How to Install Ceramic Floor Tile with Adhesive or Mortar
Ceramic floor tile can be laid with either a chemical tile adhesive---which resembles an acrylic glue---or thinset mortar, which is more like cement. Which you choose to use is up to you, though, generally, thinset mortar is better for applications in bathrooms and other high-moisture areas. The process for the two types of installation is identical, using a notched trowel to lay the material in thin rows that assist in adhesion by creating suction. In both cases, start with a good solid underlayment like thick plywood or cement board. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Chalk snap line
- Thinset mortar
- Notched trowel
- Plastic tile spacers
- Tape measure
- Tile cutter
Instructions
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Use your chalk snap line to divide the floor into four squares, snapping two intersecting lines from the centers of opposing walls.
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With your notched trowel, spread down a few square feet of thinset mortar or tile adhesive in the corner of one of the squares, where it meets the other squares in the center of the room.
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Set your first ceramic tile in the corner of the square, so it's bordered on two sides by the two intersecting lines. Press the tile down firmly and twist it slightly from side to side to form a solid seal with the mortar or adhesive.
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4
Set tile spacers around the tile, and lay additional tiles next to it in the same fashion. Spread more mortar or adhesive as needed. Use the lines and the aligned tiles to keep everything straight as you build out toward the walls.
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At the edges of the floor, by the wall, cut your tiles to size on your tile cutter. If the remaining floor spaces are too small to fit your trowel into, then use the trowel to apply the mortar or adhesive to the backs of the cut tiles and press them into place.
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Remove the plastic spacers. Let the tiles set overnight. In the morning, they will be ready for grouting.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear eye protection when cutting tiles.
