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Hexagon Laundry Room Tile #thetileshop @thetileshop

Published: Mar 26, 2014 by Ashley Phipps · 1374 words. · About 7 minutes to read this article. · 20 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads and sponsored posts · This blog uses cookies · See our privacy policy for more info Filed Under: DIY

On our journey to rid our home of linoleum, we recently completed our next project: the Laundry Room!  We had to prep our floors in much the same way that we prep'd our kid's bathroom floors.  It is important to take your time with your prep-work to be sure to lay a good foundation for your tile installation.  Again, this tile installed quite quickly.  And we LOVE our new Hexagon Travertine Tile Floors!

How to Install Hexagon Tile Floors | a complete tutorial for how to demo, prep, install concrete backer board and install new tile floors | #diy #tile #homeimprovement #hexagontile #travertine #thetileshop @thetileshop

Seriously this tile makes me smile!  We have tried to install tile in our home that would improve the value of our home and also look nice for a long time.  I am not sure that much in the design world is truly "timeless" but I did not want anything too trendy.


And every time I looked into our laundry room, I yearned for something fun!  This beautiful travertine hexagon tile was the perfect combination of a timeless travertine tile, but in a fun and unique shape! 

We both thought it would be perfect laundry room tile!


I see my laundry room every time I walk up my stairs and this room truly makes me smile now!  I love how it turned out!
 
Here is how it looked before:

How to Install Hexagon Tile Floors: before photo | a complete tutorial for how to demo, prep, install concrete backer board and install new tile floors | #diy #tile #homeimprovement #hexagontile #travertine #thetileshop @thetileshop


Here is a basic supply list of what we used to complete this project.  (Thank you to The Tile Shop for sending us many of these supplies in order to complete our project.)  (Note: may contain affiliate links)

Supplies

  • Tile:  Travertine Multi Hex 5cm #657670
  • Grout:  Desert Sand, Sanded
  • Flexible Grout Admixture
  • Poultice Stain Remover
  • Proflex Thinset (aka mortar)
  • Travertine Sealer
  • Trowel
  • Notched Trowel
  • Grout Float Tool
  • Mortar Mixing Paddle (for use with a power drill)
  • Large Sponge
  • Sealer Sponge
  • Tile Saw
  • Eye Protection
  • Ear Protection
  • 3 Buckets (one for mortar, grout and water)
  • Ryobi AirStrike Nail Gun
  • Ryobi Drill & Driver Set
  • Caulk
  • Touch-Up Paint and Foam Brush
  • Bristle cleaning brush

Here is how you will install new tile floors!

How Much Tile Do I Need?

To figure out how much tile you will need for your job, you will take the square footage of your room (length times width) and add an additional 10%.  Then round up to the next full box size and order that many boxes. 

You want to account for a bit of breakage as well as cuts and mistakes and this formula accounts for that.

How to Install Hexagon Tile Floors: demo | a complete tutorial for how to demo, prep, install concrete backer board and install new tile floors | #diy #tile #homeimprovement #hexagontile #travertine #thetileshop @thetileshop



Demo and Prep

See HERE for more information about our Demo.  But for us it was fairly easy.  We removed our quarter-round molding, ripped up our linoleum and then had to rip out a layer of plywood that was installed on our sub-floor.  

How to Install Hexagon Tile Floors: demo | a complete tutorial for how to demo, prep, install concrete backer board and install new tile floors | #diy #tile #homeimprovement #hexagontile #travertine #thetileshop @thetileshop


The plywood shattered and created an awful mess and there were nails everywhere that we had to either pull out or nail further into the sub-floor. 

Wood Sub-Floor | a complete tutorial for how to demo, prep, install concrete backer board and install new tile floors | #diy #tile #homeimprovement #hexagontile #travertine #thetileshop @thetileshop

 Either way you want your wood sub-floor to be as smooth as possible. 

How to Install Concrete Backer Board | a complete tutorial for how to demo, prep, install concrete backer board and install new tile floors | #diy #tile #homeimprovement #hexagontile #travertine #thetileshop @thetileshop



Install Concrete Backer Board

And see HERE for more information on how to install concrete backer board..


Where to Begin My Tile?

See HERE for more information on how to lay your tile and where to begin.

How to Cut Tile | a complete tutorial for how to demo, prep, install concrete backer board and install new tile floors | #diy #tile #homeimprovement #hexagontile #travertine #thetileshop @thetileshop



Cut Tile

At this point I am comfortable with a tile saw!  It is a great tool to have and you definitely need to invest in a decent one if you plan to do multiple tiling projects.  

Go HERE to read tips and tricks for using and purchasing a tile saw.

Please be sure to use eye and ear protection when using a tile saw.  And always read manufacture instructions and use common sense!  While tile saws are easy to use, you do want to be careful to not injure yourself!  

How to Install Hexagon Tile Floors: apply thinset | a complete tutorial for how to demo, prep, install concrete backer board and install new tile floors | #diy #tile #homeimprovement #hexagontile #travertine #thetileshop @thetileshop



Thinset (mortar)

Mix your thinset powdered mixture with water until it is a toothpaste-like consistency.  We used a mortar mixing paddle attached to our drill and it was really easy and quick!  If you just need a little bit though you can mix it by hand.

