Ceramic Tile Installation
How to lay Ceramic Tile
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Before you trowel on the mortar, sweep the floor clean. Calculate how many tiles you need in each layout grid and stack them around the room closest to each section. That way you won't have to go back and forth for new tiles when you start laying each grid. Sort through all the tile boxes to make sure the dye lots match and separate out any chipped tiles. Use these for cut pieces. If you are installing saltillo or handmade tile, its color may be consistent within each carton but vary from box to box. Sort through the tiles; at each layout grid mix some from each box. Doing so spreads the colors evenly in the room and keeps them from occurring in patches.
Prepare the surface using the strategies shown here for determining the layout.
Slab floors in nonwet areas may not require the installation of backerboard.
Install backerboard on wood surfaces that will get wet, such as bathrooms or
entryways.