How to Lay Tile

Easy

Introduction

Installing floor tiles may not be as difficult a task as you first might assume. All it takes is a little patience, a few tools, and some help from The DIY Home Pro. There are several types of tiles available for you to choose from. Most tiles are installed through the same process, you will however need to make sure you have the right adhesive for the base material you are adhering the tile to. We have rounded a few resources that will send you on your way to perfectly laid tiles. Please look over the information below carefully, and then use what is most applicable to your specific project. Remember: we have searched everywhere to bring you the very best information available so that your project will be a complete success! Always check with The DIY Home Pro first for all of your projects!.

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Introduction
What You’ll Need

The Technique
Books and DVDs

Hire A Contractor
Ask Our Experts

Tools Needed
Materials Needed

What You’ll Need

Laying tiles will require some tools that are specific to the job. We have rounded up a list of tools and materials to help you get through the job. Remember the right tool for the job will give you a professional looking project and make the job a whole lot easier.

The Tools You’ll Need

Trowel

A trowel will be used to spread the adhesive evenly on the floor leaving the appropriate size notches in the adhesive to create a secure bond to the tile. Trowels come with specific size notches to match the type of material being used and the application you are involved inClark Tile PT-062 Poly-Pro V-Notch Trowel

Grouting trowel

A grouting trowel is specifically designed to spread the ground across the tiles without scratching the tile surface. These trowels have a bonded foam surface that easily absorb the sand left from the grout. You can easily rinse them off and use them over and over again.

Tape Measure

A tape measure is another basic tool that will be needed in completing this and many other projects around the house. This is a well constructed yet inexpensive modelStanley 33-725 25-Foot FatMax Tape Measure

Square

A carpenters square will come in very handy for layout of the tile, you will need to make sure the tiles are square to the wall as you lay them out! Stanley 45-300 Aluminum Carpenters Square

Chalk Line

A chalk line will enable you to mark a continuous line across the floor where the tiles will be centered in the room. This is critical during the installation process. Make sure you have a chalk line and some chalk on hand for the job!

Tile Cutter

There are a few different types of tile cutters. these cutters work better with specific types of tiles. A power tile cutter with a wet blade is the most universal and will work with most types of tiles. The manual slide type tile cutter works well but with a little less flexibility. We have provided both options.

The Materials You’ll Need

Tiles

There are many types of tiles to choose from, there are tiles for a bathroom or kitchen walls or tiles that can be laid on the entry way floor or kitchen floor. We have provided just a couple of options here for you to look over..

Spacers

Tile spacers insure even spaces and straight lines. By placing the spacers at every intersection that the tiles meet you insure the same gap everywhere. This is very important for that professional finishTavy 1/4

Adhesive

Adhesives vary according to the base material you are adhering the tile to. Whether the base is a cement based board, a cement floor, or a waterproof wallboard, thin set is the most common use for a wide range of applications. We have provided a good all around adhesive for you here. Dap 26012 Do it Best Multi Purpose Ceramic Tile Adhesive

Sponges

Sponges are used to scrub the tile to remove the excess grout and finally to clean the tile. Grouting leaves a heavy film of sand and colorant on the surface of the tiles. You will need a few good sponges to remove this film and clean your new surface. Do it Best Imports 309883 Do it Tile Grout Sponge

Grout

Grout is used to fill the gaps between the tiles. Grout comes in various colors to match your surface or to contrast with the tiles for a better appearance. Grout is inexpensive and readily available.

Sealer

Sealer will maintain a water proof finish on your tiles and grout. Sealer is very important in a bathroom, kitchen or entry way, this will insure that water does not penetrate the surface and damage the sub-floor

The Technique

There are many techniques for laying tile, but whether it is a counter top, a bathroom floor, or an entry way, the basics are all the same. The first thing you must do is determine the right type of tile for the job. You must then make sure that the base material you will be adhering the tile to is right for the area. What this means is;, if you are laying tile in an area that will be constantly exposed to moisture like a bathroom or a kitchen, you will need to make sure the base material is a waterproof material such as cement or a masonry board. We recommend this for all applications but it is not mandatory in areas that will not have any moisture. Next you will need to make sure the adhesive is right for the type of application, we always recommend an adhesive that has a latex additive to retain some flexibility in the bond. Once all of that is determined, you will need to center the tile on the job making sure you will end up evenly and squarely on the adjoining walls. Once the initial lay out is complete you are ready to start, the following videos and articles will explain everything clearly!

Laying Tiles

Here is a great video that covers everything from laying out the plan, to installing the tile. You will notice that they laid it out first to insure correct positioning at the parameter walls before they started gluing them down. The reason for this is so that when you are getting to the end of the project your tiles will be even on both walls. This also helps to make sure that you are square with the walls so that you don't end up with tiles that are different widths along the walls. Enjoy!

Tiling from the Start

Here is a text version that you can print, there are detailed diagrams to help you understand the whole process! You will learn how to prepare the surface for laying tiles and you will also learn to measure and lay out the project. Once lay out is complete you will learn every step of the process of installing the tile. View the Article >>>

Books and DVDs

Setting Tile

This book will take you step by step through the entire process of laying out and installing the tiles. You will learn how to cut tiles and how to figure the amount of materials needed. The book covers many types of tiles and the basic practices of leveling and installing them.

Tiling Complete

This book says it all on the cover! With tiling complete you will learn about tiles and the standard practices of laying out and installing each one. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, this book is a good one to have on hand.

Hire A Professional Contractor

Not convinced you want to go it alone? Renovation Experts is a great place to find local professional contractors who specialize in any home improvement and home repair project you may have.