How to Lay Tile | a complete tutorial for how to demo, prep, install concrete backer board and install new tile floors | #diy #tile #homeimprovement #hexagontile #travertine #thetileshop @thetileshop



Lay Your Tile

I've talked before (here) about different ways to install your tile: from back-buttering your tile to applying the thinset directly to the floor, you can read more about your options HERE.  

But because this was a fairly small room with uncomplicated cuts, we knew we could completely lay the tile in one day.  So we spread the thinset directly onto the concrete backer board using our notched trowel. 

You will spread thinset directly onto your backer board and then you will hold the notched trowel at a 45 degree angle to the floor to create grooves.  These grooves allow for the tile to be put into place without the thinset expanding too much.  

Because this really awesome hexagon tile came in a 12" x 12" sheet on a mesh backing, it laid down really quickly!

As you are installing your tile, be sure that your tile is level and no edge is sticking up too far as you lay your tiles.

How to Install Hexagon Tile Floors: grout supplies | a complete tutorial for how to demo, prep, install concrete backer board and install new tile floors | #diy #tile #homeimprovement #hexagontile #travertine #thetileshop @thetileshop



Spacers

Our tile pattern was predetermined and came on a 12" x 12" mesh backing.  And we could have used spacers in between each sheet, but, honestly, we ended up eyeballing a lot of it.  (That is probably not the "professional" way to do it, but it worked for us.)  

There were a few areas we needed spacers in, but mostly, we didn't use them.  However, spacers make a great tool to scrape out any extra thinset that oozes out between the tiles.  

How to Install Hexagon Tile Floors: mix grout | a complete tutorial for how to demo, prep, install concrete backer board and install new tile floors | #diy #tile #homeimprovement #hexagontile #travertine #thetileshop @thetileshop



Grout

Be sure to let your thinset dry completely prior to grouting.  (The thinset and grout instructions give time frames to follow).  Mix the powdered grout mixture with your grout admixture until it is a toothpaste-like consistency.  

How to Grout Tile Floors | a complete tutorial for how to demo, prep, install concrete backer board and install new tile floors | #diy #tile #homeimprovement #hexagontile #travertine #thetileshop @thetileshop


Use your grout float at a 45 degree angle to apply your grout.  Be sure you don't miss any spots and be sure that the grout fills the grout lines completely.  Because our tiles were fairly small and the grout lines a bit on the larger size in my opinion, this room took a lot of grout, but it was well worth the effort!

You will work one area at a time and every 15 minutes or so, take a break and wipe the area you were working on with a wet sponge.  

How to Install Hexagon Tile Floors: clean grout | a complete tutorial for how to demo, prep, install concrete backer board and install new tile floors | #diy #tile #homeimprovement #hexagontile #travertine #thetileshop @thetileshop



De-Hazing

Let your grout completely set (again refer to the grout instructions for exact dry time) and then use Poultice Stain Remover to clean the grout haze off of your tile.  Follow the instructions on the back of the container, but basically you will pour your powder onto your tile and scrub it with a wet bristle brush.  

Work one area at a time, and then wipe it off with a clean wet sponge and/or paper towels.   

Seal

You will need to wait to seal your tile until about 48-72 hours after you have de-hazed your tile.  
Follow the instructions on the back of the bottle, but basically you will wipe a coat of sealer onto your tile using a sealer sponge.  Let the sealer soak into the stone for about 10 minutes and then wipe it off with a clean, dry cloth.  Wait about 30 minutes and repeat with a second coat of sealer if needed.

You will know if you have enough sealer on your floor by doing a drip test.  Drip a few drops of water onto your stone and if the water beads up, you do not need another coat of sealer.  If the water absorbs into the stone, you will want to apply another coat of sealer to your stone.

Be sure to follow all manufacture instructions and let your sealer dry completely prior to use.

Hexagon Tile Floors | a complete tutorial for how to demo, prep, install concrete backer board and install new tile floors | #diy #tile #homeimprovement #hexagontile #travertine #thetileshop @thetileshop

After the sealer was completely set, we re-installed our molding using our Ryobi AirStrike and then we put our washer and dryer back into our laundry room!  

And boy, did I ever have a huge pile of laundry to do!! 

Install Hexagon Tile Floors | a complete tutorial for how to demo, prep, install concrete backer board and install new tile floors | #diy #tile #homeimprovement #hexagontile #travertine #thetileshop @thetileshop

But at least I had a beautiful laundry room to do my laundry piles in!

If you ever encounter issues while installing your new tile floors, take the time to seek the help of a professional!  

We love our laundry room transformation!  

How to Install Hexagon Tile Floors | a complete tutorial for how to demo, prep, install concrete backer board and install new tile floors | #diy #tile #homeimprovement #hexagontile #travertine #thetileshop @thetileshop



You Might Also Enjoy:

How to Prep a Floor for Tile
How to Install Concrete Backer Board
How to Install Herringbone Tile

DIY Plank Walls

As always, I am no professional.  I am just sharing how we installed our Tile Floors!  Be sure to read and follow ALL manufacture instructions prior to completing any project like this.  Be sure to take all necessary safety precautions.  And if you get stuck, you may need to hire a professional.  

