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Installing Ceramic Floor Tile - Types

Ceramic floor tiles come in two basic types. Glazed and Porcelain.  Glazed holds up the best for heavy traffic areas and porcelain works well in bathrooms. 

Porcelain is typically more expensive, so consider your budget and the size of the area you want to tile.  Ceramic floor tiles also come in many shapes and sizes. For flooring, however, I would suggest using larger ceramic floor tiles up to 12” x 12”.

See HomeAdditionPlus.com's Ceramic Floor Tile Calculator

Installing Ceramic Floor Tile - Underlayment

For proper installation of ceramic floor tile the base foundation or the underlayment is critical.  Typically it consists of ¾” to 1 ¼” of plywood. Tiling over Linoleum or existing ceramic floor tile is also feasible, as long as it is solid. I also recommend when installing ceramic floor tile over linoleum that you first apply ring nails or screws 6” on center over the entire area.

The trick is to lay the ceramic floor tile out such that stubby ceramic floor tiles do not show up in highly visible spots. Once you have completed this, make two marks with a pencil outlining the most centered tile.  These lines should be perpendicular to each other.

Also take note of the wall that is most visible from all the others. Now remove the ceramic floor tiles. Next draw or snap a line perpendicular to this wall that is in line with one of the marks you made on the floor. Then, draw a perpendicular line to this first line.  This second line should be centered with the first line and fairly in line with the second mark you made on the floor.  Once you have completed this task, re-layout some of the ceramic floor tiles along the perpendicular lines and observe if they run out in a way that will limit cutting and stubbed tiles. Once this is completed, remove the tiles and prepare for the actual installation.

Install Ceramic Floor Tile

Again, make sure the area is free of dirt and dust. Next apply the ceramic adhesive or mastic to the flooring, starting in the center, where the two perpendicular reference lines intersect.  Apply enough material to cover 6-10 square feet, if no cuts are required. If cuts are required limit the amount of mastic application to about 2-4 square feet.   When applying the mastic, first spread it with the flat end of the trowel. Lay it on relatively thick, approximately 1/8” to 3/16”thick. Then turn the trowel around and run the notched edge over it. This creates ridges in the mastic that helps to hold the ceramic floor tile down more securely.  The larger the ceramic floor tile, the larger the notches should be. For example, I use a ¼” notched trowel for 12” x 12” ceramic floor tiles.

Note: Only make up enough ceramic adhesive for 30 minutes, as this material has the tendency to harden up rather quickly.    

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Once the adhesive has been applied, begin installing the ceramic floor tiles working from the center outward. On larger ceramic floor tiles you should back butter them. Basically, apply a thin coating of mastic to the back of the ceramic floor tile prior to laying it on the floor. This will help ensure a good bond. 

As you near the walls or edges of cabinets, tubs and toilets, you will need to cut some of the ceramic floor tiles. I highly recommend the use of a Wet-Saw.  A Wet-Saw will allow you to make very accurate cuts, both large and small. You will also save money, as you will waste many fewer ceramic floor tiles with bad cuts or broken tiles. Wet-Saws are not that expensive and once you see your finished product you will certainly be installing more ceramic floor tile.  Wet-Saws can also be rented as a cheaper alternative.

When installing ceramic floor tiles you may want to use Lugs. Lugs are effectively spacers that come in various thicknesses. I typically like to have no more than a ¼” space between the tiles. Employing Spacers will ensure uniformity with your ceramic floor tile spacing.

Ceramic Floor Tile Installation - Grouting

After the ceramic floor tile has been completely installed, allow it to sit for 24-48 hours before applying grout and walking on it.  Grout comes in many different colors and is very easy to install. Simply mix the grout with water or a special bonding agent and apply with a rubber trowel. Run the trowel on a bias when going over tile corners.

Once the grout has been applied, immediately wipe the ceramic floor tile of excess grout, using a wet sponge and a bucket of water. Wait 30 minutes and again wipe the ceramic floor tiles down of any residual grout. Wait another 60 minutes and repeat. If grout is left on the ceramic floor tiles to dry, you will have a great deal of elbow work scraping it off.

Let the grout sit up for 24 hours and it is ready for use and admiration.

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Related Ceramic Floor Tile Information

• Installing Tile over Tile

• Installing Tile over Linoleum

• How to Remove Ceramic Tiles

• Drilling Holes in Ceramic Tile

 

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