How to Install Clay Tile Flooring
A clay tile floor is a solid, firm, attractive long lasting surface used for both indoor and outdoor flooring. Commonly used for kitchens, bathrooms, patios, and pool decks, clay tiles have a natural beauty that adds to any area they're installed. Clay tiles are also created to be easily installed, with an installation procedure that allows for complete floors to be laid by even inexperienced do-it-yourself enthusiasts in a short period of time. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Self-leveling compound
- Joint repair sealant
- Broom
- Wire brush
- Thin set mortar
- Water
- Bucket
- Notched trowel
- Tile spacers
- Clay tiles
- Contractor's level
- Rubber-headed mallet
- Tile cutter
- Tile sealant
- Sponge
- Grout
- Grout float
- Non-stick tile additive
Instructions
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1
Prepare the subfloor surface according to subfloor type. Level the subfloor by grinding down high points on the floor using either a concrete grinder or floor sander. For low areas of the floor, fill the dips in the floor using a self-leveling compound for dips of one-eighth inch or less, or with mortar for larger holes in the floor. Leave compound or mortar overnight to dry.
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Repair the surface of the subfloor, filling cracks in concrete subfloors with joint repair sealant and those in wood subfloors with wood putty.
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3
Clean the surface of the subfloor, removing dirt and debris with a wire brush and a broom.
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4
Mix the thin set mortar with water according to the manufacturer's instructions in a bucket. Spread the mortar along the floor beginning at the corner of the room along the wall first viewed upon entering the area. Spread enough mortar to cover a space sufficient for laying three tiles using the flat of a trowel. Go over the mortar with the notched edge of the trowel to raise ridges in the mortar to create a better surface for gripping the tile backs.
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Press the tiles into the mortar along the wall. Use two tile spacers along the edges of each tile to create a uniform spacing between tiles, and between tiles and the wall. Use a carpenter's level to make sure the tiles are placed in an even line, adjusting the tile's placements as needed. Level the tiles using the carpenter's level as well, tapping the tiles with a rubber-headed mallet to make sure the surface of the tiles are level with one another. Install the remaining whole tiles until you reach the edges of the floor, where partial tiles are required for coverage.
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Cut partial tiles to fill the gaps at the floor edge using a tile cutter rented from a home improvement store or equipment rental shop.
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Seal the tiles with tile sealant to maintain tile color during the grouting process, which otherwise would stain the tiles. Spread the sealant evenly, covering the tiles using a sponge. Allow the tile sealant and mortar to dry overnight.
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Remove the spacers surrounding the tiles and grout the joints between the tiles using a grout float and grout. In moisture rich areas use a waterproof grout. Place the grout onto the tiles and move the substance into the joints with the grout float, filling them completely. Wipe away any excess grout from the surface of the tiles using a damp sponge. Wait overnight for the grout to set.
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Clean the surface of the tile floor of any grout residue using a lint-free cloth. Once cleaned, apply a second layer of sealant to both the tiles and the grout to protect the tile surfaces. For floors located in moisture rich areas such as bathrooms or pool decks, mix in a non-stick additive to the sealant to help prevent falls from wet tiles. Wait two weeks for the tiles to set completely before using the surface.
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Tips & Warnings
Mortar can irritate skin and be a hazard when inhaled, wear gloves, a long sleeved shirt and a face mask when working with the substance.