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Laurie from Laurie Jones Home

    March 26, 2014 at 8:15 am

    It turned out incredible!!! Great tutorial!!

    Reply
    • Ashley Phipps

      March 26, 2014 at 10:38 am

      Thank you so much Laurie!!

      Reply
  2. Chrissy Boerman

    March 26, 2014 at 9:40 am

    AMAZING. looks great. why the white tub under your machine?

    Reply
    • Ashley Phipps

      March 26, 2014 at 10:40 am

      Thank you Chrissy!<br /><br />We have a white tub under our washing machine for worst case scenario. I have never had my washing machine leak...knock on wood...but we are on a second story so if it did it could be pretty disastrous! We also have a built in drain in our laundry room and the white tub has a spout that leads right into it. So in theory, if we were ever to have something go wrong

      Reply
  3. LeAnn Nome

    March 26, 2014 at 10:07 am

    This is beautiful! Great job!

    Reply
    • Ashley Phipps

      March 26, 2014 at 10:41 am

      Thank you LeAnn!!

      Reply
  4. Katie @ Made to be a Momma.

    March 26, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    This turned out great!! Kudos to you for doing it!<br />

    Reply
    • Ashley Phipps

      March 26, 2014 at 10:13 pm

      Oh thank you so much Katie!

      Reply
  5. Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke

    March 27, 2014 at 10:06 am

    oh wow, that is SOOO beautiful! love it!! Pinning!

    Reply
    • Ashley Phipps

      March 28, 2014 at 10:21 am

      Thank you so much Kristen!!

      Reply
  6. Marie bloominghomestead

    April 08, 2014 at 6:26 pm

    This really is so fabulous Ashley! I love it. Thanks for sharing at the Sunday Soiree!

    Reply
    • Ashley Phipps

      April 08, 2014 at 7:19 pm

      Thank you so much Marie! And thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  7. Dear Emmeline

    April 18, 2014 at 10:37 pm

    Gorgeous Ashley!!

    Reply
    • Ashley Phipps

      May 17, 2014 at 4:59 pm

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  8. Adri

    May 29, 2015 at 9:47 pm

    How is your floor holding up? I am reluctant to put natural stone down... Do you have to take special care of it? Is it easier to take care of compare to slate or marble? Would you recommend it for a mud room ? Or just a low traffic room?

    Reply
    • Ashley Phipps

      June 12, 2015 at 8:19 pm

      It is holding up perfectly! I've had no issues with our tile at all! Slate and marble are both natural stone so I imagine the care is similar. Although marble wears very easily so I would be hesitant to put marble in a well-used area...but in a shower or small space it should be fine. Travertine floors seem to hold up well though in higher traffic areas from what I understand although I do not have first-hand knowledge about this since ours are mainly in low traffic areas. Best of luck!

      Reply
  9. Angela

    July 14, 2018 at 10:21 pm

    Question!

    We have found your blog SO incredibly helpful in replacing the tile in our 28 square ft. powder room with a mosaic natural stone. We have finished the demo and are installing the concrete boards tomorrow.

    There is one thing that I am hesitant about. The new tile with the 1/4 inch concrete backer boards will raise the hight of our flooring ever so slightly, just 1/8th of an inch or so. The hight isn't a problem except for the fact that the old tile fit under our floor baseboard moldings and this will raise above it slightly. Is there a problem with having that 1/4 inch gap under the molding between the flooring and the wall if the flooring is sitting above the baseboard molding by 1/8th inch or so?

    Should we fill that area with caulking? Does natural stone need room for expansion, or will the molding keep everything in place more or less? I have searched google and cannot find anything that addresses these questions. We also plan on installing quarter round molding after the tile installation for a cleaner look. My fear is that having a 1/4 inch space under the molding at between the wall and where the tile is installed will cause cracking or expanding over time. Mind you, there is no moisture in this room as it is the main floor powder room, I am not sure if that makes a difference in the habits of the stone.

    Thank you SO much! It's nice to find home advice from a woman!!!! You actually EXPLAIN things. SO enjoyable to read your blog!

    Reply
    • Ashley Phipps

      July 16, 2018 at 6:36 pm

      ​Hi there!

      I am so glad that you found my post helpful!

      You have a few options for how to do this.

      You can let your tile sit a little higher than your baseboard. Installing quarter-round will cover the gap between the side of the baseboard and your tile. It will, however, make your baseboard look a little shorter.

      You do not want your tile to be directly up against the baseboard. There should be spacing between the edge of the tile and whatever it is up against, either wall or baseboard.

      Typically the space between the edge of the tile and the wall/baseboard should be filled with grout, not caulk. But it sounds like the quarter-round will cover any gap there may be so there is no need for this.

      You can also remove your baseboards and install them just a little bit higher and then add the quarter round.

      I would not fill the area in the caulking.

      I hope that helps!

      Thanks so much
      Ashley

      Reply

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