How to install ceramic tiles

installing ceramic tiles on level floor

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• tile cutter,notched trowel size depends on size of tile,tile nippers,hand held tile cutter,grout float,sponge,rags,spacers,niddle nose pliers to remove spaces,thin set mortar and grout

1. Make sure floor is level and smooth. Spread thin set mortar on the sub floor for one sheet of cement board. place the cement board onto the mortar and fasten to sub floor with 1 1/4 inch screws. Keeping board spaced 1/4 inch away from wall. proceed laying rest of floor down using this method
2. Draw reference lines to establish the layout of the floor using 4 quardrents that equally separate the room. Mix a batch of thin set per directions on package. Spread the thin set onto the cement board using the proper trowel ( 1/4 inch for sizes up to 8 inch and 1/2 inch for tiles 12 inch and larger)
3. Lay the first tile on the intersecting lines in the center of the room. set the tile down with a slight twisting motion so it gets imbedded into the mortar. check with a level and proceed with the rest of the tiles placing the desired size tile spacers in between each tile for consistent grout lines
4. Check the floor frequently for a level surface. Measure and cut the pieces that will go against the wall make sure to subtract 1/4 inch for expansion. You will want to fill this joint with silicone once floor is complete. Take the tile and spread cement onto the tile and set it into place
5. Install tiles in the rest of the quardrents as you did in the previous steps. Remove all spacers from grout lines and clean the joints so none of the cement shows through the grout.
6. Wait at least 24 hours for cement to dry before grouting. Mix a small amount of grout in clean pail using cool water. spread grout using grout float. Apply in diagonal directions pushing grout into seams.
7. Holding float at a 60 degree angle scrape all excess grout from tile surface. repeat until entire floor is complete. clean tiles with sponge and water rinsing sponge frequently in clean water. Wait four hours and clean remaining residue with dry rag buffing to a bright shine
8. Apply caulking to the perimeter of room where the 1/4 inch gap was left for expansion. Install wall board or tile base cap to wall and you now have a beautiful professional looking floor

Tips & Warnings

• check the floor as you go along to make sure it is level. do not grout between floor and wall it will eventually crack and will not leave room for the floor to expand at its normal rate
• Never tight fit any floor to wall or the remaining floor will eventually buckle and grout lines will be compromised