Things You'll Need:
- Cement fiber board
- Utility knife
- Drill
- Galvanized screws
- Tile backer tape
- Carpenter's square
- Chalk
- Ceramic tiles
- Adhesive
- Notched trowel
- Tile spacers
- Carpenter's level
- Rubber mallet
- Tile cutter
- Grout
- Grout float
- Damp sponge
- Clean cloth
- Grout sealer
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Step 1
Prepare the vinyl floor by removing any floor trim and scrubbing the floor surface completely clean. If the floor was installed over concrete you can proceed immediately to installing the new ceramic tiles, however if the subfloor is wood you should install a ½ inch cement fiber board on top of the vinyl surface to prevent tiles from bending or cracking as the subfloor bends.
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Step 2
Install the fiber board onto the vinyl floor surface. Cut the cement boards to size by scoring with a utility knife and then snapping at the scored line. Use a drill to secure the board to the vinyl surface with galvanized screws. Cover the seams between connecting boards with tile backer tape.
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Step 3
Set the positions for laying the tiles by finding the center point of the room. Use chalk to mark a dividing line at this point from wall to wall, cutting the room in half, and then mark a second line in the center connecting the other walls. Check that the two lines form 90 degree angles using a carpenter's square.
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Step 4
Use the dividing lines to place crossing rows of tiles on the floor. Use as many whole tiles as possible, leaving room for partial tiles at walls that are least likely to be seen when entering the room. Allow ¼ inch of space at each wall for tile expansion due to temperature. When placing tiles, put tile spacers between them for accuracy. Mark the tile positions using the chalk.
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Step 5
Apply tile adhesive to the floor using the trowel. Only apply adhesive on areas you can cover immediately, as drying adhesive will create a weak bond.
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Step 6
Place the tiles, working from the center of the room towards the walls and using the dividing line as a guide. Use 2 spacers between tiles to create uniform joints for applying grout. Check that the tiles are level using a carpenter's level every 3 rows of tiles placed. If necessary, tap the tiles level using a rubber mallet. Finish the first half of the room, and then go back to the center and work towards the opposite wall until all the full-sized tiles are placed.
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Step 7
Trim tiles to fill in the space near the walls, and install.
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Step 8
Use the grout float to apply the grout into the tile joints. Mix the grout until it has the consistency of paste. Remove tile spacers, and spread the grout into the joints. Use a slightly damp sponge to remove any excess grout, and allow it to dry.
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Step 9
Use a clean cloth to polish the new floor surface and remove any remaining grout residue. Allow the grout to cure completely according to manufacturer's instructions, then use grout sealer on the joint lines.
