If you’re thinking about adding tile to one or more rooms in your home, we always recommend you consider how to install tile (or any floor, for that matter) before you begin the search for the perfect tile.
Tools Required
- Tape measure
- Framing square
- Marking pencil / china marker
- Chalk line
- Paper
- Carpenter’s triangle
- Safety glasses
- Rubber gloves
- Knee pads
- Buckets
- Drill and mixing paddle
- Spray bottle
- Tile trowel
- Rubber mallet
- Sponges
- Manual tile cutter
- Tile nipper
- Grout float
Materials Required
- Tile
- Tile spacers
- Water
- Thinset mortar
- Grout
- Painter’s tape
- Grout haze
- Grout sealer
- Stain blocker for grout
- Paper towels
First thing first, always prepare your subfloor appropriately and clean it thoroughly. The main thing you want to be sure of with your subfloor is that it is structurally sound and can support the weight of the tile, mortar, grout, and furniture once completed.
The second step is to plan the layout. Before you install tile, sketch or dry lay the tile. Sketching or dry laying the tile is going to save you time in the long run. It helps you identify questions that may arise and give you time to solve for them – before the adhesive is even mixed. A well-planned layout will also include layout lines. We recommend snapping chalk lines in place with a 90-degree intersection, preferably in the center of the room.
TIP: Install tile with tile spacers! Tile spacers come in a variety of widths. A wide tile spacer will produce a wide grout line between tiles. Wide grout lines also means more grout will be needed. So, make sure you buy accordingly.
Next in the tile process is mixing your thinset mortar (a mortar adhesive made of cement, fine sand, and a water retaining agent). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
TIP: Do not mix more than what can be completed in 20 minutes.
The fifth step to install tile is apply the mortar. Spread the mortar in a manageable segment by using the flat side of the trowel. Then, use the notched side of the trowel at a 45-degree angle to spread the mortar for laying tile.
Now, it’s time to set the tile in place. Begin by installing only the full-size tiles first. Save the cut tiles for last. Press tile into the mortar by slightly twisting it into place. This helps to ensure it adheres to the mortar. Again, use tile spacers and check for uniform lines as you go. Use a rubber mallet and carefully tap the top of each tile to make full contact with the mortar and remove air pockets. Let the tile cure for 24 hours and avoid high traffic in the room for 72 hours.
The final step is to apply grout. Remove the spacers, mix your grout and apply with a grout float. Clean the excess grout with a sponge. Follow the grout manufacturer’s recommendations for detailed instructions.
There you have it; how to install tile. I hope this helps you properly prepare for adding tile flooring to your home. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 1-844-334-2877 or email us at support@gohaus.com.
Photo Credit: Photo by Chris Young.
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