How to Lay Ceramic Tile

Before you can begin installing ceramic tile flooring, laying out the pattern is critical. Although a wide range of patterns can be achieved, these instructions will help you lay a simple square grid pattern with your ceramic tile. Once you have your pattern layout, you can proceed to installing the tiles.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Carpenter's square
• Chalk line
• Ceramic tile
• Plastic spacers
• Tape measure

1. Prepare the subfloor before laying ceramic tile by installing ceramic tile backboards over plywood or patching a cement foundation to create a level surface.

2. Start the pattern you will use to lay ceramic tile at the entrance of the main door to the room.

3. Snap a chalk line perpendicular to the entrance to use as a guideline to lay your first row of ceramic tile. Make sure the line is at a 90 degree angle by using a square and extend the line from the main door to the opposite wall.

4. Lay your first row of ceramic tile along the chalk line. Use spacers between each tile to ensure that they are equally spaced.

5. Install a temporary board at the end of the row when you can no longer lay a full tile.

6. Put down ceramic tiles along the board perpendicular to the first row.

7. Measure the spaces at either end of this row to determine how much you need to move the center row to achieve an equal border on all walls.

8. Snap a new chalk line to mark the line where you will begin installing your ceramic tile.