How to Install Ceramic Floor Tile

The wide variety of attractive tile colors and tile designs of the ceramic tiles makes it an extremely popular choice among homeowners. It can be used in any part of the house. However, you will find maximum people inquire either about how to install ceramic floor tile in bathroom or in the kitchen. The demand for this tile for these two areas is very high mainly because it is easy to clean and it is not affected by water damage. Other advantages of using ceramic tiles is that they have high durability, do not require much maintenance, and of course, quite easy to install.

Steps To Install Ceramic Floor Tiles Indoors

To begin with, measure the size of the room to decide number of tiles needed for the flooring. You also have to procure tools and materials that you will require for your tiling project. It includes carpenter's square, thinset mortar, grout, tile spacers, trowel, measure tape, bucket of water and sponge. When you ready with all these items proceed with the following step by step instructions:

Step #1: Preparing the floor. The most important aspect of ceramic tile installation is that it has to be installed in a smooth and rigid sub floor that can provide support to the tiles. If they are installed in weak and uneven surface then cracks may develop on the tiles very soon. Therefore, it is recommended that a plywood of half inch thickness is installed to make the subfloor strong and even.

Step #2: Laying ceramic tiles. For this, you have to draw a perpendicular line from the entrance door of the room to the wall opposite to it using the carpenter's square and chalk. Start laying the tiles vertically along this drawn line. Draw another line perpendicular to the first row of tiles and continue to lay the tiles along the horizontal line on the either sides of this row of tiles till you reach the walls. Then keep laying the tiles next to each other so that the entire floor is covered with ceramic tiles.

Step #3: Cover up the gap between the last row of tiles and the walls. You must have noticed these gaps cannot accommodate one whole tile. In that case, you have to measure these gaps near each of the walls and cut the tiles with tile cutter as per the measurements. Then place the tile pieces parallel to each of the walls.

Step #4: Applying thinset mortar. Now, it's time to set the tiles on the floor with thinset mortar. Prepare the thinset mortar according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use a trowel to apply adhesive or mortar at the back of the tiles. Start from any one corner of the floor and move towards the entrance. While setting the tiles, make sure you put tile spacers in between each pair of tiles so that the gaps between them remain uniform. After application of mortar, press each of the tiles slightly with a block wood so that all the tiles remain in same level with each other.

Step #5: Grouting the tiles. Let the adhesive dry up thoroughly overnight. Then only you can grout the tiles. Remove the tile spacers that lie in between the tiles. Mix the grout as per the instructions given by the manufacturer. Take a generous amount of grout on a grout float and apply it into the spacing to cover the gap properly. Wipe off any excess of grout from the tiles with a damp sponge. Keep the installed tile remain untouched for the next one week and let the grout get cured thoroughly. Finally, seal up the grout using a silicone grout sealer. Thus you can prevent them from water damage and stains.

Installing ceramic tile flooring following these instructions will make the task quite easier for you. Thus, you do not have to hire any professionals which in turn will save you a lot of money. If you are curious to know how to install ceramic floor tile on concrete, then let me tell you that you can lay the tiles directly on the floor using the same procedure. However, repair any holes or damage on the floor in order to ensure that the concrete floor is leveled and does not have any defects.