Buying stone, travertine, marble, terrazzo, or other natural products can add up to a huge bill when you are decorating or redecorating your house. For example, my home is approx. 1400 sq. ft. At $20/sq. ft. for travertine tiles, that comes to $28,000 before tax. Hand poured concrete tiles can cost as much as $8 to $10 each.
For significant savings, I can pour my own concrete tiles and color them to resemble the expensive ones for about $.25 to $.50 a sq. ft. That is about $350 to $700 for the concrete and everything needed to complete the job. In the end, I will save over $10,000 to $14,000 by making and installing my own concrete tiles.
Anyone can make his or her own concrete tiles. It does take physical labor, time and some imagination to color the tiles. Once I have finished the installation, I can sell tiles. Custom-made concrete 12-inch square tiles have sold for as much as $5 to $8 each. I could definitely recoup my entire costs and have a business to boot.
You will need:
• Pre mix concrete
• Concrete floor tile molds in the shape and size you desire
• Concrete dyes
• Concrete hardeners
• Mixing bucket and tools
• Concrete vibrator table
• Water
• Shelves for drying racks
• Oil for molds
• Gloves and eye protection
• Weight scale or measuring equipment
• Respirator or face mask
Measure your room and decide what size tiles you want to have. Gather your materials together. If you are not sure what size tiles look best, cut cardboard into the desired shapes and sizes. If necessary, paint them to resemble the chosen color scheme. Lay them on the floor in the type of pattern the finished tiles will be. Use double-stick tape to hold them in place for a few days.
Take a notebook and ask yourself the following as you live with the cardboard pattern: Does the size and pattern of the tile mock-up fit the room? Would a different shape or size, perhaps a layout pattern change would be better? Are the colors in keeping with your chosen décor?
The cardboard mock-ups allow for the evaluation of several different patterns and sizes at the same time.
Decide where you will do the concrete mixing- preferably in a well-ventilated garage. Have shelves set up for the molds to set and to dry once released. This means the tile has been taken out of the mold.
Set up your vibrating table. These tables are available commercially or can be homemade. The table will be used to vibrate the concrete so that air bubbles will come to the top and burst. This will ensure the tiles are solid and strong.
Prepare your mold. Spray with mold release or vegetable oil. Use the oil lightly so the tile is even. This allows the tile to be removed without breaking. Mix the desired amount of concrete, hardener and coloring. You can add color to the concrete or sprinkle it in the mold itself, or both if you desire. Practice with the colors and dyes to get the effect or color you want.
The mixture should be about the consistency of smooth peanut butter. It should not flow like liquid. If there is too much moisture, the tile will be weak and crack. Fill the tile to approximately 1/2″. Tiles will shrink a little when they dry. If you use more mix for an initially thicker tile, just remember to pour a consistent level.
If you are just making your practice molds, you can gently bounce the tile up and down on a smooth surface to get the air bubbles out by hand. For larger pours (several molds), use a vibrating table. Once the tiles have been vibrated, place on a rack or shelf covered in plastic wrap to dry for no less than 24 hours. forty-eight is better.
Carefully remove the tile from the mold and place on the shelf to continue curing for at least 30 days, again covered in plastic wrap. Do not encase them in it- just cover them. Keep the temperature of the curing room above freezing- warmer is better, but heaters are not needed unless it’s freezing outside.
After a couple of weeks, the tiles can be covered in sealant for their protection. They will still be curing for another couple of weeks.
Your molds can be reused once the tile has been released. You can clean the unused color powder from the mold, or let it help color the next tile. The uneven coloring is highly desired in handmade tiles. Good molds will last through approximately 50 tiles.
Properly sealed, the tiles can be used indoors or outdoors. You can save a bundle by pouring your own patio tiles.
Attach your new tiles as you would concrete tiles from the DIY store. Use the proper mortar and grout for concrete tiles. You can install your own, or hire someone with all the money you have saved.
• Practice with different tiles and color powders to make tiles that resemble different stones, marbles, travertine, wood, brick, terra cotta, and more.
• Pour thinner tiles, about ¼” to 3/8,” for a tiled tabletop. Pour thicker ones, ¾” to 2″ using the proper molds for outside pavers.
• Practice with different painting techniques to create faux marble tiles for your bathroom, bedroom, living room, etc. No one but you will know for sure.
• Never use motor oil in your concrete molds. This is an environmentally unsound practice, and you are going to be walking on these tiles with your bare feet.
• Use the mask and gloves when mixing concrete. Follow the safety precautions with the concrete vibrator.
Reference:
- www.Oldeworld.com, from www.Harborfreight.com
- www.themoldstore.info/Vibrating_Table.html
- www.TheMoldStore.com
