How to Lay Bathroom Floor Tile

Modern ceramic and stone tiles provide a plethora of design options, and resist wear better than many materials. Laying bathroom tile may sound like a formidable job, but if you follow a few simple guidelines, you can create a room of beauty and elegance.

Installing the tiles

Snap chalk lines across the width of the floor. Measure the size of your tile and the width of one full grout joint; this is how far apart the chalk lines will be.
Start with a small area and apply adhesive up to your chalk lines using a notched trowel. Do not apply more adhesive than you can cover with tile before the adhesive sets up.
Press a tile into place and twist it slightly to make sure it is firmly set.
Place a spacer between the tiles to make sure the tiles are evenly spaced.

Applying the grout

Make sure the adhesive has completely cured before applying the grout, usually 24 to 48 hours.

Remove the spacers.
Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's instructions. Mix enough to fill all of the joints.
Place a trowel full of grout onto the tile. Use a float or squeegee to push the grout into the joints. Use sweeping strokes at a diagonal to the grid pattern.
Make several passes over the same area to compact the grout into the joint.
Do not use grout to fill the joint between the last row of tile and the wall. Apply a flexible silicone caulk in this area.
Strike the joints to create slightly recessed seams. This can be done using a toothbrush handle, small spoon or a shaped stick. Press the tool into the grout, sliding back and forth just enough to indent the seams slightly below the level of the tile.
When the grout is firm, use a wet sponge to wipe off excess grout from the tile surface. It may take several passes, and you may need to do a final polish of the tile surface with a clean, damp cloth.

Sealing the joints

It may take several days for the grout to completely cure and you may need to wait even longer before applying a sealer. Check the grout label directions.

Start in the corner farthest from the door and apply a thin, even coat of sealer on the grout. Some sealers come with a built-in applicator, or you can use an artist's brush.

Place a spacer between the tiles to make sure they are evenly spaced