How to Install Brick Tile

Brick tile is a beautiful alternative to most flooring material used today, whether it be inside or out. Brick tile can be used inside, ideally in a sun room, or outside on a concrete patio or walkway, as well as around a pool. It is not that difficult to install once you get used to the process.

Things You'll Need

• Brick tile
• Thin set mortar
• Grout
• Thompson 's Water Seal
• Large sponge
• 1/4-inch notched trowel
• Grout float
• Tape measure
• Chalk line
• Tile cutter
• 1/4-inch tile spacers
• (2) 5-gallon buckets

Instructions

1. Choose the tile. Measure the surface to be tiled. Multiply the length and the width to get the square footage, and then divide that number by 7.5 (the number of brick tile per square foot). This will give you the amount of brick tile needed for tiling.

2. Select a thin set mortar that is the same color as the grout. Thin set is a latex/mortar adhesive that is used to stick the tile to the base surface (concrete). It can be purchased in 5-lb. bags and only needs water and mixing before using. Follow the directions on the bag for mixing instructions. Don't select a gray thin set if your grout is going to be white. The bag will have a coverage area listed on the side. Use this to determine the amount you need based on your own square footage.

3. Choose a grout that is darker than the thin set mortar. Grout is a sand-based latex mortar just like the thin set. However, it has a more sandy texture and is used to fill in the spaces in between the brick tile, usually 1/4 inch.

4. Prepare the other tools for usage. If you don't have the tools listed above, then buy them or rent them. The tile cutter can be rented from your local tool rental store. They will instruct you on how to use the tile cutter.

5. Prepare the area you are about to tile. Make sure all dirt and debris is washed and swept off before you begin to lay the brick tile. If there are any grease spots, then clean them with a degreaser and a wire brush.

6. Lay out the area with chalk marks and measurements. Find the center of the area that you are tiling. Measure the length, divide that by two, and do the same for the width. Using these measurements, make a mark on each side of the width and the length. Snap a chalk line across from the two width marks and the two length marks. You will have a cross on your work area when you are done.
   Because this will be your center mark, you want a mark in reference to this one that will allow you to lay the first bit of pavers right up next to it. Remember, the center marks will be the center of your tile, and it will be difficult to determine where to align the center of the tile. Because the tiles are 3.625 inches wide, take half of that and mark to the left of the center lines 1.8125. Make new marks at the top and bottoms of your center marks, and snap a new line.

7. Seal the brick tile before tiling. Because the brick tile have a very porous surface, spray on one coat of water seal to prevent any thin set or tile grout from getting into the tile and staining them.

8. Mix the thin set by following the bag instructions. Mix the thin set in the 5-gallon bucket. Always add about a quarter of a bucket of water first so that you don't have hardened thin set in the bottom of the bucket. Once your thin set has a toothpaste consistency, you are ready for tile. Spread out the first row of thin set where you will lay your first row of tile. Use the 1/4-inch notches to drag the thin set. This will give you a 1/4-inch bed for the tile to press into.

9. Lay the first row of tile. Lay the tile with the left edge on the left offset mark. The center line should be in the center of the brick tile. Use the lines to square the tile. Lay the first row up and down until you get to the ends. Cut any cuts with the tile saw to finish the run. You now have a straight and square row of tiles to work from. Using the 1/4-inch tile spacers, lay the next row, working from left to right and then right to left until you have tiled the entire area.

10. Allow the brick tiles to set for 24 hours, remove the tile spacers, and grout the joints. Follow the mixing instructions on the grout bag, and add the water to the bucket first, just like Step 8. You may pour the grout onto a small area of the tile and sweep it into the grout joints with the grout float. Press down slightly to press the grout into the joints. Use the sponge and a clean bucket of water to wipe the grout off the surface of the brick tile. Don't leave any chunks of grout on the surface. The grout will have left a white film on the surface of the tile after 24 hours. Using a clean sponge, wipe the pavers down until you have a clean surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Always measure twice before cutting. Brick tiles (3 5/8 by 7 5/8 by 1/2 inches) come in several different colors, such as reds, browns, tans and a mixture of all three.

• Always wear protective eye wear when cutting tile.

References

• More information on laying brick tiles