SUPPLIES
- Chalk line
- Notched trowel
- Adhesive
- Tile
- Spacers
- Tile saw
- Grout
Overview
Tile in a kitchen is practical and stylish. It is easy to clean, comes in a variety of patterns and colors, and can be installed as a do-it-yourself project. Tiling a kitchen floor is labor intensive, but you can save a considerable sum of money by doing the work yourself. As with any home improvement project, proper preparation will save you time and money and increase the chances of your success.
Step 1
Remove the existing flooring. Remove any debris from the sub floor and vacuum. If there are adhesives or other substances stuck to the floor, use acetone and a floor scraper to remove them. The sub floor should be clean and dry before you begin.
Step 2
Find the center of the room. Run a chalk line from one corner to the opposite corner on the diagonal. Snap the chalk line. Run the chalk line across the room from the two remaining corners and snap the chalk line in place. Where the two lines intersect is the center of the room.
Step 3
Create the parallel lines that will set the pattern for laying the tile. Run a chalk line parallel to one wall across the floor so the line intersects with the center of the room. Snap the chalk line. You should now have an X with a line through the center from left to right that extends across the middle of the room.
Step 4
Run a chalk line parallel to a wall to create a line that extends from top to bottom and intersects with the center of the X. Snap the chalk line. You should now have an X and a cross, all intersecting at the center point of the room.
Step 5
Position your first tile. Place the tile so that one corner of the tile touches the center point. The one side of the tile should then align with the parallel line that runs from top to bottom. The top of the tile should align with the parallel line that runs from left to right. Proceed to installation.
Step 6
Use a notched trowel to apply a small amount of adhesive to the floor where you will lay your first tile. The amount of adhesive should approximate the size of your tile. Place the tile on the adhesive and apply gentle pressure while making sure that the tile remains correctly aligned.
Step 7
Apply adhesive along the left to right parallel line in moderate amounts and continue to place your tiles. Use spacers between tiles to maintain alignment. Continue until you have created a row of tile across the floor.
Step 8
Repeat the process along the top to bottom parallel. Place the first tile for this row above the first tile you placed to start the installation and continue along the line. You should now have a cross shape that divides the room into four quadrants.
Step 9
Keep in mind that when you reach the end of a row, you will likely have a space too small for a whole tile. This will ultimately create the border for which you will need to cut tiles.
Step 10
Return to the original starting point of your installation. Apply a small amount of adhesive beneath the row of tiles, with the first tile in the quadrant lining up with the top and side tiles. Continue to apply adhesive and install tiles, using previously laid tiles as guides. Use spacers to maintain even spacing for your grout lines. Repeat the process to fill in each quadrant.
Step 11
Use a tile saw to cut the tiles to fit into the border around the room.
Step 12
Allow tiles to set for 24 to 48 hours before applying grout to the grout lines. Seal the grout after 72 hours. Apply floor molding or quarter round for a finished look.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : Always wear safety goggles when operating a tile saw.
