How to Install Tile Over Cement Floors
Tile has been one of the most commonly used flooring materials throughout history, and concrete has been and remains the dominant foundation type, so it would only make sense that these two elements would be combined. It just so happens that concrete is among the best surfaces for tile application, making this a task that can be easily completed by almost anyone with the proper tools and instructions. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tiles
- Thinset
- Grout
- Tile saw
- Vacuum cleaner
- Tape measure
- Chalk line
- 2 5-gallon buckets
- Electric drill and mixing paddle
- Mastic trowel
- Grout bag
- Large sponge
Instructions
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Setting Tiles
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1
Clean the floor of any debris using the vacuum cleaner.
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2
Find the center of the floor using your tape measure (the middle of the floor is commonly used as a tile starting point). Measure the center points of opposing walls and connect these points with a chalk line. Where the lines intersect is the center of the floor.
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3
Mix the thinset in the 5-gallon bucket according to the product instructions indicated on its packaging, using the drill and mixing paddle.
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4
Spread the thinset mix along your longest center line on the floor, using your mastic trowel; then start laying tiles from the center of the room, pressing firmly in a small circular motion to ensure a proper bond. Leave a joint between the tiles for grout (this joint is most commonly about 1/4").
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5
Work your way outwards, setting tile from the center line to the adjacent walls, using the tile saw to cut any partial tiles that need to be laid against the wall.
Installing Grout
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6
Refer to the thinset packaging for drying times; once the thinset has dried sufficiently, mix the grout (according to the product instructions indicated on its packaging) in a 5-gallon bucket, using the drill and mixing paddle.
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7
Soak the grout bag in water, then fill it with grout (pinching the bottom opening will keep the grout mix from pouring out prematurely), and twist the top of the bag closed.
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8
Squeeze the grout into the joints between the tiles, working from the farthest corner of the room toward the exit. You may want to grout the floor in smaller sections to make the next step easier.
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9
Soak the sponge in a bucket of clean water and wipe excess grout from the tiles and joints; repeat as necessary.
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