What you'll need
- Tile
- Trowel
- Adhesive
- Concrete board
- Tile spacers
- Grout float
- Grout
- Water
- Bucket
- Tape measure
- Wet saw
- Sponge
- Nails
- Hammer
- Screws
- Drill
- Seam tape
- Chalk line
Step 1: Determine How Much Tile You Need
The first thing that you need to do is determine how much tile you are going to need for the job. This can be done by getting the dimensions of the room with your tape measure. Then you will need to multiply the two dimensions together in order to get the exact square footage of the space. You will then need to add between 5 and 10 percent to that value so that you will have enough to make cuts.
Step 2: Prepare the Room
You will now need to prepare the room for installation. Take up the baseboards along the side of the wall. You will also need to remove any carpet, tile, laminate, or hardwood that is currently on the floor. If there is vinyl on the floor, you can leave it. If you try to take a vinyl that is glued down to wood, it is most likely going to damage the floor.
Step 3: Install the Concrete Board
Tile cannot be installed directly to a wood subfloor. In order to install the tile, you are first going to have to install concrete board. Concrete board typically comes in 3' x 5' sheets and can be attached to the wood subfloor in order to provide extra strength. You need to adhere the concrete board by using tile adhesive and nails or screws. You can drill or hammer them into place. Then cover the seams with seam tape.
Step 4: Chalk Line
At this point, you'll need to snap a chalk line in the center of the room in both directions. This will provide you with a place to start laying the tile so that it will be centered in the room.
Step 5: Laying the Tile
When you are laying the tile, you want to make sure that you use extreme care. If you get out of alignment, it can throw off the entire floor. Spread out some of the adhesive with your trowel and then press one of the tiles down into it. Using spacers to guide you, place the next tile directly next to it. Continue laying tiles in this manner until you get to a wall or cabinet.
Step 6: Continuing
When you get to a wall or cabinet, you are going to need to make a cut. You can do this by measuring the appropriate distance and then cutting it with your wet saw.
Step 7: Finishing Up
After you allow the tile adhesive to dry for 24 hours, you can install the grout. Using a grout float, you can apply the grout to the grout joints. You will then need to clean up with a sponge and some water.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
