How to Install a Tile Floor in a Basement

Installing a tile floor in a basement increases the value of your home by turning a storage space into a usable room. A tile floor is highly durable and provides a degree of soundproofing as well. Tile can be laid either over a sealed concrete floor or a sub-floor of plywood covered with cement board. This project can normally be completed over a weekend, and most of the specialized equipment can be rented if necessary.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Thin-set mortar
• Drill with paddle attachment
• Measuring tape
• Chalk and line
• Tile
• Wet saw or scratch cutter
• 1/4-inch notched trowel
• 1/8-inch spacers
• Sponge
• Rubber trowel
• Wet/dry vac
• Grout
• Needle-nosed pliers
• Cloth
• Sealer
• Mop

Tiling the Basement Floor

1. Seal the floor if it's concrete or install cement boards over a plywood sub-floor. Sweep thoroughly and ensure there are no screw heads protruding that could cause unevenness. Mark the center of the floor, and pop chalk lines to form a grid of squares 1/8 inch larger than the tiles.

2. Mix thin-set mortar with water in a deep bucket using a paddle until it is the consistency of stiff whipped cream. Apply it to the floor using a 1/4-inch notched trowel. Apply a small amount to the back of the first tile, and set it in place 1/8 inch from the center mark lines. Follow up with the next three tiles to form the center square, spacing with 1/8-inch spacers.

3. Continue laying tiles in all directions until you reach the perimeter of room. Cut tiles with a wet saw or scratch cutter to fit along walls. Wipe the surface of the tiles with a wet sponge to remove any thin-set that may ooze up between them.

4. Let the thin-set dry overnight. Remove spacers with a pair of needle-nosed pliers, and scratch up any remaining thin-set that remains between tiles. Suck up any dust or tile chips with a wet/dry vac.

5. Mix grout with water in small batches, thoroughly blending out lumps until it is the consistency of soft butter. Use a rubber-edged trowel held at a 45-degree angle to force the grout into the grout joints. Wait 10 minutes, then remove excess with a damp sponge, rinsing the sponge after each swipe.

6. Let the grout dry overnight. Remove any haze from the tile with a damp rag. Seal with a high-grade sealer using a mop, and let it dry. The floor will be ready for use the next day.

Tips & Warnings

• If desired, you can lay tile in a "broken joint pattern." Lay an entire row of tile along the center line from wall to wall, starting with a whole tile. Lay second row of tile starting with a half tile. The resulting "bricklayer" pattern makes a small room appear larger.
• If the basement floor is concrete, it may require a self-leveling compound to make the floor even.

References

• The DIY Network

[EdenSharpe]

on 9/13/2009 Great instructions and pic. thanks!