How To Install Floor Tiles

Using a full width plank as a spacer trace the contour of the wall and cut the plank to size.

How to install floor tiles. As you near cabinets doorways walls and other flooring stops trim tiles as needed for installation. If adhesive oozes up between tiles when you press the tile into place you are using too much adhesive. Work evenly along the length of the plank and lightly tap the joint closed using a pull bar and rubber mallet.

If the tile is too thick for nippers try the following method. If this is your first time figuring out how to install tile floor you may only want to apply enough mortar for one or two tiles at a time. Install the long side tongue into the groove with the end joint aligned.

Comb the thin set using the notched side of your trowel holding it at a 45 degree angle to the floor and lightly pushing the trowel teeth to the floor. 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.

When you reach the outer edges of the room you may need to cut the tiles to fit in place. Then starting at the center of the room and working outward arrange all of the tiles in your desired pattern. Make sure you comb the thin set in one direction.

Mark the loose tile and cut it to fit along the edge. Install only a few tiles at a time spreading adhesive for two or three tiles. To install floor tile start by laying down some cement board if you re tiling over just a subfloor.

Align the plank you ll connect to the second to last row. Use the center tile as a reference point and install the remaining tiles along straight lines. This installation method creates a floating floor which means gripstrip vinyl planking covers the subfloor without adhering or fastening to it in any manner.