Help on Laying Ceramic Tile
- 1). Measure the room to determine the square footage before purchasing the tile. Multiply the length times the width of the room for the square footage. Divide the total by the number of square feet in each box of tiles to determine how many boxes you need.
- 2). Draw two chalk lines on the floor. Make one down the center of the floor and the other perpendicular to it. Lay down the tiles without mortar and move them around if necessary. The goal is to use as many full tiles as possible.
- 3). Sweep away any dust or debris. Tile and mortar adheres better to a clean surface.
- 4). Place your full-sized tiles on the floor first. Cut tiles necessary for the perimeter should be positioned last.
- 5). Mix only enough mortar to use within 30 minutes. The application will be smoother and easier to spread.
- 6). Scoop out enough mortar to cover a small area in the corner of the room to begin the project. Use a straight-edged trowel to smooth it on the floor surface.
- 7). Comb the mortar out with the notched edges. The goal is to obtain an even and consistent layer of the grout. Hold the trowel at a 45 degree angle.
- 8). Lay the first tile down. Use a firm pressure and twist it slightly to set it in the mortar properly.
- 9). Lift up the first tile to check that the back surface is covered with approximately 70 to 80 percent of the mortar. If not, the grout is too dry and needs more moisture. If you see only parallel lines on the back, your ridges are not deep enough.
- 10
Remove any excess mortar above the tile surface once you complete a section. Use a pencil or screwdriver to remove the excess. Wipe off any on the tile surface with a damp sponge. - 11
Check the level of the tile once most of them are in place. It's important that they are even. If not, push them down with a grout float or rubber mallet. You may have to add more grout underneath some tiles. - 12
Measure each cut tile before attempting to place it on the floor. This ensures a proper fit. - 13
Spread the mortar on the back of tiles in areas where you cannot reach under surfaces, such as small areas or underneath cabinets.
