Install A Porcelain or Ceramic Tile Floor

A porcelain or ceramic tile floor is a great addition to areas of your home that see a lot of traffic. Tile floors are durable and easy to clean. Follow these steps to install a tile floor in your home.

Preparation

Before installing a tile floor, refer to How to Prep for Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Floors video and printable instructions available online at Lowes.com/Videos.

TIP: Materials and installation for installing a tile floor are different from those for wall tile. Make sure you select the appropriate materials for your tile flooring job. Ask a Lowe’s associate if you need assistance.
TIP: If you are installing tile in a room with large appliances, it’s best to remove them before the installation. Disconnect and use either a dolly or furniture sliders to move them. Wait until the tile is set and everything has cured before moving furniture and appliances back in place.
If you’re installing around cabinetry, the installed tile may cover the lowest part of the cabinets. For new construction, you may consider installing the floor before the cabinets.

The following instructions are for a simple stacked pattern using 12" square tiles. Pre-assembled patterns with a mesh back are available for easy installation with similar instructions. Other sizes of tiles also are available.

Applying Mortar

01 Refer to the Installation Materials and Tools list.

TIP: For symmetrically straight tile lines, you need reference lines on the backerboard. If you haven’t already done so, mark the reference lines for your installation following steps in the previous video and printable instructions.

02 Remove tiles from the different boxes and randomly mix them to ensure that minor color differences don’t form an unwanted pattern in your new floor.

TIP: As you purchase tile, verify that the boxes you purchase have the same lot number and that none have faded in storage.
A Lowe’s associate can help you in selecting the appropriate number of consistent tiles.

03 Mix the polymer-modified thinset mortar in a bucket to the consistency recommended by the manufacturer.

04 Starting at the reference line cross in the middle of the room, spread the mortar with the thin side of the trowel in areas about 3'x3'. Make sure that the reference lines are not obscured.

05 Apply the mortar using the notched side of the trowel held at a 45˚ angle to comb the mortar in one straight direction to ensure uniform application.

06 Remove excess mortar with the trowel and return it to the bucket.

Installing Tile

01 Lay the first tile square at the crossing of the reference lines. For best results, lightly press and twist the tiles to set them in the mortar.

02 Place tile spacers at the edges of the first tile.

Some tiles are self-spacing with small lugs at their edges to ensure consistent space between tiles for the grout.

03 Continue laying tiles in the same manner along the reference lines, then add spacers.

TIP: For best results, periodically lift a tile to make sure the mortar is sticking well. If not, apply additional thinset on the back side with a trowel. If numerous tiles are not getting good adhesion, use a trowel with larger notches.

04 Once you have completed a work section, use a rubber mallet and carpenter’s level to level the tile.

05 Remove any excess mortar with a damp sponge.

06 Continue applying thinset mortar and laying the tile in work sections in the same manner. Make adjustments as needed so the tiles are aligned straight, especially along the longest dimension of the room where variations will show.

07 As you near cabinets, doorways, walls and other flooring stops, trim tiles as needed for installation.

Use a tile cutter for small, straight cuts.
Use a tile saw (rentable) if necessary for cutting numerous or thick tiles.
For making curved cuts, you can use tile nippers. If the tile is too thick for nippers, try the following method:
1. Mark the curve on the tile.
2. Make relief cuts with a tile saw.
3. Then snap off the pieces with tile nippers.
4. Use a file to smooth down the edges.
TIP: Remember to cut tiles an extra ¼" smaller at the edge of the flooring to allow for mortar and expansion.
Use a tile edging strip along carpet, wood flooring and other entry ways. Just spread the thinset, then set the strip in the mortar. The tile will hold it in place.

08 Apply thinset mortar and set the cut tile in position. Add tile spacers as needed.

09 Allow the thinset mortar to dry for at least 24 hours or as recommended by the manufacturer before continuing.

Finishing The Floor

01 Refer to the Finishing Materials and Tools.

02 Remove the tile spacers from between tiles.

03 Mix the grout (filler between the tiles) following the grout manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure you use the proper water-to-mix ratio for a paste-like consistency.

If you have well water, purchase distilled water to mix the grout.

04 Apply the grout into the joints then diagonally across the joints with a rubber grout float, removing as much excess as possible.

05 Allow the grout to dry for 20 minutes or as recommended by the manufacturer.

06 Wipe the grout lines in a circular motion with a sponge and water to set the grout just below the tile surface.

Follow up with a grout haze remover to clean the tile.

07 Once the grout is installed, avoid heavy traffic on the floor for at least 72 hours to allow the grout to dry.

08 Wait approximately three weeks for the grout to cure completely before sealing the grout.

09 Apply a grout sealer to the joints following manufacturer’s instructions.

10 Install any trimwork or transition strips.

A plain floor becomes a beautiful and durable floor by installing ceramic tile. For other home interior projects, with printable instructions, watch the easy-to-follow videos available at Lowes.com/Videos.

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