How to Install Tile

Installing ceramic tile in your home can make a dramatic change in its appearance. Whether you use it as a backsplash, on a countertop or on the walls in your bathroom and shower, new ceramic tiles will give your home a modern look that is timeless.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hammer
• Eye protection
• Tile nippers
• Sponges
• Cement backer board (if necessary)
• Tubber float
• Ceramic or porcelain tile
• Grout
• Tile cutter or tile saw
• Nails
• Thinset
• Square
• Buckets
• Tape measure
• Notched trowel

Surface Preparation

1. Check the soundness of any surface where you are planning to install tile. Regular drywall/wallboard may be sufficient to hold ceramic tile on a backsplash, but backer board is stronger.

2. Regular drywall/wallboard may be sufficient to hold ceramic tile on a backsplash, but backer board is stronger.

3. If you are putting the tiles in your bathroom, backer board is a requirement, and if you are putting it on a countertop be sure the surface is sound with no loose areas or bubbles.

Tile Layout and Installation

4. Measure the height and width to be covered with tiles. Ceramic tiles very from four and a quarter inches to six inches. Divide the area by the size of the tile you’ve chosen. Buy some extra tiles since tiles can break during installation and, if you need to replace a tile in the future, die lots will differ and the tiles may not match.

5. Clean the area where you are going to be installing the tile and allow it to dry thoroughly. If you are going to be installing tiles around electrical outlets, be sure the power is turned off to the outlet and then remove the cover plate.

6. Dry fit and plan the layout of your tile pattern. Try to maximize the number of full tiles you will use so you don't need to spend a lot of time cutting and fitting half and partial tiles.

7. Apply manufacturer recommended adhesive with a notched trowel (one quarter by one quarter) to a small area and set the first tile in place by pressing it firmly into the adhesive. Check that it is level, insert spacers at the corners and apply the second tile. Work you way along the first row and then move up to the second row and continue until the area is covered.

8. Cut partial tiles to size using a tile cutter or tile saw (can be rented from your home center or a tile store). Cut tiles to shape using a tile nipper to "bite off" small pieces of the tile.

9. Clean off any excess adhesive after all the tiles are installed and allow the adhesive to dry overnight or according to manufacturer's recommendations.

Grouting

10. Remove spacers after the adhesive has dried and mix your grout following manufacturer's directions.

11. Apply the grout using a rubber float and pushing it down into the cracks between the tile. Wipe away any excess by passing the float over the tiles at a 45-degree angle.

12. Wait about a half hour (until the grout has partially set up) and using a damp sponge wipe away traces of grout on the tile surface.

13. Pack and shape the grout by running a rounded stick (popsicle stick) in the grout lines.

14. Wait until the grout has dried and then wipe away any haze left behind (again using a damp sponge and clean water).

15. Reattach outlet covers (you will need to use longer screws than those that came out).

16. Wait three or four days and seal the grout to ensure it keeps its fresh clean appearance.

Tips & Warnings

• Install backer board using two inch galvanized nails directly into the wall studs every six to eight inches. Drive the nails flush and use a nail set. You can crush the backer board by trying to drive the nails too deep.
• When backer board is being used in bath or shower enclosures install a waterproof membrane over the backer board to help protect it from moisture.
• If you have never used a tile cutter make some practice cuts to gain confidence with the tool. Using a tile cutter requires you to score or mark a line where you want the tile to break, positioning that mark over a raised surface and then breaking the tile. In theory, it should break along the scored line.
• Using the tile nippers, work slowly and take small cuts. Trying to take off too much at one time will likely result in the tile breaking.
• Always wear wrap around eye protection when cutting tiles with the nippers. Small pieces of cut tile can fly around dangerously.
• The edges of cut tiles are quite sharp. Smooth them by filing them gently or by rubbing them on a hard surface like a brick.

[stefanie720]

on 2/9/2009 this is incredibly helpful..my family is moving and we were thinkin about doing a tile backsplash in the kitchen. thanks for writing! 5*

[artisticre]

on 1/8/2009 This is a great article. My dad was a third generation tile contractor so I know the business. I think your tips were correct and follow all the specs of a tile job. Great article!

[bediane1954]

on 8/24/2007 This is great! I just finished remodeling, with my hubby, of course, our bathroom. I enjoyed the construction work. He even bought me a scroll saw for my help. I'll be making birdhouses.
One question about doing a backdrop in the kitchen, what about tile work over laminate?
Thanks,
Diane