How to Lay Tile Over Existing Concrete Floor
Concrete makes an ideal base for a tile floor. Once installed, a ceramic or stone tile floor will last for years with little maintenance except for routine cleaning. The secret to ensuring a stable, long-lasting tile job is surface preparation. The concrete must be free of paint, oil and debris to allow the mortar to properly adhere to the surface of the concrete as well as to the bottom of the tile. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Broom or vacuum cleaner
- Straight edge
- Portland cement-based leveling compound
- Mixing bucket
- Trowel
- Screed
- Mop
- Measuring tape
- Chalk line
- Mortar
- Notched trowel
- Tile
- Tile spacers
- Tile saw
Instructions
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1
Sweep or vacuum the floor. Remove any existing debris from the surface.
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2
Use a straight edge to check for low spots in the floor. Fill any low spots with a Portland cement-based filler. Place enough filler in the bucket to fill the low spot. Add enough water to make a stiff, wet mixture and apply the mixture with a trowel. Fill in any small cracks or pits with leveling compound as well.
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3
Level the patch by working your screed across the top of the patched area. Fill in any voids that form behind the screed.
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4
Allow any patches to dry for at least 24 hours before laying tiles.
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5
Mop the floor with clean water and allow it to dry.
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6
Measure the width of your tile. Add the desired width of your grout joint. Measure and mark this distance away from the end of one wall. Measure and mark the same distance from the wall on the opposite end. Snap a chalk line between the two marks. This lays down a straight line you will use as an alignment guide for your first row of tiles.
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7
Mix your mortar in a bucket according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Place enough mortar on the concrete to provide the bedding for three tiles at a time. Do not cover the chalk line with mortar.
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8
Spread the mortar evenly along the first row with a toothed trowel. Place the first tile on top of the mortar and gently tap it into place with the wooden handle of the trowel. Place the second tile next to the first. Insert two spacers between the tiles to form an even grout line and tap the second tile into place.
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9
Continue adding tiles and spacers until you reach the end of the first row.
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10
Repeat Steps 6 through 9 until you have covered the entire floor.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Tile spacers will help maintain an even grout line across the entire floor and will give your floor a professional appearance.
A water-cooled tile saw will reduce the risk of edge chipping when trimming edge and corner pieces.
Allow the mortar to dry at least 24 hours before applying grout to your floor. In cool or damp conditions, allow 48 hours.
Slick concrete surfaces should be etched with acid or roughened with a surface grinding machine and cleaned prior to tile installation. When done indoors, a professional contractor should perform either operation.
Rent or purchase high-quality knee pads and wear them, while installing your tile, to prevent knee injury.
Mortar will not adhere to a painted concrete surface. If your concrete floor has been painted, wood, vinyl or laminate floorings are more suitable options.
References
- Photo Credit Footprints in Tile image by bnstrong from Fotolia.com
