How to Install Large Ceramic Tile

Prepare the room by removing baseboards or cove molding and thoroughly cleaning the surface. Apply a coat of primer. This acts as a moisture seal and helps the tile adhesive bond better. Apply a thin coat of the primer using a smooth edge trowel and let it dry overnight.

Lay out the room. Stretch a marker line from the door frame to the opposite wall. To insure the best appearance for your new floor, make sure the line is perpendicular to the door. Set out a row of tiles along this line, with spacers between each tile to allow for even spacing of the tiles. Other tiles placed on edge are fine. The important thing is that the spacer be about 1/4 inch wide and uniform in size. Once you reach the opposite wall, run a second line at right angles to the first and set out a row of tiles (with spacers) at right angles to the first, using this second marker line as a guide. Now adjust this second row of tiles so that the border (gap) between the end tiles and wall on each side is equal. Reposition the first marker line and row of tiles so they line up with this adjusted position. You can leave the marker lines in place or draw a chalk line on the floor to mark the layout to install your ceramic tiles.

Install large ceramic tile starting in one corner (make sure you are working toward the door or another exit so you don't have to step on freshly laid tiles). Use the notched trowel to spread adhesive on a space about 2 feet square. Set the tiles in place and work them into the adhesive. Use a spacer to insure even spacing between tiles. Check that the tiles are at even height with a level. If necessary, gently tap the tile with a rubber mallet to push it into the adhesive until it is even with other tiles. Work back and forth across the room in 2-foot-square sections until all the tile except border pieces has been laid.

Wait until the tile has set overnight to cut and install the border tiles. Measure each border piece individually for the spot it will occupy, using spacers to keep spacing consistent. When you have measured the tile, mark the surface with a pencil where you will cut the tile. Cut the tile by making a single score on the tile with a tile or glass cutter. Slide the tile partway over the edge of your work table and snap off the border piece. Install the border pieces with tile adhesive, using a level and mallet to press the piece even with the floor surface.

Follow the manufacturer's directions to mix the grout. Hold the grout spreader (or a smooth-edge trowel) at a 45 degree angle and work the grout into the spaces between the tiles. Carefully wipe away excess grout with a sponge. Once you are done, go over the entire area with a sponge mop to remove any remaining grot from the tile surfaces (do not use a string mop. The strings will get into the spaces and dislodge the grout you put there).

Allow the grout to cure for several 5 days to a week. It's a good idea to gently mop the room once a day to remove any traces of grout remaining on the tiles. After the curing period, apply sealant to the tile and grout surfaces. Once the sealant is completely dried, replace cove molding or baseboards.