How to Install Tile Over Cracks
- 1). Thoroughly clear the cement floor of any dirt and debris. Use a vacuum hose to pull out any debris from within the cracks on the floor.
- 2). Spread concrete patching compound into each crack. Smooth and level it out with a flat trowel. Do the same for all cracks, holes and low spots on the cement surface. Allow the concrete patching to set for 48 hours.
- 3). Snap two intersecting lines across the middle of the floor, using your chalk snap line. Use your carpenter's square to adjust their positions so they're at 90 degrees to each other. The floor should be divided into four square sections meeting at the middle.
- 4). Spread down a few square feet of thin-set mortar over the intersection at the middle of the floor, using your notched trowel. Press your first few floor tiles into place at the intersection. Put spacers between them.
- 5). Work your way out from the middle, spreading more mortar and installing the rest of the tiles, putting spacers between all of them. Use a tile cutter to cut the tiles at the ends, by the walls, as needed. Let the mortar cure for 24 hours.
- 6). Grout the floor, starting at one corner and working your way out. Spread down the grout with your grout trowel, squeezing it into the lines between the tiles. Wipe off the excess grout with a damp sponge. Let it set for two to three days.
