Things You'll Need:
- Dust mask
- Safety glasses
- Tile mastic
- Notched trowel
- 1/4-inch spacers
- Tile wet saw
- Measuring tape
- Wax pencil
- Grout
- Rubber floe
- Grout sealer
- Large sponges
- Bucket
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Step 1
Dry-lay your tile using spacers and working out from the drain. Arrange your tiles to minimize cuts, even if you need to shift the starting point away from the drain. Mark your starting point with a wax pencil and remove the tiles and spacers.
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Step 2
Spread tile mastic at your starting point with a notched trowel. Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle and drag the notched end through the mastic. Use the smooth edge to "butter" the back of your first tile with an even layer of mastic. Place the tile at your starting point, making sure it's straight, then press down the tile to remove air bubbles. You should hear a pop.
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Step 3
Lay the remaining whole tiles, inserting spacers on all sides. Measure each space that won't accommodate a whole tile, then use your wax pencil to mark each tile that needs to be trimmed. Put on your safety goggles and dust mask and trim the remaining tiles with a wet saw. Lay the cut tiles to finish the floor. Let it cure 24 hours before walking on it.
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Step 4
Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically by adding enough water to make the grout feel like peanut butter. Use the rubber floe to spread the grout, angling the floe 45 degrees and perpendicular to the joint lines.
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Step 5
Wait 30 minutes for the grout to set, then use a wet sponge to wipe up the excess grout on the tile. Don't worry if some residue is left behind. Let the grout cure for 24 hours, then use a clean sponge and warm water to get the remaining haze off the tile. You'll likely need to rinse and repeat several times to remove all of the residue.
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Step 6
Once the tile is clean and dry, apply grout sealer to the grout lines. Let it cure for 48 hours.
