Guide to Installing a Perfect Ceramic Tile Floor

If you are like many other homeowners, there is probably at least one room in your house that you would like to renovate or spruce up. Perhaps that room is a kitchen, bathroom or even a front or back entrance which would entail laying ceramic floor tiles. For many people that have never attempted to lay ceramic floor tile, this can be a daunting task, but with some careful preparation, a few basic tools and the below information, you can lay a perfect ceramic tile floor.

Preparation of the subfloor

A proper subfloor is crucial when installing ceramic tile flooring. Ceramic tile floors are generally set atop a plywood underlayment from with a minimum thickness of ¾ inches. Ceramic tile can also be laid directly on top of concrete floors and it is possible to lay the ceramic tiles on linoleum and pre-existing ceramic tile floors, however you may encounter problems with overall floor height if the old floor is not removed. For additional information on removing a pre-existing tile floor, check this link for a full set of helpful instructions: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2182157/safely_and_quickly_remove_ceramic_tile.html?cat=6. There are a number of leveling compounds available to aid in creating an even, flat surface and you should ensure that your subfloor or underlayment is clean and free of any dirt or dust.

Steps to take and tools to have

Before you begin to lay your first floor tile, you will need to figure out the type of tile you are going to use as well as the size of the tile. Tiles are generally either glazed or porcelain. If the floor that you are covering is a heavily trafficked area, it is recommended that you use a glazed tile as they tend to hold up better under wear. The ceramic tiles are more for kitchen backsplashes and bathroom showers and they tend to be more expensive. In addition to the type of floor tile, you also need to choose a size of tile. Ceramic floor tiles are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, but for the beginner, it is generally recommended that you stick with a simple share 12 inch by 12 inch tile. To figure out how many tiles you will need to purchase, use an online ceramic tile calculator such as this one (http://www.myhomeideas.com/how-to/ceramic-tile-calculator-00400000045090/) to figure out the number of tiles you will need. It's not a bad idea to purchase an extra box of tiles in case you break a few and you can always return the unused portion.

In addition to the tiles themselves, you will need some additional tools and items to complete your ceramic floor tile job. The tools that you will need include:

• A wet saw for cutting tiles (this can be rented from a hardware store)
• A notched trowel (the notch spacing should match the tile size - the salesperson at the hardware store should be able to help you out with this).
• Lugs of the proper size for the ceramic tiles (these are small plastic devices that are used to maintain a consistent and uniform space around the tiles).
• Chalk line
• Pencil
• Mastic
• Grout
• Straight edge ruler

Laying out the floor

Before you butter up the first tile, begin by examining the surface that is to be tiled and identify the most visible wall. This wall should have the least number of cut tiles or if there is more than one very visible wall, divide the number of cut tiles between the two walls. Identify the center of the room and position your first tile accordingly ensuring that it is positioned to maintain the full tile along the most visible wall. Lay out the connecting tiles (and use the lugs for proper spacing) and then mark the position of your center tile with a pencil. Remove the tile and snap chalk lines corresponding with the edges of the tile and then replace the center tile. Now lay out a full row of tiles and a full column of tiles off of your center tile and snap corresponding chalk lines. Remove all of the tiles and inspect the grid of chalk lines to ensure that it is square with the room and that (as much as possible) that tiles will be evenly cut and spaced along walls. This step takes some time, but is essential to get right to ensure a symmetrical and pleasing end result.

Laying down the tile

Once you have snapped out a grid of chalk lines, begin in the center of the room and work towards the edges. Begin by laying down a film of mastic with the flat side of the trowel and then score it with the notched edge. The mastic that you spread should extend past the edges of the first tile. Apply a thin film of mastic to the back of the first tile and then position it according to the grid lines. Once you are satisfied with the position of the first tile, spread a film of mastic approximately 5 square feet and then score this with the notched trowel. Using the spacers, place the next tile (be sure to butter the back of the tile with a thin film of mastic) and position the second tile next to the first. Use a straight edge ruler to ensure that the sides (or top and bottom depending on which direction you start laying the tiles in) are aligned. And continue laying the tiles in the same method. Try not to mix up too much mastic as this stuff usually sets in about 30 minutes. When you come to an edge and the tile needs to be cut, stop laying mastic before that edge. Once you have enough ceramic tile set and enough tiles set aside to cut, it will be easier to cut and fit several tiles at a time. Using the lugs to establish adequate space, measure the length or width of the tile and mark the tile accordingly. It is a good idea to cut the tiles 1/8 to 1/16 inch shorter to ensure a proper fit and the gap can be covered with a piece of trim or caulk. Once all of the tiles have been laid, allow the mastic to properly set for one to two days and avoid walking on the tiles.

Finishing with grout

Grout is the substance that fills the cracks between the tiles. It is available in a number of colors. Once the mastic has set, mix the grout with water according to the directions on the package and apply the grout using a small plastic scraper or trowel. Remove any excess grout immediately and after the entire floor has been grouted, allow the grout to set for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, use a sponge and a bucket of fresh water to remove any haze or film that is left on the tile. Allow the grout to set for another 30 minutes and repeat, this time changing the water often to insure that you are using fresh, clean water. Allow the grout to set for another hour and then repeat the sponge cleaning of the tile. The last cleaning will generally be to remove the haze on the tiles. If after 2 hours the haze reappears, repeat this process on last time and ensure that you are changing the water often in order to completely clean the tiles.

Allow the grout to set for another one to two days before walking on the tiles. Once you are finished, you will be able to enjoy a beautifully tiled floor for years to come and have the pride and knowledge that you did the job yourself. Take your time during the initial stages of this job and you will reap the rewards of your patients.