How to Install Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile can be installed on floors and walls and can make a huge difference in any room. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Your going to want to make sure you have a level ground to work from.
Rip up old carpeting or existing flooring. Inspect your subfloor - the plywood underneath - for warping, holes, or gaps. If necessary, replace pieces of plywood to start with a smooth surface. -
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Vacuum everything - make sure the area is clear from all debris. Small imperfections can be covered with the adhesive - but anything major could eventually crack tiles.
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3
Mark your layout keeping in mind two things 1) that you can work your way out of the room and 2) that any cuts you'll have to make will be in hidden corners.
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Spread an even layer of Thinset with trowel around in the small area where you are going to start. Make sure you spread enough to put down a few tiles.
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Lay tile, pressing firmly and evenly into the Thinset. Don't worry about seepage, as you can wipe this away later.
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Put rubber spacers between tiles for even placement. Spacers come in different sizes depending how far apart you want each tile.
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Gently pound the tiles with a rubber mallet to make sure they are firmly adhered to the Thinset. You should pound the tiles from the inside out to the corners to squeeze out any air pockets.
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After a few tiles wipe with a damp close, any excess Thinset that may have come up through the sides of the tiles.
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Once you've made your way out of the room, you need to make sure you let the tiles sit for however long the Thinset calls for - usually a solid 24 hours - before attempting to grout.
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