| |
The procedure for laying floor tile is, in many ways, similar to wall tile installation. Follow the instructions below to a beautiful new tile floor .
Materials and tools
Consult you local dealer when choosing your materials. They will help you to determine which are suitable for your particular project. These materials will include: tiles, spacers, mastic, mastic solvent and grout.
Gather the following tools before you begin:
- Steel measuring tape or yardstick
- Chalk line and chalk
- 1/2 Square notched trowel
- Carpenters square
- Contour gauge (not essential, but helpful)
- Tile cutter
- Tile nippers
- Rod saw for clean, curved cuts
- Whetstone
- Container to mix grout
- Sponge and pail
- Rubber faced trowel (grout float)
- Polishing cloth
Many of these tools maybe rented. Consult your local dealer.
Step 1: Prepare the surface.
The floor should be clean, dry, flat and sound. Underlayment may be necessary with some floors. Consult your local dealer if you have questions.
Step 2: Measure and plan the tile layout.
For a square or rectangular room: stretch a chalk line between the centers of two facing walls. Snap the line. Repeat this on the opposing walls.
The resulting lines must cross at the center of the room at a precise 90 degree angle. Check with a carpenter's square. Change line angle if necessary. At least one of the lines should be parallel with a wall.
Lay out a row of dry tile along one line from center to the right wall.
If the last space is less than 1/2 a tile wide, return to the center and move the first tile 1/2 a tile width to the left. Be sure to allow the proper grout spaces between the tiles or use plastic spacers.Mark the new center point and strike a new crossing line at this mark.
 ![if]()
Repeat the entire process for the other line. You may want to trace these lines with a pencil or felt tip marker, to make them more permanent. |
|
Step 3: Lay the tile.
Work in one of the 4 sections created by the chalk lines. Starting at the center point, spread mastic over a few square feet. Be sure to follow instructions on mastic container.
Place spacers between tile. Proceed as shown.
Continue until all whole tiles are laid. Leave the row of tiles along the walls until last.
These will probably have to be cut. Do any necessary cutting as you proceed around the room. Follow the instructions accompanying the tile cutter for straight cuts. The rod saw is used for circular opening, square cuts, angles and curves. Use long even strokes for a clean line. Use the contour gauge to measure and mark irregular cuts. If you don't have a gauge, simply cut a piece of light weight cardboard, shaping it to fit, then use it as a pattern to trace the line on a tile. Use the tile nippers to break away the waste.
Step 4: Apply the grout.
Use the rubber surfaced trowel to spread grout as instructed on the grout package.
Use a damp sponge to clean excess grout from the face of the tile.
When dry, polish with a soft cloth. |
