How to install different types of floor tiles

With any successful DIY project, it’s important to be prepared.
Things you will need:

measuring tape

mixing paddle

drill

chalk line

Pencil

notched trowel

pail

tile saw

grout float

tile spacers

Research mosaic tiles and find out what type and size suits your needs. Tiles must be installed in at least an inch and a half of subfloor; or you can use a concrete backing plate (attach the backing plate to the floor and screw or fix it for the ceiling). Measure the square footage and purchase an additional bug box.

Check for square walls and measure two square walls and find the center of the room. Measure that distance from one end and then from the other. Repeat other square walls and hit lines, take the distance and divide it into your tile size to find out how the tile will finish from wall to wall; and include the size of the grout lines. Start with the tile at the edge of your lines or place the tile in the middle; that way all your tiles will come out the same throughout the room. Mix up a bucket of thinset and smooth out some of the thinset with a quarter-inch notched trowel. Gently lay them out in a twisting motion, back and forth while staying on the lines. use appropriate spacers. Don’t put yourself in a corner.

After laying all the uncut tiles, measure the edge tiles and cut them to size. If you have a doorway or a transition between rooms, you can use a thinner strip that sticks with the tile or a transition strip over the top. You can re-butter the smaller pieces if needed. Finish laying the cut tiles. Stay off the tiles at night; 24 hours to allow thin layer to cure. Mix the grout and trowel in lines with the grout trowel.

Float the grout at a 45 degree angle making sure all areas are completely filled with grout. Let stand until a haze appears. Carefully clean the tiles with a clean sponge and water. The tiles will have a haze again, repeat; changing the water often. Be sure not to get the grout out or get too wet. Let dry overnight and seal tile or grout according to manufacturers’ instructions. Enjoy your beautiful new apartment.

Tips and Warnings
– Never start laying tiles in a corner.
– You can use a speed set if the area is in a traffic area where you can grout or walk for hours
– You can rent a tile saw at your local store.
– Always wear safety glasses when cutting tiles.