How Do You Install Tiles On Top Of A Cement Floor?

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Before you can begin installing tiles, you must
first prepare the cement subfloor. In order to ensure a successful tile floor
installation, the cement subfloor must be level. This can be achieved by
applying a leveling agent to the concrete floor. Once the concrete is free from
dips and cracks, it must be tested to make sure it doesn’t contain moisture. Moisture
tests can be found at your local hardwood store. Some manufacturers recommend
installing a crack isolation underlayment underneath the concrete subfloor.

When installing ceramic, porcelain or other tiles that have a grout joints
wider than 1/8”, use sanded grout. Unsanded grout is ideal for tile types that
have joint grouts smaller than 1/8”. Begin your installation in the middle of
the room and work your way out (towards the walls). Using a tape measure,
determine the exact center point between each wall. Snap a chalk line between
these center points, thus dividing the installation area into 4 quadrants of
equal size.

At the center point, lay a row of tiles and spacers in all directions (do not
apply adhesive yet). The point of this step is to figure out how the tiles will
fit together. Once you have your tiles properly laid out, mix the mortar according
to the instructions on the bag. Starting in the center of one of the 4
quadrants, spread an even amount of mortar on the ground with a notched trowel.
Spread the mortar so as not to cover the chalk lines you’ve drawn.

Once the mortar has been spread, you can start to set the tiles into the
mortar. If desired, add spacers as well. You don’t want the thin-set to skin
over, so work at a quick pace. Once you’re done laying down the tiles in that
quadrant, tap the tiles into place with a rubber mallet. Use a level with each
tile to make sure that all tiles are perfectly level with one another. Any
mortar that appears between the joints can be removed with a margin towel.
Afterwards, clean the face of the tiles with a damp sponge. Refer to these
steps when installing tiles in the other quadrants until the floor is complete.
Let the mortar cure and set according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
(this could be anywhere from 2-3 days).

Once the mortar has had time to set properly, it’s time to apply the grout. Before
you can do this, remove all spacers on the floors. Sweep and vacuum the tiles,
removing any high spots of mortar wherever necessary. If required by the
manufacturer, apply a presealer.

The grout should be mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Grout can
dry very quickly, so make sure that you only mix a small batch at a time.
Starting in one corner of the room, spread the grout across each tile, forcing
the grout down into each joint. Make sure you scrape away any excess grout from
the face of each tile. Tile floors can usually be cleaned 20 minutes after the
grout has been applied.

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