How to Tile a Floor

Tile floors are popular in the bathrooms and kitchens of a home. Tile floors are now also being installed in formal areas of the house. One of the main reasons for the change is the variety of styles of tiles on the market. Another great incentive to use tile is it is fairly inexpensive and easy to install.

1. Clean the dirt and debris from the floor to be tiled. Use a broom to remove large debris. Mop the floor with mild soap and water. Allow the floor to dry.


2. Measure the floor to find the center of the room and mark the area with two lines that intersect in the middle of the floor. 


3. Lay out the tiles and spacers on the floor in the desire pattern before starting the project. This will give you a general idea of where to start the process and how wide the grout lines should be.


4. Mix the thin-set mortar in a bucket following the instructions on the label. Let the mortar set for approximately 10 minutes.


5. Use a notched trowel to spread the mortar on a 2-foot by 2-foot section of the floor.


6. Start placing the tiles on the mortar. Push down firmly to set the tile in place. As you make your way across the room, measure any spaces where a full tile will not fit. Use this measurement to mark the tiles.


7. Use a pencil to mark the tiles. This will determine where the tile will need to be cut to fit into the space.


8. Use a tile cutter to cut the tile. Continue to place the tiles and place a tile spacer between each tile to make sure they are uniform.


9. Allow the tiles approximately three to four days to dry. Remove all the spacers from the between the tiles.


10. Use a rubber trowel to spread the color grout of your choice over the tiles. The grout should be applied at an angle to ensure grout gets between all the tiles.


11. Remove the excess grout with a damp sponge. Allow the grout to dry completely. Apply a sealant over the grout.  Allow the sealant to dry for 24 hours before walking on the floor.