How to Lay Slate Tile on a Cement Floor
The type of tile you use on a floor area can determine the look and feel of the entire room, and sometimes even the entire house. While some people choose to go with the modern and sleek look of porcelain, ceramic or other man-made materials, some go for a more rugged, natural look. Slate tile can transform any area into a showcase of the Earth's natural beauty, and create a durable floor that will last a lifetime if installed properly. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Latex-modified thinset
- Tile spacers
- Framing square
- Carpenter's pencil
- Tape measure
- Broom and dustpan
- Tile wet saw
- Safety glasses
- Ear plugs
Instructions
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Layout and Preparation
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1
Use your broom and dustpan to sweep the entire installation area clean of debris. Any particles left behind can potentially harm the bond between the thinset and the concrete, resulting in an improper installation. Sweep frequently to ensure a clean workspace.
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2
Lay out several tiles in a row, using tile spacers to create a dry layout of your floor pattern of choice. Use your tape measure to measure the distance between tiles.
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3
Use your tape measure to determine the size of your installation area. Check your layout measurements in both directions to determine the sizes of cuts you may need. It's most common to start with a full cut along the most visible wall or area.
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4
Once you have determined where you want your cuts to be, use your tape measure and pencil to make two marks that are square with your most visible wall. If you chose to go with full tiles, measure out from the wall, at two points, the distance of two tiles according to your dry layout. Use your chalk line to snap a line between these two marks. This is your control line.
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Measuring in the opposite direction along the control line, mark your second starting point. Use your framing square to make two marks perpendicular to your control line along the start point, then snap that line with the chalk line. You now have a cross-hair starting point.
Installation
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Using a notched trowel, spread an even layer of thinset on the cement floor at your starting point. Be sure to spread as close to your control lines as possible without actually covering the lines, because you will want to use those as guiding points for a square installation.
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Check the back of the slate for inconsistencies in the stone. If there are any thin spots you will want to dab on a little extra thinset to make sure that there is proper support underneath, rather than a void, which could cause the slate tile to crack or break later on.
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Set the tile in place on top of the thinset, using your cross-hairs to align the first piece. Apply gentle but firm pressure, moving the slate slightly in all directions to ensure a bond between the tile, thinset and concrete before aligning it completely. Repeat this step for every piece you install.
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Use spacers to evenly space the slate tiles, using your control line as a reference point.
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Work your way out from your starting point, in whichever direction you choose. Use your tile wet saw to make any cuts into the corners or around doorways.
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Tips & Warnings
Any type of hairspray applied over the chalk lines will help keep them from being erased when you sweep.
A typical 12x12 tile requires a 3/8-inch notched trowel. Larger tiles will require a larger notch, and smaller tiles vice versa.
All materials and tools can be purchased or rented from your local home improvement store.
Always use ear plugs and safety glasses when working with a tile wet saw.
