The thin-set mortar mix, (glue) should dry for around 24 hours before grouting.
You do not have to take the tile up if your grout is cracking.
Grout usually cracks once it dries for one or two reasons.
#1- Not enough grout was pushed into the joints.
#2- Too much water in the grout. Either from mixing improperly or not squeezing out the sponge well enough during the grouting process.
You can purchase a grout scraper at a home supply/hardware store for about $6.00.
Scrape the top layer of grout out, (if it is as high as the tile), then just reapply the grout, being careful to sqeeze out excess water from the grout sponge and not applying pressure to the sponge.
Use a circular motion, when going over the grout to wipe away the excess grout.
Let it dry overnight, them go over it useing your grout sponge and a mixture of white vinegar and water.
If there is any remaining grout haze left on the tile after the second wash, then dampen the tile just a little and use a razor scraper at a 45 degree angle to scim the top of the tile. That will remove any remaining grout haze on the tile.
If your sub-floor is concrete, then there is no need to lay backerboard.
You can also purchase a concrete mix to level out your wood floor and scim it instead of laying backerboard, provided that your wooden sub-floor is in good shape and 3/4 inch thick. Check for this product at your local Home Depot or home supply store.
You do not have to take the tile up if your grout is cracking.
Grout usually cracks once it dries for one or two reasons.
#1- Not enough grout was pushed into the joints.
#2- Too much water in the grout. Either from mixing improperly or not squeezing out the sponge well enough during the grouting process.
You can purchase a grout scraper at a home supply/hardware store for about $6.00.
Scrape the top layer of grout out, (if it is as high as the tile), then just reapply the grout, being careful to sqeeze out excess water from the grout sponge and not applying pressure to the sponge.
Use a circular motion, when going over the grout to wipe away the excess grout.
Let it dry overnight, them go over it useing your grout sponge and a mixture of white vinegar and water.
If there is any remaining grout haze left on the tile after the second wash, then dampen the tile just a little and use a razor scraper at a 45 degree angle to scim the top of the tile. That will remove any remaining grout haze on the tile.
If your sub-floor is concrete, then there is no need to lay backerboard.
You can also purchase a concrete mix to level out your wood floor and scim it instead of laying backerboard, provided that your wooden sub-floor is in good shape and 3/4 inch thick. Check for this product at your local Home Depot or home supply store.
