how to install or lay tile

Before you start to install tile, you'll need a few tools. The most basic tools you should have on hand are:

Eye Protection

Tile Nippers

Gloves

Tape Measure

Square

Level

Chalkline

Rubber Hammer

Sponges

Rags

Pencil

Notched Trowel

Along with these tools, you'll also need materials. Since you've probably already chosen and bought the tiles that you're planning on installing, you'll need to pick up a few other things. One thing to note is that floor tiles aren't the same as wall tiles. Floor tiles are thicker and can handle the abuse of being walked on. Wall tiles won't hold up on the floor. So make sure you purchase the correct tile for the application. A few of the other materials you'll need are:

Leveling Compound

Grout

Tile Spacers

Silicone Caulking

Remember, don't start any tiling project until you've got everything you need on hand. The worst time to find out you're missing something is in the middle of a job. And remember, the most important thing you'll need to install tile like a pro is KNOWLEDGE and TRAINING. Click here for video lessons on how to install tile.

The first thing you'll need to do is prepare your floors for tile. Most tile manufacturers recommend a minimum 1" thick subfloor. This helps to keep the floor from flexing and cracking the grout joints and tiles. If your floor isn't that thick, you'll need to add some plywood underlayment. This needs to be glued and screwed down to provide the stiffest subfloor you can get.

If your floor meets the thickness requirement but is bouncy, you may need to renail the subfloor to the floor joists, add blocking between the floor joists, or even shim between the subfloor and the floor joists. This is a very important step that shouldn't be overlooked.

If your floor is stiff and doesn't bounce, and meets the required thickness, your next step is to check the floor for unevenness or out of level conditions. Both of these problems need to be fixed before the tile job proceeds. Often times, if the out of level or uneven problem is minor, this can be remedied by using a floor leveling compound.

Next up is to choose the pattern that you'd like to use to install the tile. There are several different layout patterns that you can use. Your best bet is to search online for examples of all the different types. Then, layout a few tiles on the floor in different patterns to find the one you like the most. Just keep in mind that the more complex the pattern you choose, the harder it is to install it properly. Things get exceptionally difficult if the pattern incorporates circles, or circular patterns.

Next up is to layout the floor. This is where you mark the floor out to receive the pattern that you've chosen. Normally, most tilers layout the pattern from the center of the room, but depending on the size of the tile, or room characteristics, you may want to center it based on something else, like a hallway for instance. This is where experience or training can help take your install from amateur to professional.

Now comes the fun part, Installing the TILE! If you've done all your homework, and have your pattern laid out on the floor, this task should be fairly straightforward. The only place you may encounter a little bit of difficulty is if you have to cut or notch the tile, or make circular tile pieces. Other than that, this part is much like putting a puzzle together.

Make sure you've got the correct adhesive for the tile, and if you're mixing it yourself, make sure it's mixed properly. Also, be aware of the pot life of the adhesive. You may only have a certain amount of time to use it before it stiffens up. Only mix up enough so that you can use it all up before it hardens. You'll get a better feeling for this after you've laid some tiles.

Don't forget to use your tile spacers. This will ensure that you get a nice even grout line later on, and will help to make your install look professional.

After you've gotten a few tiles laid, you'll want to get your level and rubber hammer out and level the tiles. Place the level across the tiles in different directions and gently tap the tiles to level them. This helps to keep them all in the same plane, which increases the quality of the install.

The last step is grouting the tiles. This is the proverbial icing on the cake. You should carefully follow the manufacturers recommendations when mixing up the grout. It should be similar to peanut butter in consistency. When applying the grout, you'll use your rubber float and push the grout into the into the seams between the tiles at a 45 degree angle to the seams. It also helps when forcing the grout into the seams to hold the float at a 45 degree angle to the tile.

After the seams have all been filled, wipe off the excess and then shape your grout lines. You'll want the seams to sit just a hair below the top of the tile. An old toothbrush works very well for this.

Now after the grout has set up, you'll need to wipe off the haze, or grout with a clean damp sponge. It's very important to keep the sponge clean, as this will help to keep the tile from getting scratched up. Again, the best course of action is to follow the grout manufacturers recommendations. They'll know best how exactly to install their product.

And there you have it, your newly tiled floor or wall! Hopefully this brief overview is enough to convince you that with a little guidance or training, even a complete beginner can install tile like a professional. Click here for a detailed course on How To Install or Lay Tile