How to Lay Tiles on an Uneven Floor

One problem that often faces people interested in laying their own tiles is how to properly lay tiles on an uneven floor. Houses, buildings, and apartments experience growing pains of their own when the wood expands and contracts or may experience a little bit of upheaval as the earth beneath these buildings shifts. This leads to uneven floors. Your tile floors are an investment, so do not waste time and money by attempting to lay tiles on an uneven floor when taking a few extra steps will extend the life and beauty of your tile floors.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tile
• Latex primer
• Roller
• Screw gun
• Thinset
• Grout
• Pencil
• Chalkline
• Leveling compound
• Trowel
• Squeegee
• Sponge
• Wet saw
• Measuring tape
• Broom
• Vacuum
• Mop
• Sealer

1. Make sure that the subfloor in question is stable---that it doesn't bounce or creak when you are walking on it. Do this by screwing the subflooring more tightly into the joists below. A screw gun is highly recommended and will become your best friend if you are covering a large area.

2. Remove all dirt, grime, and residue from the subfloor. Sweep, vacuum, then mop to be certain that there is nothing left behind to prevent the liquid leveling compound from bonding to the subfloor.

3. Prime the floor with a latex primer. This can be done with a roller in order to completed quickly. Allow the latex primer adequate drying time. Go over floor with a level and identify specific problem spots where the floor is uneven or not level. Mark these spots with a pencil so you will know where they are when you apply leveling compound.

4. Apply the self leveling compound and work with it quickly so it doesn't have time to dry out on you. Hit the problem areas first, and the compound should begin to spread out fairly evenly on its own. Use a squeegee to help spread the compound if, for some reason, it isn't moving quickly enough. Make sure all the problem areas are hit, and then allow time for the compound to dry.

5. Begin the tiling process without the need to lay tiles on an uneven floor once the leveling compound has dried completely---usually 24 hours will prove sufficient.

6. Decide on the pattern you want to follow when laying the tiles. Most boxes will offer suggestions that maximize the beauty of the tiles. Consider going with the pattern advice on the box, or follow a different pattern you've found along the way.

7. Use a chalkline and measuring tape to create a grid on the floor where you will begin laying tiles. Begin in the middle of your grid and work your way out towards the walls. Use the notched edge of the trowel to spread adhesive. Place tile in the adhesive and apply spacers to the corners. Wipe thinset that rises between the cracks quickly so that it doesn't have time to dry. Continue doing this until all the whole tile pieces have been laid.

8. Cut tile pieces that require cutting with a wet saw. Measure twice to cut only once is a good rule of thumb to remember. Always wear protective gear when working with a wet saw. Finish the pattern out with cut tile pieces and allow time for the adhesive to dry.

9. Remove the spacers between the tiles and fill in the space with grout. Wipe away any grout that has gotten onto the tiles quickly. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the grout to set, and then remove excess grout and grit with a damp cloth. Allow plenty of time for the grout to set or "cure," and then cover with a sealer. Do this to after about a week in order to prevent discoloration of the grout and prolong the beauty of your floors.

Tips & Warnings

• Lay the tiles out on the floor without any adhesive and using spacers first to see if you like the pattern or if any adjustments or cuts need to be made along the way. Arrange the pattern to utilize as many full tile pieces as possible so that fewer tiles are cut. Work in a small area at a time when working with thinset so that the adhesive doesn't dry out.

Resources

• Laying Ceramic Floor Tile
• Installing Floor Tiles