Things You'll Need:
- Tile
- Mud, thinset or adhesive
- Spacers
- Level
- Tile cutter and tile nippers
- Notched trowel
- Wide putty knife
- Large bucket
- Sponge
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Step 1
Set up your supplies in an area that's easily accessible to you, yet away from your tile setting area. Dry set the tile to decide on the type of pattern you want for the floor. Decide the starting point for your tile work and mark the floor; make sure it's level so the floor tiles will be level throughout the job.
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Step 2
Prepare the floor before you set the tile. Remove any nails or screws protruding from the floor, tack strips and carpeting. Fill in any obvious indentations or chips in the floor. It's not necessary to remove vinyl flooring; you can set tile right on top of it.
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Step 3
Mix the mud according to package directions. The type of mud you use will depend on the condition of the floor as well as dampness and temperature. Read the back of the package before you purchase the mud to make sure you get the right type for your floor. Put the appropriate amount of mud in the bucket and add water as directed. Mix the mud thoroughly with the wide putty knife and let the mixed mud rest between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the directions.
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Step 4
Apply the mud to the floor surface at your starting point. Use the wide putty knife to move the mud from the bucket to the floor. Spread the mud with the plain side of the notched trowel, enough to cover a workable surface. Make sure you apply the mud in straight sections, never in a circular motion. If the mud is applied in a circular motion, air pockets could develop and cause the tile flooring to be uneven when the mud has dried.
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Step 5
Place the notched side of the trowel at the beginning of the mud and pull towards you to make grooves in the mud. Trowel depth is determined by the type of tile and mud you buy and your existing flooring. Make sure the grooves are in straight lines, not in circular patterns. Apply mud only to an area that you can work in 20 minutes. Stir the mud occasionally while setting the tile.
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Step 6
Set the first tile in place, at the pre-determined starting point. Place the tile in the mud and gently twist it. The twisting motion helps the tile to grip into the mud. Make sure the first tile set is level. Place spacers at the top and bottom of the tile, where the next tile is to be set. Set the next tile right up to the spacer. The spacers keep grout lines straight and keep the tile flooring level as you work.
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Step 7
Wipe off any mud that adheres to the surface of the tile before it dries; dried mud on the tile surface is difficult to remove. Check the tile flooring you've just laid for globs of mud before moving on to the next section. Wait at least 24 hours before applying grout.
