How to Install Ceramic Tile & Tile Adhesive or Mortar
Ceramic tiles come in a wide variety of styles and colors and can add to the décor of any room in your home. To install ceramic tile properly, it's important that you choose the right tile adhesive or mortar for your particular ceramic tile. Following the recommendations of the tile manufacturer is always the best guideline. All subflooring must be level in order to prevent the ceramic tiles from cracking. Taking the time to properly prepare the base for the floor ensures your ceramic tiles can last for many years. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Chalk line
- Spacers
- Tile adhesive
- Thinset mortar
- Notched trowel
- Level
- Straight edge
- Glasscutter
- Grout float
- Sponge
- Grout sealer
- Brush
Instructions
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Use a measuring tape to determine the center point at the bottom of each wall of the room. Mark the center point on each wall. Snap a chalk line on the floor from each wall's midpoint to locate the exact center of the room.
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Lay tiles along one of the chalk lines to see if you are going to have odd-sized pieces on either side of the room. Put spacers between each tile. Try to have equal-sized tiles around the perimeter. Adjust the chalk line slightly if this helps you avoid cutting tiles. Repeat the process for tiles running at a right angle to the first row. Once the final chalk line is in place, pick the tiles back up.
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Mix your tile adhesive or thinset mortar to the consistency recommended by the manufacturer. Typically, it should look like the consistency of peanut butter.
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Use the trowel to put down a thin layer of thinset on the subflooring. Use the notched side of the trowel to "butter" on a layer of thinset directly to the back of the first tile. Follow your tile manufacturer's recommendation for how thick a layer to apply. Set the tile to align it with the center crossing point chalk line. Press down on the tile to set it in place on the floor.
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Butter the next piece of tile and place it in line with the first tile. Put spacers between the two tiles. Continue placing tiles along this base line from the center of the room to the wall. Place a level on top of the tiles to make sure they are level as you proceed.
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Measure the width of any odd-sized cuts. Place a straight edge where you need to cut. Run a glasscutter along the straight edge to cut the ceramic tile.
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Return to the center tile. Set the next tile along the chalk line that runs at a right angle to the first tile. Place tiles along the second line, then fill in that quadrant of the room with tiles. Repeat this process until all the tiles and their spacers are in place. Allow the thinset mortar to dry according to package directions. Remove the spacers.
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Mix grout according to package directions. Use a grout float to work the grout into the spaces between the tiles. Wipe up excess grout with a sponge. Allow the grout to dry the recommended time. Apply a grout sealer with a brush to finish the installation.
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Tips & Warnings
Set the boxes of tiles in the room for 24 to 48 hours before you begin the project so the tile can acclimate to the room's temperature.
Install ceramic tile on a wall in a similar manner to installing it on a floor.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
