Laying Ceramic Floor Tile Just Like A Pro

Kitchens, bathrooms, counter tops ... all tile flat surfaces are installed about the same. Make sure you have a clean, sturdy surface as a base. Laying ceramic floor tile over a surface that's moving will result in cracked grout or tile.

Tile Layout Is Key.

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Ever notice how most rooms aren't square? As you start your project, see if you have any square corners. To do that lay a dry tile in each of the four corners of your floor. Snap a chalk line along the edges of the tiles. Variation in the distance from the chalk line and the walls shows how crooked the wall is. Start laying ceramic floor tile along one wall if you have a straight wall. If you have a square corner, start in that corner and you'll only need to cut tile along two walls.

If you plan ahead, cut tiles can often be covered by furniture so they aren't noticeable. You can also nail down straight boards to use to get the first course started right.

Applying Adhesive.

Once you're ready to set floor tile, mix and apply adhesive using a trowel. Applying only what you can use in 15 minutes. Use notches to get the right amount of adhesives.

Placing Ceramic Floor Tiles.

Set the first tile using the two guide boards. Apply more tiles using spacers to keep the tile straight and even. Check with a square to make sure the tiles are staying straight. After every few tiles, bed the tiles using a piece of plywood and hammer or a rubber mallet.

Border Tiles.

Laying ceramic floor tile along the borders is the last step. Maintain grout lines as elsewhere and cut the tile as required to get a perfect fit.

Finishing.

Clean off the tile surfaces then let the tile set at least overnight. Finish by applying grout and final cleaning.

Installing ceramic tile is easy if you get started right . Make sure you have a sound base that doesn't move. Then plan the job to get the tile rows so you cut the edges in the least visible places. Set the tiles using the right adhesive and using spacers to keep good alignment. Grout and clean like any other project.

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