How do you minimize lippage....

[Dave B]

Putting down 12 x 12 porcelain tile.....I'm using plastic spacers and chalk lines.

Everything's in line...but I am getting some uneven spots--less than 1/16 inch -- but it is noticeable--esp at the corners where all 4 tiles meet.

Any specific tricks of the trade to minimize this. Right now I'm getting things level by hammering on a 2 x 4....................Thanks--Dave

[Mike2]

Hi Dave:

The process begins by having a floor that is flat, very flat to begin with. In order to check for that you need an 8' to 10' straight edge.

What are you setting these tile on? Directly on plywood/OSB/concrete slab, backerboard, Ditra, etc? What size trowel are you using (at least a 1/4"X 1/4" and are you back-buttering the tiles first?

[Dave B]

Originally Posted by Mike2

Hi Dave:

The process begins by having a floor that is flat, very flat to begin with. In order to check for that you need an 8' to 10' straight edge.

What are you setting these tile on? Directly on plywood/OSB/concrete slab, backerboard, Ditra, etc? What size trowel are you using (at least a 1/4"X 1/4" and are you back-buttering the tiles first?

It's an entrance hallway.....4 foot wide. The tile's going on 1/4 inch hardibacker-----max was about 1/8 inch off level.

Trowel's 1/4" x 3/8".....and I have been back-buttering the tiles (just a skim coat)................

[doitright]

Hi Dave

Is this a polished, honed, or textured porcelain?

What is the setting material that you are using? I would use at least a 1/4 x 3/8 notched trowel. Many times to avoid lippage in instances like this a medium bed thinset will help. Also the use of a 2' and 4' level on the tiles as you go.

As Mike pointed out, starting with a flat floor, is also extremely helpful.

[Dave B]

Originally Posted by doitright

Hi Dave

Is this a polished, honed, or textured porcelain?

What is the setting material that you are using? I would use at least a 1/4 x 3/8 notched trowel. Many times to avoid lippage in instances like this a medium bed thinset will help. Also the use of a 2' and 4' level on the tiles as you go.

As Mike pointed out, starting with a flat floor, is also extremely helpful.

I'd originally wanted slate. After reading about some of the pitfalls of real slate----I decided to take the advice I read here of getting a ceramic tile that looks like skate.

The tile has a textured,uneven surface to it.................is a certain amount of lippage to be expected......or am I just screwing it up????

[doitright]

Hi Dave

How big are your grout joints?

With textured tile, there will be minimal lippage, while the floor remains flat.

[Dave B]

Originally Posted by doitright

Hi Dave

How big are your grout joints?

With textured tile, there will be minimal lippage, while the floor remains flat.

1/4 INCH----(I haven't started grouting yet).

[doitright]

Dave,

Watch your grouting, and you'll be fine!

[Dave B]

Originally Posted by doitright

Dave,

Watch your grouting, and you'll be fine!

Thanks----if it hadn't been for this forum----this project would've been a disaster...........................

[Mike2]

Keep an even angle on the trowel and final comb the thinset in one direction only. Then lay the tile down and while pressing wiggle it in at a right angle to the thinset ridges.

Have you checked the tile backs - are they flat and not cupped or warped?