Floor Tiles
How to Get Started for Outstanding Results
Step 1: Surface Preparation
Tile can be installed over most structurally sound substrates as long as they are clean, smooth, dry, and free of wax, soap scum, and grease. Any damaged, loose, or uneven areas must be repaired, patched, and leveled. Remove any moldings, trim, appliances, or other obstructions that may interfere with installation. Door jambs can be undercut to allow tiles to slide underneath.
Step 2: Layout
Start by marking the center point of all four walls. Snap chalk lines between the center points of opposite walls to create an intersection at the room’s center. Ensure the lines are perfectly square, adjusting them as needed. Lay out a row of loose tiles along the center lines in both directions, leaving space for even joints using tile spacers.
If the layout results in cuts smaller than half a tile at the walls, adjust the center line by snapping a new line half a tile closer to the wall. Repeat this process for the other center line if necessary. Divide the room into smaller grids (about 2′ x 3′) by snapping additional lines parallel to the center lines.
Step 3: Applying Adhesive
Choose the appropriate adhesive for your substrate and carefully follow all instructions and safety precautions provided on the adhesive or mortar packaging. Mix only enough adhesive to be used within 30 minutes. Using the recommended trowel type, spread a 1/4″ coat of adhesive on the surface of one grid area with the trowel’s flat side.
Avoid covering the guidelines. Next, use the notched side of the trowel to comb the adhesive into standing ridges by holding it at a 45-degree angle. Remove any excess adhesive, leaving a uniform, ridged bed. Do not spread adhesive over an area larger than can be tiled within 15 minutes.
Step 4: Cutting Tile
Carefully measure the tiles to be cut and mark them with a pencil or felt-tip pen. Use a tile cutter for straight or diagonal cuts and a nipper for curved cuts (chip away small pieces for best results). For full-length curved cuts, use a rod saw. Smooth any sharp-cut edges with a carborundum stone.
Step 5: Setting Tile
Ceramic tile often has color variation, so mix tiles from different cartons during installation for a more blended appearance. Begin tiling in the center of the room, working one grid at a time. Complete each grid before moving to the next, starting with the first tile in the corner of the grid and working outward. Place each tile with a slight twisting motion—avoid sliding tiles into place. Insert tile spacers or leave equal gaps between tiles. Install perimeter tiles last, leaving a 1/4″ gap between the tile and the wall.
For rectangular porcelain tiles, avoid setting them in a running bond pattern. Instead, overlap no more than 1/3 of the tile length, widen the joint to 3/16″, and use a large unit porcelain mortar. After completing each grid, tap all tiles with a rubber mallet or a hammer and wood block to ensure a strong bond and a level surface. Remove excess adhesive from the joints with a putty knife and from the tiles with a damp sponge. Avoid walking on the tiles until they are set, typically within 24 hours.
Step 6: Grouting Joints
Wait approximately 24 hours before grouting, or refer to the adhesive package for specific recommendations. Carefully read and follow all instructions and precautions on the grout packaging. Mix only enough grout to be used within 30 minutes. Remove tile spacers and spread grout across the tile surface, pressing it into the joints with a rubber grout float or squeegee held at a 45-degree angle. Immediately remove excess grout from the surface with the edge of the float, held at a 90-degree angle, scraping diagonally across the tiles.
Allow the grout to set for 15-20 minutes, then use a damp sponge to clean any grout residue from the surface and smooth the grout joints. Rinse the sponge frequently and change the water as needed. Once the grout has hardened and a haze forms on the tile surface, polish it with a soft cloth. If needed, rinse again with a sponge and clean water. Wait 72 hours before subjecting the tiles to heavy use. Do not apply sealers or polishes for three weeks, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when doing so.
Wall Tiles
For walls, backsplashes, and counters
Step 1: Surface Preparation
If you’re embarking on your first tile project, congratulations! Before selecting your perfect tile, it’s crucial to ensure proper sizing and surface preparation. Tiles can be installed on most structurally sound surfaces as long as they are clean, smooth, dry, and free from wax, soap scum, and grease. Any damaged, loose, or uneven areas should be repaired, patched, and leveled. Remove moldings, trim, appliances, or any other obstacles that might interfere with the installation. You can undercut door jambs to allow the tile to slide underneath.
Step 2: Wall Layout
Start by finding the center point of the wall, and use a level to draw a plumb line down the center. Lay out a row of loose tiles along the bottom of the wall from the center line, leaving uniform joints between tiles. If the layout results in cuts smaller than half a tile, shift the center line closer to the side wall by half a tile. Next, determine the lowest point of the floor or tub using a level. Stack two tiles at this point, and draw a horizontal line at the top of the stack. Extend this line around all the walls to be tiled; this will be your guideline for setting the first row of tiles.
