How to Lay Mexican Tile Over Hardwood Floors

Mexican tile is both beautiful and unique. These handcrafted, hand glazed and painted ceramic pieces add a taste of the 17th century to your kitchen or bath, and fill the room with bright, interesting color. The quality that makes the tile so beautiful and unique is also what makes it more difficult to lay than machined tiles. The rich texture and varying relief of the tile makes even a plain tile for the floor a work of art. You can lay Mexican tile over hardwood floors, but you need to make sure that you precisely follow all of the directions.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Hammer
• Nails
• Tile
• Grout
• Chalk lines
• Uncoupling membrane
• Thinset
• V-notched trowel
• Mud pan
• Sealer
• Soft cloth
• Water
• Sponge
• Rubber grout float

Instructions

1. Measure the area you want to cover. You'll need the measurement to purchase the tiles, grout and other materials necessary to lay the Mexican tiles over your hardwood floor. Measure the tiles and the width of the grout you intend to use.

2. Check the boards on the hardwood flooring and reattach any loose ones. Laying the tile is not the most crucial part of the job; preparing the surface correctly before the first tile goes on the floor, however, is. You'll need to purchase an uncoupling membrane. The uncoupling membrane absorbs any movement of the floor or subfloor so the tiles don't break loose.

3. Cut the pieces of uncoupling membrane to fit the area. You'll install the membrane one section at a time. Apply a latex-modified thinset to the wood with a V-notched trowel. Use the flat side to push the mud into all areas. Spread more thinset, but use the notched side this time to spread it. Always keep the trowel lines going in the same direction. Immediately lay the uncoupling membrane for that area. Use a 75 lb. linoleum roller to firmly press it to the floor. Try not to spread more thinset than you can finish in 15-20 minutes.

4. Start with the center of the room and work out from there, if your room is perfectly square. If its not, find the focal point of the room. This is the first spot your eyes see when you walk in the door. This is the area where you'll start laying the tiles. You want your best work at this spot. Use a chalk line for the center of the focal point. Use the measurement for the size of the tile and one grout line to put a chalk line every three tiles for both horizontal and vertical lines. These keep your grout lines straight.

5. Lay out three rows of tiles. If you start in the center and work outward, it doesn't matter in which direction you go. If you start at the focal point, center the tiles in the middle of the focal point. Use the dry run to cut any tiles necessary and check your design.

6. Spread the thinset with a 3/8 inch notched trowel. The bottoms of the Mexican tiles are often not completely flat and this gives a good ridge. Fill in the waffled holes of the uncoupling layer first with the flat side and then use the notched side to create a good bond. You may find some of the tiles set higher than others do. Compensate by buttering the backs of the tiles with thinset to make up for the height. Finish laying all the tiles and allow the area to dry overnight.

7. Seal the face of the tile with a sealer before you begin to grout. This makes clean up easier later. Mix the grout and apply it with a rubber grout float. Use a rag to take off excess grout. Try not to disturb the grout lines. Use a soft sponge and some water to wash the grout from the tile. Allow the grout to dry, clean the tile one more time and seal it again.