How Hard Is it to Lay Ceramic Tile?
- Tile requires a smooth, level surface for adhesion that mandates proper preparation before beginning. Thoroughly clean the surface and level any lumps or dips in the walls or flooring before attempting to lay any tiles. Dust, dirt and an uneven surface will affect the thin-set's ability to hold the tile, causing the tile to eventually pop up or fall off.
- A tile installation requires specialty tools such as a notched trowel and a wet saw. A notched trowel allows you to create the grooves in the thin-set that are necessary for the tile to attach securely. You can complete straight cuts in a piece of tile by hand with a tile cutter, but more intricate cuts require the use of a power wet saw. A wet saw helps to reduce tile breakage, which is a common occurrence when cutting tile. Other tools you will need include a power drill with a mixing paddle, a rubber float for installing grout, plastic spacers and a large tile cleaning sponge.
- Take the extra time to lay the tile in place without the thin-set to verify the layout. Use full, uncut tiles in doorways and in focal point areas, such as in front of a fireplace or bathtub, whenever possible. Adjust the layout as needed to avoid making difficult cuts around fixtures. Tiles along the perimeter of the room should ideally be the width of at least half a tile. Do not just begin laying tiles in a corner and hope that you will not need a small sliver of tile on the opposite side of the wall.
- Concentrate on just one tile at a time. Wet the back of the tile with a damp sponge, rake the thin-set across the back of the tile in one direction using the appropriate notched trowel and set the tile in place. Gently rock the tile while pressing down to ensure it is properly seated in the thin-set. Use a level to verify that the tile is level and even with the previously laid tiles.
