uglyducklinghouse.com/2013/11/tiling-cement-subfloor-ditra-uncoupling-membrane.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Let the contact cement dry on the floor until it's no longer wet, but is still sticky to the touch. If you take the time to level the floor, install a membrane and layout your tile properly, you can improve the look of a concrete floor within a week. Vinyl is a beautiful and convenient flooring choice for any basement. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Lay-Tile-on-Concrete-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Lay-Tile-on-Concrete-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Lay-Tile-on-Concrete-Step-1.jpg\/aid4105775-v4-728px-Lay-Tile-on-Concrete-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"