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How to Tile a Floor Like a Pro

A Detailed Guide to Tile Floor Installation

So, you’re ready to learn how to install tile? Great! After reading this article, you should have a good grasp of what tools and supplies you’ll need and a basic understanding of the tile installation process from planning to grouting.

This is not an exhaustive tutorial, but rather an overview of the process. As we can’t cover the full range of products and materials with all their unique specifications, we will occasionally guide you to check the manufacturer’s recommendations. Visit your local Tile Shop to speak to one of our helpful Tile Experts, for any questions you may have.

floor tile marble look

Tools & Material

Below is a list of the basic items you will need to install your tile. For a comprehensive list of the tools and materials required for each step in the installation process, refer to our handy checklist.

Materials
Tile
Underlayment: backer board, membrane, waterproof underlaments, self-leveling, mudset, etc.
Adhesives: epoxy, thinset, mastic, etc.
Grout: epoxy, sanded, unsanded, etc.
Sealer: stone sealer, natural sealer or grout sealer
Tools
Trowel
Float (for grouting)
Cutting tool: wet saw or scoring snap cutter
Spagers: wedges, T spacer or leveling spacers (depending on your space)
Buckets
Sponges
Tape
Utility knife

Not sure which tools are best for your project? Our Tile Experts are available to answer your questions. Visit your local Tile Shop for guidance, resources and supplies.

Before You Begin

wet saw

It’s important to have the right surface prepared before you start to tile. Determine your existing subfloor and adjoining floor height, and whether you want to include in-floor heating. This will help you decide which underlayment will work best for your project.

You’ll want to ensure you are working on a clean, dry surface. Thoroughly sweep and vacuum your space before you install your underlayment.

There are many different versions of snap cutters on the market, but all of them have virtually the same components: they’ll have a cutting wheel, rails (usually two, but sometimes a single rail), and a handle so you can apply pressure.

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wetsaw tile installation process

Grouting

tile installation how to lay tile

Grout is more than just a nice line of color between your tiles. It provides an important function, bonding your tile and preventing it from cracking and chipping due to the movement of your home.

Preparing for Grouting

Prepare your space for grouting by cleaning off any excess thinset that may have squeezed into your gout joints with a utility knife. With an almost dry sponge, wipe down your tiles, making sure to swap out your water regularly to ensure you are working with clean water. Once your tiles and grout joints are clean, remove your spacers.

If you have installed a man-made tile, such as glass, porcelain or ceramic tile, now is a good time to apply a grout release. This will help prevent the grout from sticking to the surface of the tiles.

If you are using natural stone or encaustic cement tiles, we recommend also applying a stone sealer before grouting. For particularly heavily textured stones, you can also use a grout release after this step.

If you are not using a premixed grout, refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for mixing your specific grout. Just as with thinset, you’ll need to check the grout manufacturer’s open times and cure times.

Instructions for mixing grout

Add the recommended amount of water to your bucket.
Add the grout powder in batches to avoid clumping. You can add extra water later, if needed.
Mix thoroughly to ensure consistent grout pigment and prevent streaking.
Let the grout mixture set according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Briefly remix before application.

Applying the Grout

For this step, you will need: your grout, a grout float, a bucket of clean water and a sponge (to clean off excess grout as you go).

Load your grout float with grout from your bucket. Hold the grout float at a 45° angle to the tile and swipe the float along the tile diagonally from your grout line. If you apply grout parallel to the joint, it will pull grout out of the joint instead of pushing it in. Make sure to fill the joint completely from top to bottom, and do your best to minimize the amount of excess grout on the tile.

We recommend alternating between grouting and cleaning every 10-30 minutes, depending on the type of grout, temperature and other factors. Refer to your grout’s open time to determine the ideal timing. Clean the grout from the tile surface with a slightly moist sponge, if you use too much water it can wash away the pigment in your grout.

Once you are finished grouting, a grout haze (a very fine coating of grout) will likely form on the surface of the tiles. This is normal. Let the grout set up for a few hours, and then use a grout haze remover and a dry or almost dry sponge or rag to clean your tiles. Come at the grout line at a diagonal to avoid removing grout from the joint.

Striking the Grout

Next, you’ll want to strike your grout line. To do this, you’ll use an almost dry sponge to pull across the grout, smoothing it. With the tip of your finger, apply light pressure to the corner of the sponge as you pull it across the grout.

Swap out your dirty water for clean water regularly, especially if you have a lot of grout haze. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended cure time.

Sealing

tile installation products

In addition to protecting your tile and grout, sealers can also enhance their appearance, giving your installation a matte or shiny look that will endure for years.

Not all grouts require sealing—check with a Tile Shop Tile Expert to determine if this step is necessary. If your grout needs to be sealed, wait until it is fully cured. After sealing man-made tile, wipe any excess sealer off with a dry rag to avoid a filmy residue.

Caulking

caulk how to lay tile installation

Caulk is used to create a strong and waterproof bond between joints, whether between tiles, walls, counters or bathroom accessories.

You should caulk all 90° tile joints, whether they are between tile and wall, tile and counter or two walls. There are different types of caulk and application methods, so ask a Tile Expert at your local Tile Shop to recommend the best one for your project.