Ceramic Flooring - Installing a ceramic tile floor is not too difficult, but you must plan ahead to ensure a professional quality job. Removing the old flooring (if this is not a new tile job) will prove to be the most difficult part of the task. In addition, the substrate to be covered must be clean, level, and smooth.

Substrate Preparation

The substrate must be clean and free of defects. Make sure all high spots are removed or you will find it nearly impossible to align adjacent tiles. If you need to patch rough areas, use a waterproof patching compound.

Snap chalk lines with a 90 degree intersection, preferably in the center of the room. Be patient. The more time you invest in laying out your area the better your project will go. Solve your layout questions before the adhesive is even mixed.

For best results, all tiling materials and adhesives should be at 50 to 70 degrees for 24 hours before and 48 hours after installation. Thoroughly mix the mortar with clean water to a toothpaste like consistency. It is best to only mix what can be used in 30 minutes. Stir mixture occasionally to maintain consistency. In the event the mix becomes stiff in the pail, discard and make a fresh batch.

First apply the mortar using the flat side of a trowel to promote substrate contact. Then, using a notch trowel at a 45 degree angle, spread the Mortar uniformly in a ridged pattern. Continue applying mortar in a straight pattern. Do not swirl the trowel, as this creates uneven heights in the mortar. Spread only an area that can be tiled in 10 to 15 minutes. Press tile into Mortar with a slight twisting motion. To prevent any voids or air pockets under the tile, use a small block of wood or rubber mallet and carefully tap the top of each tile to insure complete contact with mortar. Be very gentle here. You don’t want to crack or otherwise weaken the tile. Stay off the tile for 48 hours.

After the mortar has dried 48 hours, you are ready to grout. There are a variety of grout colors available to enhance the look of your tile floor. When working with grout it is mandatory to keep conditions as consistent as possible throughout the job - moisture, temperature, mixing and application. Mix the grout powder as per instructions. It is better to mix no more than can be used within 20 minutes. Mix each batch until all the pigments are dispersed and wet. The mixing time for each batch should be the same. Use a grout float to work the grout into the tile joints. Skim off the excess grout with the edge of the float and wipe the tile immediately with a damp sponge. It is better to grout small areas at a time so no grout will dry on the face of the tile. Remove all of the grout with the exception of a fine film. This film can be buffed off after setting using a clean, dry cloth.

After grout has dried for 48 hours, seal all grout joints with grout sealer to reduce maintenance and retain color. For weekly cleaning of your tile and grout, use a cleaner specifically recommended for tile floors. You don’t want to strip sealer from the grout joints.