Step 3: Applying Adhesive
Choose the appropriate adhesive for your substrate, and follow the instructions on the adhesive or mortar package carefully. Mix only enough adhesive to use within 30 minutes. Spread a 1/4″ coat of adhesive on the surface of one grid area using the flat side of a trowel. Avoid covering your guidelines. Then, using the notched side of the trowel, comb the adhesive into standing ridges by holding the trowel at a 45-degree angle. Remove any excess adhesive, leaving a uniform, ridged bed. Only spread as much adhesive as you can set tiles into within 15 minutes.
Step 4: Cutting Tile
Measure the tiles that need to be cut carefully, and mark the cut line with a pencil or felt-tip pen. Use a tile cutter for straight or diagonal cuts, a nipper for curved cuts, and a rod saw for full-length curved cuts. Smooth any sharp edges with a carborundum stone. Before cutting, ensure you have protective gloves and goggles to safeguard your hands and eyes. When marking the cut line, allow for expansion by leaving at least 2 inches of space, which will help with grout joints later on.
Step 5: Setting Tile
Ceramic tiles naturally vary in shade, so for a blended look, mix tiles from different cartons as you work. Begin by installing tiles in the center of the room, one grid at a time. Finish each grid before moving on to the next. Start with the first tile in the corner of the grid and work outward, setting each tile with a slight twisting motion. Avoid sliding tiles into place. Insert spacers between tiles or leave uniform joints. Fit perimeter tiles last, leaving a 1/4″ gap between the tile and the wall.
Rectangular porcelain tiles should not be set in a running bond pattern. Instead, overlap no more than 1/3 of the tile, widen the joint to 3/16″, and use a large-unit porcelain mortar. After the grid is fully installed, tap the tiles with a rubber mallet or a hammer and wood block to ensure a solid bond and level surface. Remove any excess adhesive from the joints with a putty knife and clean the tile surface with a damp sponge.
Step 6: Grouting Joints
Wait approximately 24 hours before grouting (refer to the adhesive package for specifics). Follow the grout package instructions and precautions carefully. Mix only enough grout to use within 30 minutes. Remove tile spacers and spread grout across the tile surface, pressing it into the joints with a rubber grout float or squeegee. Hold the float at a 45-degree angle. Immediately remove excess grout with the edge of the float, held at a 90-degree angle, scraping it diagonally across the tiles.
After 15-20 minutes, when the grout has set slightly, use a damp sponge to clean any grout residue from the surface and smooth the joints. Rinse the sponge frequently and change the water as needed. Allow the grout to dry until it hardens and a haze forms on the tile surface, then polish the tiles with a soft cloth. If necessary, rinse the tiles again with a clean sponge and water. Wait 72 hours before exposing the tile to heavy use. Avoid applying sealers or polishes for three weeks, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when you do.
Large Format Tiles
When installed correctly, large format tiles can maintain their beauty for many years.
However, installing large format tiles requires special attention to substrate preparation, grout joint sizing, trowel selection, and mortar coverage. It is essential to install large format tiles on a level surface with at least 90% mortar contact. The grout joint size should follow the specific recommendations for each tile series.
For the best results, consult the installation instructions provided by your preferred setting materials manufacturer to determine the optimal tools and techniques.
Installation Requirement: To ensure proper bonding, medium bed mortar should be used for tiles that are longer than 15 inches on any side. Back buttering these tiles during installation will also help achieve adequate mortar coverage.
How to Grout Tile
After careful planning and hard work, your tile project is almost complete and looks just as beautiful as you envisioned. While you’re nearing the end, don’t underestimate the importance of grouting.
Though grout might seem like nothing more than sand and cement, the right choice can add color, character, and charm to your project.
Step 1: Prepare & Apply
Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials: grout, water, grout sealer, and caulk (if needed). You’ll also need a grout float, sponge, small paintbrush for applying the sealer, and a caulking gun, if applicable.
Make sure the tile has had enough time to set before grouting, usually around 24 hours, but check the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific timing. Grouting too soon can cause the tiles to shift. Additionally, remove all spacers before applying grout.
Choose a grout recommended by the tile manufacturer and mix it according to the package instructions. Once the grout is mixed to the proper consistency, you’re ready to begin.
Apply enough grout to fill the joints of a small section of your project. Using a grout float at a 45-degree angle, work the grout into the joints with a sweeping motion to ensure they are fully filled. After filling, use the float in the same manner to remove any excess grout. Continue this process section by section until all the grout joints are filled.
When the grout starts to harden, which should take only a few minutes, wipe down the tiles with a sponge, being careful not to remove grout from the joints. Once the grout is fully hardened, use a sponge again to clean off any haze that has formed.
Step 2: Seal
A few days after grouting, typically 3-7 days, apply a grout sealer. The exact timing will depend on the sealer’s instructions, so refer to them for the best results.
Applying a grout sealer will help protect your grout from potential stains. Be sure to use a sealer that is compatible with the grout type used in your project and follow the provided application instructions.
Step 3: Keep It Dry
After applying the sealer, keep the area free from traffic until the sealer has fully cured. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on curing time.
Once the sealer is cured, you can test its effectiveness by placing a small amount of water on the grout. If the water beads up, the sealer is working properly. Now, you can sit back and enjoy the results of your hard work!