subject: How To Tile A Floor [print this page] Tiling your own floor is easier than you think, as long as you follow the right steps. The key is careful preparation.
Get a pencil and paper and plan exactly how you want the floor to look. Include any awkward corners or furniture that youll have to work round. Before buying the equipment, ask your supplier for a detailed list suited to your choice of tile. You will need tile cutters, adhesive and grout for tiles, safety goggles and a spirit level, among other items.
To start tiling, find the exact centre of your floor. To do this, measure the walls, mark the midpoint of each, and use this to draw two lines across the middle of the room. Your starting point is the place where the lines cross (check that its a right angle) and you lay tiles along these lines; make sure they look good from the doorway, and dont forget to put spacers between them, for grouting later.
For the adhesive, follow the instructions on the packaging. Start with a square formed by one of the right angles made by your crossed lines. Using a spreader comb, spread enough adhesive inside this square to cover about 1 metre/ 3ft. Then tile that area, so the adhesive has no time to set. (If you think it may set before youre ready, work with a smaller area.)
Slide and twist the first tile into place, making sure the whole of the back is covered with adhesive, and carefully press down. Lay the other tiles in the same way, working outwards from the centre (1 sqm at a time including spacers at each corner) until half the room is covered. Check floor is even, using a spirit level; then tile the other half. Use whole tiles as much as you can.
Wear safety goggles to trim the edge tiles. Measure space at both ends as the walls may be uneven, and draw a template (including grouting gaps) before cutting more complex shapes. Put adhesive straight onto the tile after cutting, not on the floor.
Before you start grouting, leave the adhesive to dry for 24 hours unless your product states otherwise. When the floor is dry, take out the spacers and spread the grout evenly between the tiles. Wipe off excess and press the grout down before it sets. Let it dry, then polish with a cloth.
