Ceramic Tile Flooring Installation

Ceramic tile flooring is one of the most durable flooring options available. It can create a beautiful floor for you and your family to enjoy in any room in the house. The installation process is a little more involved than with other flooring options, so you have to be careful that you do it right. If you make a mistake installing a tile floor, it is very difficult to correct. Here are the basics of how to install a ceramic tile floor correctly. 

Step 1: Measure the Area

To calculate how much tile you need, you have to know the square footage of the room. Take your tape measure and get the length and width of the room. Multiply the two dimensions together to get the square footage. Add about 10% onto that figure so that you will have enough for waste.

Step 2: Prepare the Floor

If you are installing on a wood sub floor, you will have to install concrete board to give the tile the support that it needs. Mix up some thinset and spread it onto the wood. Place the concrete board into the thinset. Hammer nails into all of the holes on the concrete board. If you are on a concrete sub floor, you can skip this step.

Step 3: Determine the Center Point

Find the center point of each wall with your tape measure. Snap a chalk line each direction and this will allow you to find the center of the room. When installing ceramic tile, you will want to center the tile in the room. This makes it look professional and flows better in the room. 

Step 4: Lay the Tile

Using your trowel, spread a layer of thinset out. Lay the tile down into the thinset and make sure that it is firmly in it. Place a tile spacer on the corner of the tile and then put another tile next to it. Keep tile spacers on all of the corners and this will keep everything even and straight. Keep laying tiles in this manner.

Step 5: Cut the Tiles

When you get to a wall or cabinet, you will have to cut the tile to fit. Using your tape measure, determine how big of a piece you need. Cut the tile to that dimension with your wet saw and then place it in the gap. 

Step 6: Allow to Dry

Let the tile dry for at least 24 hours before anyone steps on it. 

Step 7: Grout

Mix up the grout according to the directions and then apply it to the grout joints. Spread it around with a trowel and make sure all of the gaps are filled. Wipe down the tiles with a sponge to remove excess grout and to smooth out the grout joints. Let the grout dry overnight before anyone steps on it.