Kitchen Floor Tile Installation 

Completed a 250 sq. ft. ceramic kitchen floor installation in a diamond pattern, including demolition, subfloor leveling with self-leveler, plywood reinforcement, waterproofing, and Hardie board installation. Executed precise tile layout and cutting using leveling systems and custom templates to maintain alignment and prevent breakage. 

In late 2025, I completed a 250-square-foot ceramic tile installation in a residential kitchen in East Pittsburgh. The project involved full demolition, subfloor correction, and installation of square ceramic tiles in a diamond pattern. Because a diamond layout amplifies alignment errors across the entire floor, precise measurement and layout planning were critical from the start. The project required both structural preparation and finish-level accuracy to achieve a professional result.

The work began with demolition. We removed existing cabinets and flooring, then carefully pulled nails and staples from the subfloor to create a clean surface. Two sections of the floor were uneven, so we applied four bags of self-leveling compound to bring the surfaces closer to plane. Proper floor preparation was essential to prevent cracking, shifting, or hollow spots after installation.

Once leveled, we installed 1/2" plywood to strengthen the base, waterproofed the plywood, applied mortar, and secured Hardie board as the tile substrate. Every layer was installed methodically to create a rigid and moisture-resistant foundation. Ensuring proper fastening and adhesion at this stage directly impacted the durability of the finished floor.

Tile installation required careful layout planning due to the diamond pattern. We established reference lines before beginning and used leveling clips and wedges to maintain consistent spacing and height across the surface. I used a tile saw and tile snapper for cuts, along with custom plywood templates for edge pieces and irregular boundaries. Cutting tiles accurately without breakage while maintaining the integrity of the pattern required patience, repeated measurements, and strong spatial awareness.

Grouting and finishing were completed carefully to ensure clean joints and uniform spacing. The entire custom portion of the project — demolition through tile — was completed over seven days, followed by three additional days installing IKEA cabinets. The finished floor has remained stable and visually consistent, with no issues reported within the first six months of use.

This project demonstrates my ability to execute full-scope renovation work, from structural floor preparation to detailed finish installation. It highlights precision measurement, layered system installation, pattern alignment, and long-term durability planning — all essential qualities in skilled trade work.