Tile Installation Tips

By Author: Jason Delmar
Total Articles: 335
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The preparation for installing a tile floor is just as important as how you actually install the tiles. Without a solid, flat surface to apply the tiles to, they can easy crack or create an uneven surface to walk on.

Typically, the underlay is a sub layer of plywood or cement board. It is recommended that the subfloor be at least 3/4" thick, but a thicker sub-floor certainly won't hurt. An existing layer of tiles or linoleum may also be used. If an existing layer of tiles were already in place, using it as the underlay for a new layer of tiles would make the refurbishing process far less time consuming. Tiles may also be installed directly over concrete. As long as the underlay is level and solid it will suffice.

Once the sub floor is in place, be sure to clear the underlay surface of dust and debris prior to tile installation. In areas of differing floor heights or working surfaces that are not level, it is important to use a leveling compound to even out the surface before any tile installation is started.

Before actually installing the tiles, it is always a good idea to lay out the tiles on the floor ...
... to make sure that the pattern fits and you can figure out how many cuts you will have to make. Pay close attention to how the tiles run out toward the walls, in the corners and next to bathroom furniture and sanitaryware.

The purpose of the dry installation is to be able to inspect the overall appearance before being stuck with it, but more importantly, to allow you to see where all of your cuts are going to be (yes, you will have to make some cuts). It is best to keep tiles cuts to the perimeter of the room or around toilets and/or furniture.

Once you are satisfied with how the installation will look, the next step is to leave yourself a visual guide to work from. There many ways to do this, but a common method is to pencil draw a partial tile grid. A chaulk line is commonly used to create a grid around the floor. This will make it easier to keep a straight line in your layout

When lifting the dry installation leave the center tile in place. Draw a straight line on the underlay along one of the edges of this tile and continue it to the wall. Do the same thing with the edge that is 90º to this one. You will be left with a large right angle on the underlay surface meeting each other at the corner of the centre-most tile.

Once you are ready to start installing, make sure the area is free of dust and debris one last time. Apply the ceramic adhesive or thin set to the underlay surface, starting in the center where the two perpendicular pencil guidelines intersect. Apply enough material to cover the area you will get done before encountering any cutting or disturbances. The last thing you want is for the adhesive to harden leaving you with an uneven surface before the tiles are laid, so it is recommended to work in smaller, manageable areas. Use 30 minutes as your nominal countdown so-to-speak. Read the adhesive material packaging as some adhesives are designed to harden even quicker.

When applying the thin set, first spread it with the flat end of the trowel. Lay it on relatively thick, approximately 1/8" to 3/16" thick. Then turn the trowel around and run the notched edge over it. This creates ridges in the thin set that help to hold the tile down more securely. The larger the tile, the larger the notches should be. As a guide, a 1/4" notched trowel is suitable for 12" x 12" tiles.

Once the adhesive has been applied, install the tiles working from the centre outward. With larger tiles apply a thin coating of mastic to the back prior to laying it on the floor. This will help ensure a good bond. As you near the walls or edges of bathroom furniture and sanitaryware, you will need to cut some of the tiles. A portable wet-saw is the best option for cutting tiles, as it will allow you to make very accurate cuts. You will also save money in wasting fewer tiles due to bad cuts or breakage. You can usually rent a wet saw from your local Home Depot or Lowes.

When applying tiles, you may want to use spacers. Spacers are available in various shapes and sizes and the size chosen depends on your personal preference. In bathroom flooring, it may be a good idea to keep spacing to a minimum to reduce water collection. Spacers will ensure uniformity throughout your tile layout.

After the tiles have been installed, allow them to sit for 24-48 hours before applying grout and/or walking on them. Grout comes in a wide range of colors, so it is possible to match up a grout color to your tiles. Simply mix the grout with water or a special bonding agent and apply it with a rubber trowel. Remove the spacers as you apply the grout.

Once applied, immediately wipe excess grout off the tiles, using a wet sponge. Wait approximately 25-30 minutes and wipe the tiles of any residual grout again. Wait another hour and repeat. If any grout is left on the tile surface you will have a hard job getting it off without damaging the tiles. Other than that, within a day you will be able to stand back, or on your finished handiwork and admire it.
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