What You'll Need
- Terrazzo tiles
- Thinset
- Trowel
- Grout
- Grout float
- Tile spacers
- Wet saw
- Bucket
- Water
- Sponge
- Tape measure
- Chalk line
- Concrete board
- Screws or nails
- Drill or hammer
Step 1 - Measure
Start out by measuring the length of the room and multiply it by the width to get the exact square footage of the room. Then add 10 percent to that figure so that you will get enough tile for waste.
Step 2 - Prepare the Floor
If you are installing on concrete subfloor, you can attach the tile directly to it. If you have a wood subfloor, you need to first install concrete board. Put thinset under the concrete board when you put it down. Then attach the concrete board by nailing it or screwing it down into the subfloor.
Step 3 - Starting Point
You should start laying the tile in the middle of the room so that it will be centered. In order to determine where to start, you need to snap a chalk line across the center point of the room in both directions. When you start laying, start in the corner of the intersection and work out.
Step 4 - Laying the Terrazzo Tile
You are now ready to start installing the terrazzo tile. Use your trowel to apply some of the thinset to the floor. Lay out about three or four square feet of the thinset at a time. Make sure that it is even and smooth on the surface of the floor. Then press one of the terrazzo tiles down into the thinset at the intersection of the chalk lines.
Place tile spacers on the corners of the first tile. Then place another terrazzo tile directly up against the spacers from the first tile. Put tile spacers around the corners of the second tile. Continue laying tiles in this manner until you get to the wall.
Step 5 - Cutting the Terrazzo Tile
Once you get to the side of the room, you need to cut the terrazzo tile so that it will fit in the gap. Use your tape measure to measure the appropriate size that you need. Then place the tile on your wet saw and cut it to the correct size. Then you can take this cut piece and put it in the opening.
Step 6 - Grouting
After you have allowed the thinset to set up overnight, you should be able to grout the floor. You should apply the grout to the grout joints with a grout float. Fill up the grout joints with the grout. Then you need to use a wet sponge to wipe down the tile and the grout joints. This will smooth out the joints and help you remove the grout off of the tops of the tiles.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
