How To Install Ceramic Flooring

Your aim is to collapse any ridges in the mortar and fill in gaps.

How to install ceramic flooring. You ll see how to complete each step and work the required tools such as trowels manual snap cutter wet saw and tile nipper. Use a tile cutter for small straight cuts. Next place a loose tile directly over the last full tile you laid this is the tile you ll cut to size. Mark the loose tile and cut it to fit along the edge.

Use a thin set product to install ceramic tile over existing tiles. Pull the tile up and check the back of the tile. Keep a supply of wax rings on hand if you plan to reinstall the toilet at the end of each day. Stuff a rag in the hole to block sewer gases.

First get the toilet out of your way. Also consider that doors cabinets and other hardware might need to be reworked or replaced with new ones to compensate for the higher floor. Watch our how to install ceramic and porcelain floor tile videos and learn the steps needed for a successful installation. Use a tile saw or wet saw both rentable if necessary for cutting numerous or thick tiles.

If your home only has one toilet you can leave it in place until you install the backer board. Lay the tile flat and then with mild pressure slide the tile 1 4 inch back against the thin set ridges then slide it back into place. Then place another tile on the loose one and up against the tile on the wall. First set a scrap tile against the wall it allows space for grout.

Put the first test tile onto the thin set bed. This is a mixture of cement fine grain sand and water that will adhere the new tile to the old. Gently press the tile into the wet thinset twisting the tile back and forth to press it deeper into the thinset. It should be completely covered with thin set.

Occasionally lift a tile and check the back to ensure full coverage. Prepare the room for installing ceramic bathroom floor tiles.