How do you install ceramic tile floors?

Answer 1

If you have never installed a ceramic tile floor before, I would highly recommend hiring a professional to do it for you. If you don't want to do that, companies that sell ceramic tiles, such as www.BuyTile.com, can probably advise you on the best way to do it yourself. For example, site's FAQ even includes advice on hiring someone to do the installation. Good luck!

Answer 2

It depends, are you installing it on a concrete slab, or on a wood sub floor?

If it's on concrete, it's much easier. You first need to clean the concrete floor, remove any paint drops, or anything else that may be giving it an uneven surface. If there is a stress crack in the concrete, or a chip missing, you should go over it with a trowel and some mortar to even it out. In the end, you should have a flat, clean concrete surface.

If it's a wood sub floor. You need to first install cement board over the wood sub floor. This is a job in itself. Different cement boards have different installation directions. Typically they consist of laying some mortar over the wood sub floor, then laying down the cement board, screwing it down every 5 inches or so, then taping the seams with fiberglass mesh and mortar.

After that the process is the same. Use a trowel to spread some thin set mortar over the concrete or cement board (do small areas at a time, enough to lay 4-6 tile down), pull the trowel in 1 direction so that it's leaving straight lines. Be sure that you are getting 100% coverage, don't miss any spots where the tile is going, otherwise you will create hollow spots under the tile, in turn making weak spots. After that you lay the tile, make sure it's straight and aligned with any walls in the area. Use spacers to space apart the tile. Where the tile ends and meets anther type of flooring such as wood floors, or carpet, you will need an appropriate finishing or transfer strip.

After 24 - 36 hours after the tile is installed, you can apply the grout. You use a rubber trowel to spread the grout, let it sit for the specified amount of time, then clean off the excess with a wet sponge. After another 24-36 hours, you should seal the grout to keep it looking new, clean, and most importantly keep moisture out (especially important in bathrooms).