Laying a tile floor can transform a room and add value to a home. While it may seem challenging, dedicated DIY-minded homeowners can tackle it. With the right tools, materials, and a bit of patience, you can achieve professional-looking results.
In this guide, I’ll explain the process of laying a tile floor, from preparation to finishing touches, helping you save money while creating a beautiful new surface in your home.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before starting any tiling project, gather the necessary tools and materials. Having everything on hand makes the process smoother and more manageable.
Tools:
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- Level
- Speed square
- Notched trowel
- Rubber float
- Grout sponge
- Tile spacers
- Power drill
- Mixing paddle
- 5-gallon buckets
- Kneepads
- Safety glasses and earplugs
- Scoring cutter or wet saw
- Handsaw or jamb saw
Materials
- Tile
- Thin-set mortar
- Cement backer board
- Cement board screws
- Grout
- Sealer
The tile you choose determines the overall look of the room and the durability of the floor. Thin-set mortar holds the tiles in place, while cement backer board provides a stable surface for tiling. Cement board screws secure the backer board, and grout fills the gaps between tiles. The sealer protects grout from stains and moisture.
Measuring and Planning
A successful tile installation depends on accurate measurement and planning, which help you buy the right amount of materials and create a professional-looking installation.
Measuring the Floor
Calculate the amount of space you’ll be tiling:
- For square or rectangular rooms, multiply the length by the width, rounding up to the nearest foot.
- For oddly shaped rooms, divide the space into square or rectangular sections, calculate each separately, and add them together.
- Add 10-15% extra to account for needed cuts, breakage, and future replacements.
Taking accurate measurements keeps you from running short on tiles or having too many left over, making the installation smoother. Having a few extra tiles on hand is wise if you make mistakes or need to tackle future repairs.
Choosing the Right Tile
When selecting tile, you’re not after just something that looks good—you’ll want to consider a few important factors. If you’re a first-time tiler, stick with simple layouts and patterns—they’re easier to manage. Large tiles can create a sense of space in bigger areas, but they might overwhelm smaller rooms, so think about the size of your space.
If you’re tiling in wet areas such as bathrooms or kitchens, use textured finishes that provide traction for safety. Durability is also a vital quality in these high-traffic areas. Finding the right balance between design and functionality helps you create a beautiful floor that stands the test of time.
Surface Preparation
A well-prepared surface is the foundation of a long-lasting tile installation. Taking the time to prepare the subfloor properly will help prevent future problems and give you a professional finish.
Removing Existing Flooring
Begin by removing the current flooring. Scrape off any leftover adhesives or mortar—you want a clean slate. Once that’s done, clean the subfloor, removing any debris. Clearing out the old flooring and tidying up the subfloor ensures a smooth surface for your new tile installation.
Checking and Leveling the Subfloor
You want a flat, level surface for your tile installation. Fill any low spots and cracks in concrete subfloors with patching compound. If you’re working with wood subfloors, make sure they’re dry, sturdy, and securely fastened to the joists. Never apply tile directly to plywood or wood subfloors without proper preparation. You’ll prevent unevenness and future headaches by leveling your subfloor and addressing any imperfections.
Installing Cement Backer Board
Cement backer board creates a stable surface for your tile installation. Begin by covering your wood subfloors with the backer board, using corrosion-resistant screws to fasten it down. Make sure screws are countersunk flush with the surface. Tape and mortar the seams between the boards to create a seamless substrate. Installing the backer board correctly adds stability and prevents moisture damage.
Layout and Planning
An attractive tile installation depends on a well-planned layout, which minimizes awkward cuts and promotes a balanced look throughout the room.
Checking Square
Before you start laying the tile, check that the room is square. Measure the length of each wall and the diagonals from corner to corner. If opposite walls are the same length and the diagonals match, your room is square. Taking the time to verify the square dimensions prevents issues with alignment and makes the installation process smoother.
Establishing Guidelines
Start by creating a plan for tile placement. Snap chalk lines parallel to the walls to serve as guides for laying the tile. We recommend centering the tile layout or placing whole tiles along the most visible walls. Setting up these guidelines keeps everything aligned and helps maintain straight lines, giving you a professional-looking floor. Planning your layout also helps minimize waste and creates a cohesive appearance throughout the space.
Laying the Tile
Now that you’ve completed the preparation, it’s time to start laying the tile, which requires patience and attention to detail for the best results.
Mixing and Applying Mortar
Getting the mortar application right makes all the difference for a secure tile installation. Mix thin-set mortar according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a notched trowel to spread the mortar evenly over a small area, and mix only as much mortar as you can use within 15-20 minutes.
This will create a strong bond between the tile and the subfloor. Applying the mortar evenly helps prevent gaps and keeps the surface level, leading to a uniform finish.
Setting the Tile
Place your tiles carefully and precisely. Start by positioning the tiles along the guidelines you made and pressing them firmly into the mortar. Use the tile spacers to keep joint widths consistent, and check the alignment frequently to keep everything level and straight.
Cutting and Fitting Tile
Most tile installations require some cutting to fit around obstacles or at room edges.
Measuring for Cuts
Accurate measurements help you establish the correct tile dimensions. Start by measuring the distance to the wall and subtracting the width of the grout lines. Then, mark each tile that needs cutting. You’ll create a snug fit with precise measurements, reducing waste and improving the overall look. Cutting accurately minimizes gaps.
Cutting Techniques
Different cuts call for specific tools. For cutting across whole tiles, use a scoring cutter. Use a wet saw with a diamond-tipped blade if you need to make straight or partial cuts. For small, curved cuts, use tile nippers. A handheld grinder with a diamond blade is your best bet when dealing with complex cuts.
Grouting the Tile
Grouting fills the spaces between tiles, completing the installation and providing a finished look.
Mixing and Applying Grout
Applying grout correctly makes a big difference in your finish. Begin by selecting the correct type of grout. Choose unsanded grout for joints smaller than ⅛ inch and sanded grout for larger joints. Mix the grout following the manufacturer’s instructions to get the right consistency. Use a rubber float to apply the grout, working it into the joints at a 45-degree angle.
Cleaning Excess Grout
Let the grout set briefly, then use a damp sponge to wipe away any excess. Work at an angle to the tile to avoid pulling grout from the joints. Rinse your sponge frequently in clean water for best results. Clean up excess grout promptly, and regularly rinse the sponge to prevent streaks and haze.
Sealing and Finishing
The final steps to laying tile are sealing and finishing, which protect the tile and enhance its appearance.
Sealing Grout
Sealing protects grout from stains and moisture, giving you a durable and low-maintenance tile floor. Allow grout to cure for the recommended time, apply sealer with an applicator bottle or foam brush, and allow to dry according to manufacturer instructions.
Installing Baseboards
Baseboards add a polished finish to your space. Install baseboards or quarter-round molding to cover expansion gaps at the walls. For a more cohesive look, consider using tile baseboards—decorative strips of tile installed along the bottom of walls where they meet the floor.