How To Lay Porcelain Tile

A porcelain tile is often the preferred choice for flooring because of its aesthetic value, and easy maintenance. From bathroom flooring to kitchen counters, porcelain tiles are extensively used in home remodeling. Porcelain tiles are almost similar to ceramic tiles, the only difference being that porcelain tiles are not treated with a protective covering during the time of installation unlike ceramic tiles. Whatever the choice of your tile is, laying tiles is easy and you can take it up as a do it yourself project. This will also help you save a lot of money on labor. However, laying a porcelain tile is a lengthy process and can take up a whole day. Before you start with the project, make sure to gather all the stuff you will need for the task. If you are ready to spend a weekend to do the task yourself, then here are some quick tips and instructions to your aid. Read on to learn more.

Porcelain Tile Laying Instructions

• Porcelain tiles
• Latex modified thin-set mortar
• Underlay material
• Grout
• Grout sealer
• Level tube
• Spacers
• Mixing tray
• Water
• Hammers and nails
• Putty knife
• Trowel
• Spreading shovels
• Tile chipper
• Tile cutter
• Chisel
• Measuring tape
• Plywood cut in appropriate dimensions (optional)
• Wood cutter (optional)

• The first step to lay a porcelain tile is to prepare the floor and make it ready. For an uneven floor, you need to lay a cement baker board to make the flooring uniform. For a cracked floor, spread a cement sealant to close the cracks.
• Make sure your floor is free from all kind of debris before you start laying your tiles. Dust the floor carefully to remove all the debris.
• Measure the walls to determine the center point of the floor. Once determined, mark the center.
• Lay the tiles starting from the center proceeding towards the edges. You may also choose to make a pattern with your tiles. Use a chalk pencil to guide you.
• You may need to trim the tiles to fit in the edges. Use a measuring tape to measure the tiles. With a pencil, mark the tiles from where you need to trim them. If you are laying the tiles in a pattern or using a particular design, make notes or use stickers so you can move easily when finally installing your tiles.
• Now prepare the cement adhesive that you will need to lay the tiles with. Adhesives are available in all local home improvement stores.
• Spread the adhesive in small sections starting from the center of the room. Work on small areas instead of spreading the adhesive on the whole floor at a go.
• Press the tiles directly on the adhesives. Using a tile spacer is helpful to keep the spacing consistent.
• Allow the tile to sit. Do not walk around the room or disturb the tiles. It is best to leave the tiles overnight for them to stick properly to the adhesive.
• Once you are assured that the tiles have firmly stuck to the adhesive, mix and prepare the grout to fill in the cracks.
• The best way to spread the grout is by using a cake icing bag with a tip. Let the grout dry completely before you remove the film formed by the grout.