How To Install Ceramic Tile

You ll see how to complete each step and work the required tools such as trowels manual snap cutter wet saw and tile nipper.

How to install ceramic tile.

Install ceramic tile over a subfloor that s no less than 1 1 8 inches thick. To install ceramic wall tile use a level and measuring tape to mark the tile locations on the wall with chalk. Install cut tiles in small groups to avoid mixing too much mortar and risking it drying out before you can use it all. A thinner subfloor will cause the floor to flex due to the weight of the tile.

To cut a curve mark the cutting line then cut away bits of tile with tile nippers. To keep it square the top of the tile should be held flush to the fence at the top of the cutter. Gently press the tile into the wet thinset twisting the tile back and forth to press it deeper into the thinset. Your aim is to collapse any ridges in the mortar and fill in gaps.

Measure twice before you cut. Be sure to put spacers between each tile as you go. Lay the tile. Watch our how to install ceramic and porcelain floor tile videos and learn the steps needed for a successful installation.

Lay out mark and cut small groups of tiles at a time and leave them in the space where they will be installed. A flexing subfloor results in cracked tiles and grout and a lot of headaches. Then using the lever to which the cutting wheel is attached draw the cutter across the surface.