How To Install Ceramic Tile

To install ceramic wall tile use a level and measuring tape to mark the tile locations on the wall with chalk.

How to install ceramic tile.

Occasionally lift a tile and check the back to ensure full coverage. A thinner subfloor will cause the floor to flex due to the weight of the tile. Install ceramic tile over a subfloor that s no less than 1 1 8 inches thick. Then using the lever to which the cutting wheel is attached draw the cutter across the surface.

Install cut tiles in small groups to avoid mixing too much mortar and risking it drying out before you can use it all. To cut a curve mark the cutting line then cut away bits of tile with tile nippers. Use long sweeping motions to apply mortar to the wall and start placing your tiles in the marked locations. A flexing subfloor results in cracked tiles and grout and a lot of headaches.

Your aim is to collapse any ridges in the mortar and fill in gaps. Lay the tile. Lay out mark and cut small groups of tiles at a time and leave them in the space where they will be installed. Watch our how to install ceramic and porcelain floor tile videos and learn the steps needed for a successful installation.

Ceramic porcelain natural stone if the variety of shapes sizes textures and colors that are available in tile has stirred your creativity you may be read. Gently press the tile into the wet thinset twisting the tile back and forth to press it deeper into the thinset. You ll see how to complete each step and work the required tools such as trowels manual snap cutter wet saw and tile nipper.