How to Install Tiles

Generally, tiles provide that elegance and clean look on your flooring. Tile manufacturers have produced several or even hundreds of tile designs gathered from several interior design experts to meet everyone’s desire and preference. But sometimes, the beauty and art in floors are derived not only in its design but on how you install tiles.

When you lay tile, it basically follows a pattern. Generally, tiles are identical and lay following a grid across the floor. But one can also lay out beautiful designs and use printed patterns to create unlimited number of unique tile effects on your floors.

Very much like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, install in place the corresponding piece of tile in its correct location and you have a center piece that would complement the entire room.

In laying tiles there are important tools and safety gadgets that the installer must have. These includes; safety glasses, tape measure, leveling instrument, tile trowel, tile cutter, thinset mortar, grout for filling edges and gaps, masonry sponge and of course your chosen tile.

The Procedure

1. Planning and preparation

Begin by drawing the pattern the way you want to lay the tile. If using a printed pattern for a center piece, determine the location of your center and then move towards all sides in the room.

To make the layout easier, use graph paper and start with a scale drawing of the entire room. Having a pattern can actually help you plan the materials you need before you begin. The pattern can also reduce errors in the tile installation later. You can freely assume that each square on the graph paper is one square foot for simple tile patterns. You can also reduce your scale to any even number that would fit your design needs, like six inches per square, or smaller depending on your tile design needs.

2. Cutting tiles

You can cut the partial tiles you will need. Using the scoring cutter lay the tile holding it down firmly with one hand. Mark a line for the cut. Using your other hand, drag the handle of the scoring cutter towards you and score the tile. Then press down on the handle and the ears of the tile cutter. Press evenly on both sides of the tile. This will split the tile along the scored line.

You can use this process in cutting tiles to fit edges and corners or even create your own patterns of various differently cut tiles. You can practice on spare tiles before making any crucial cuts.

3. Preparing the surface

Thoroughly clean the surface where you will install the tiles. Remove the dust and small bits of debris that can prevent that tile from adhering and sticking fast or being placed properly and evenly on the floor. Debris and objects caught under the tile will raise the tile out of its level and eventually break the tile when it is walked on. Be sure to mop the floor clean after sweeping it.

4. Applying the thinset mortar

Apply the thinset mortar evenly using a tile trowel. The tile trowel has notches around the edge to distribute thinset mortar in lines on the flooring. Apply it with continuous curving sweeps. This leaves raised lines of adhesive approximately 1/8 inches high. When applying the thinset, hold your trowel at a 45-degree angle for the best results.

5. Installing tiles

Always stack the tiles in the order it will be used. Lay out the pattern close by so you can transfer tiles individually as they are needed. Never work in large areas at once. Apply thinset mortar to an area the length of your arm. Fill each area with tiles before moving on to the section. Often check the pattern and be sure that it matches your desired design. Always maintain a standard distance between tiles, taking focus on its gaps. Use a leveling instrument to make sure your tiles are evenly installed.

6. Finishing touches

Once done, allow the tile to set for at least 24 hours. Mix your grout with water to a consistency of a pancake batter. Apply the grout in all the gaps between the tiles and around the room perimeter. Wipe away clean the excess grout using a sponge. Then wipe clean the tile surfaces immediately before the grout dries completely. You can walk on the tile after allowing 8 hours for the grout to completely dry. This is the final touch of how to install tiles in your homes.