How to Install Ceramic Floor Tile Over Brick
Ceramic floor tile needs a rock-solid underlayment below it to prevent movement of the tiles that could cause them to crack. Cement or cement board is good, as is an existing tile or brick floor. If it's a brick floor, it's important that it be completely undamaged and flat, and that it be very clean, so the mortar for the new tile will adhere properly. For stability, you'll want to avoid having the tile grout lines line up with the mortar lines of the brick. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Trisodium phosphate cleanser
- Bucket
- Mop
- Chalk snapline
- Thin set mortar
- Notched trowel
- Ceramic floor tiles
- Tile spacers
- Tile cutter
- Grout
- Grout float
- Sponge
Instructions
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1
Mix a gallon of hot water with 1 cup trisodium phosphate. Thoroughly mop the brick floor with it. Rinse well. Let it dry for 48 hours.
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2
Divide the floor into four quadrants, laying two intersecting lines with your chalk snapline. Adjust the positions of the lines, if necessary, to avoid having them match the mortar lines between the bricks.
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3
Spread thinset mortar over the middle of the floor, covering six or eight square feet over the lines where they intersect. You will be able to see the lines through the mortar.
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4
Press the first tile into the mortar at the intersection, bordered by both lines.
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5
Press additional tiles in around the first one, putting tile spacers between them. Build out from the middle toward the edges of the floor in a grid pattern, spreading more mortar as needed.
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6
Cut the tiles for the spaces around the perimeter of the floor, by the walls, on a tile cutter. Install them with the cut sides facing the walls.
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7
Let the mortar set for 12 hours. Pull out the spacers. Spread grout over the tiles with a grout float, pressing it into the gaps. Use a damp sponge to wipe up the excess grout. Let it set 48 hours before walking on it.
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