How to Lay Ceramic Tiles in a Bathroom
Remodel projects or new installations can be daunting projects for a novice or to someone with lots of experience in home improvement. Certainly, some home improvement projects are easier to tackle than others. But installing ceramic tiles in your bathroom does not need to be a stressful task that has you pulling your hair out. Contrary to many people's understanding, installing ceramic tile can be done by anyone, as long as the proper methods are followed. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Broom Tile spacers (dependent upon choice of grout joint width) Tape measure Grease pencil Chalk line Framing square Latex modified thinset 2-3 buckets (3 gallon or larger) Mixing drill and beater Tile wet saw Notched trowel (3/8" for 12" tiles, or 1/4" for 4" to 8" tiles) Margin trowel Latex modified grout Grout float Tile sponge Rubber gloves Earplugs Safety glasses
Instructions
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Preperation and layout
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1
Remove all debris from your installation area using the broom.
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2
Lay several tiles in a row using the tile spacers.
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3
Measure the tiles as they are laid out. Then measure the area where you are installing the tile. Determine if you can start at one side of the room with a full tile or if you need to center the tile for equal sized cuts on either side. Once you have determined your preferred starting point, make a mark.
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4
Make another mark along the same wall, using the measurements from Step 3. Use your chalk line to snap a line across the two.
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5
Use your tape measure to determine your starting point in the opposite direction from your first line. Mark the starting point across your existing chalk line, then use your framing square to create a square line across. Then use your chalk line and snap a line across the room along the square line you just drew. You will now have a cross-hairs at your starting point.
Installation
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6
Follow the directions on the package of thinset and mix it in one of your buckets with the drill and beater.
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7
Using your trowel, spread thinset up to the edges of the lines at your starting point. Make sure to comb the thinset evenly over the floor, so you do not have any lumps.
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8
Set a tile firmly in place at your starting point, using the lines as reference. Apply slight pressure, moving side to side in all directions slightly, to insure the thinset is bonded to the surface of the floor and the back of your tile.
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9
Repeat the process, using tile spacers, and work your way out from the center.
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10
Mark your cuts with the grease pencil and cut them on the wet saw. Be sure to dry the back off completely before attempting to set, as any water will prevent the thinset from bonding. Once you are finished, let the entire area dry for 24 hours before grouting.
Grouting
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11
Use your margin trowel and a bucket and mix the grout according to the directions on the container or package
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12
Use your grout float to force the grout into the joints between the tiles. Wait 15-20 minutes, then check the grout joints to see if they are ready to be cleaned. If the grout does not stick to your finger when you lightly tap the joint, it is ready. If it sticks, it is still too wet.
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13
Using your tile sponge and a bucket of water, lightly dampen the sponge and wring it out completely. Wipe in circular motions, smoothing the excess grout on the surface into the joints. Avoid wiping with the grout joint, or you risk pulling the grout out. Wring your sponge out frequently. Let dry for 15-20 minutes or until a haze appears.
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14
Using your sponge, lightly wiping in a diagonal motion to remove the haze, wringing your sponge out frequently.
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15
Wait 24-48 hours for light traffic and 72 hours for moderate traffic.
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1
Tips & Warnings
A tile wet saw and many of your supplies can be rented at your local Home Depot or Lowe's.
Always wear safety glasses when cutting on a wet saw. Always wear protective earplug and gloves as well.
