How to lay ceramic tile is an art you can learn. This article describes the basic steps to understand before tackling a ceramic tile installation project.
There is no more beautiful or practical floor than ceramic tile. Installing ceramic tile in kitchens, bathrooms and foyers is a perfect choice. The same principles apply to walls, counter tops or showers too.
The Base.
The base can be any of several materials including linoleum, concrete, or even old tile. It must be level, clean and somewhat rigid. Walls use a backer board normally as a base.
Lay It Out.
Ceramic tile installation layout is based on finding the center of the room. Pay close attention to how the tiles will run out at the walls or other obstructions.
Lay some of the tile out on the floor to see how it's going to work out. Then strike lines parallel and perpendicular to the walls as reference marks.
Plan for cutting of tiles where necessary. You will need tile nippers and a saw, preferably a wet saw.
Thin-set.
The adhesive, or thin-set, is mixed and applied to a small area at a time. This prevents the adhesive from setting up too soon. Especially if you're going to be doing some cutting and fitting, you'll mix only a small amount.
Laying Ceramic Tile.
The thin-set is spread with a trowel. The tile trowel forms ridges in the thin-set to apply the right amount of material. The tile are then laid, paying close attention to getting the joints even. There's where the art comes in how to lay ceramic tile. Those tiles have to be straight and level!
Grouting.
After the tiles have set for 24 -48 hours, they are ready for grout.
Grout comes in a variety of colors and is easy to install. Mix the grout with water making sure to mix well so it isn't lumpy. Grout is applied with a rubber trowel.
Clean the grout off the tile after about 30 minutes. Clean about an hour later for a second time.
After 24 hours drying time, the tiled area is ready to use! You're going to love it.
You can learn how to lay ceramic tile and get just the kind of floor you want.
