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Knowing how to lay ceramic tile is not too difficult, but if you’ve never done it before and aren’t very handy to begin with you might be better off with a professional. Having said that many homeowners have attempted their own remodeling, but the fact remains

that there are some projects, such as installing ceramic tile floors and even painting that are tackled by the homeowner.

When installing ceramic tile for the first time, make sure you do your homework. So why would you install ceramic tile floor? Most people believe, and rightfully so, that installing ceramic wall tiles and flooring is an attractive and hard wearing surface ideally suited to an installation in bathrooms and kitchens.

Even though all the planning and preparation has been finished, it is still not time to get to the nitty gritty of how to lay floor tile. The trick now is to repeat the following steps as many times as you need to get a feel for it. If you do not feel ready to continue then try again. First we have to set everything up…

Even though all the planning and preparation has been finished, it is still not time to get to the nitty gritty of how to lay floor tile. The trick now is to repeat the following steps as many times as you need to get a feel for it. If you do not feel ready to continue then try again. First we have to set everything up…

First of all, find the center point. We can continue with the assumption that we are dealing with a 84 squared feet room to explain the process better. Finding the center point is the key to learning how to

Laying tiles on a floor can be a daunting task, even with the simpler types of tiles. Laying ceramic or porcelain floor tiles doubly so. However, if you put in the required amount of planning and preparation then there is no reason you have to spend copious amounts of money to get your floor professionally tiled. It can also be a rewarding experience, especially doing it with a family member for some quality bonding time.

What you will need:

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile Tile adhesive or “mastic” A notched trowel A tile saw or a tile scorer A diamond hole saw to cut out radiator pipes and other holes Grout rubber float(a putty knife will scratch the tile face) Tape measure (or digital laser tape) Bucket (with warm water) Sponge Level Chalk line Pencil Tile spacers

Now you can begin the planning (and preparing) stage of laying your floor tiles. First comes the foundation., which invariably opens up a rather unpleasant question – What is your floor made up of? Plywood is generally very good but if you have the prevalent 1/2” to 5/8” particle board on a deck of 2x8s, then you have some extra work to do. After removing the base trim, you then pull up the particle board and replace it with plywood. Pulling up the particle board can be made easier by first cutting it into 16” squares. You will need a Skil saw, though if you are laying tiles in a kitchen then a so called “toe-kick saw” will be a must. As an aside, while you have the particle boards out, it would be wise to check the deck to make sure it is solidly attached to the floor joists. Remember to only replace the particle board up to where the tile will stop.

The next step is to determine the dimensions of the room that is being tiled. Using a tape measure, first measure from one wall to another and then go on and do the opposing walls. You might want to know whether you should factor any irregularities into your calculations, but rather not. It will hamper you in finding the center of the room, which will be discussed shortly. It will also give you more tiles with which to work in case of breakage or improper cutting.

Now it is time to

Many people enjoy doing their own home improvement projects. The popularity of “do-it-yourself” TV programs will attest to that fact. Some projects are relatively simple to do, even for the inexperienced. In this article, we’ll use laying a ceramic tile floor as an example.

Ceramic tile floors are durable as well as attractive and add value to your home. Tile floors are especially suitable for kitchens, baths, and entryways as they are easy to clean.

The first step in beginning your ceramic tile project is to select your tile. Deciding which tile you like best will probably be the most difficult part of the project. Other materials you will need are tile adhesive, grout, tile spacers, and preparation products if needed. Talk to the sales associate at the store where you purchase your tile. He will be a good source of information on how to lay ceramic tile.

Next, gather all tools needed before you start. The project will go faster and smoother if you have all your tools at hand. Some tools you will need are a clean bucket and sponge, pencil, tape measure, steel rule, level, adhesive spreader, and tile cutter.

One important lesson on how to lay ceramic tile is proper surface preparation. The finished surface of your ceramic tile floor will only look as good as the surface underneath it. After taking up the existing tile, make certain all the old adhesive has been removed and any damage to the surface is repaired. If you are laying new tile over existing tile be sure the old surface is clean. Before laying the new tile level the floor.

Next you have to find your starting point. With a chalk line, mark a line perpendicular to the entrance of the room. Starting from the entrance, lay a row of tile without adhesive along the chalk line. Be sure to use spacers to maintain a uniform distance between the tiles. Continue to the other side of the room until there is not enough space for a full tile. Lay a long, one inch thick board perpendicular to the row of tiles and then lay tiles next to the board in both directions across the room. Measure the space left along the edges of the room and decide how far to move the rows so the borders on both sides of the room are equal. Using this measurement, snap another chalk line. The starting point will be the intersection of the second line and the board.

Now you are ready to

Having ceramic tile floors may be a good, attractive, and durable alternative to other floor finishes. Ceramic tiles come in many different sizes and colors to match the décor or motif of any room. Also, aside from being fairly easy to install, they can provide years of maintenance-free use. Ceramic floor tiles are an ideal floor covering for kitchens or bathrooms, and they can also be used in conservatories and high traffic areas like hallways. Here’s how to lay ceramic tiles.

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