7/25/2018 Daltile's Step By Step Guide to Installing Floor Tile
Home Inspiration Tips & Resources Installation Tips Installing Floor Tile
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get the most out of your Daltile product by following these helpful instructions for installing floor
tile.
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A Few Dos & Don’ts
Tile may be installed over most structurally sound substrates if they are clean, smooth, dry and
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7/25/2018 Daltile's Step By Step Guide to Installing Floor Tile
Carefully read and follow all instructions and precautions on the adhesive or mortar package.
Mix only enough to be used within 30 minutes.
Since variation of shades is an inherent characteristic of ceramic tile, mix tiles from several
cartons as you set, for a blended effect.
Step 1: Surface Preparation
Tile may be installed over most structurally sound substrates, if they are clean, smooth, dry and free of
wax, soap scum and grease. Any damaged, loose or uneven areas must be repaired, patched and leveled.
Remove any moldings, trim, appliances, etc., which could interfere with installation. Door jambs may be
undercut for tile to slip under.
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7/25/2018 Daltile's Step By Step Guide to Installing Floor Tile
Step 2: Layout
Begin by marking the center point of all four walls. Snap chalk lines between the center points of
opposite walls, which will intersect at the center of room. Make sure they're perfectly square, and adjust
if necessary. Next, lay out a row of loose tiles along the center lines in both directions, leaving spaces for
uniform joints (use tile spacers). If this layout leaves cuts smaller than 1/2 tile at walls, adjust the center
line by snapping a new line 1/2 tile closer to the wall. Repeat along other center line if necessary. Now
divide the room into smaller grids (approx. 2' x 3') by snapping additional lines parallel to center lines.
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7/25/2018 Daltile's Step By Step Guide to Installing Floor Tile
Step 3: Applying Adhesive
Select the right adhesive for the substrate you're using. Carefully read and follow all instructions and
precautions on the adhesive or mortar package. Mix only enough to be used within 30 minutes. Using
the type of trowel recommended on the adhesive package spread a 1/4" coat on the surface of one grid
area, using the flat side of the trowel. Do not cover guidelines. Next, use the notched side of trowel to
comb adhesive into standing ridges by holding trowel at a 45-degree angle. Then remove excess
adhesive, leaving a uniform, ridged setting bed. Don't spread a larger area than can be set in 15 minutes.
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7/25/2018 Daltile's Step By Step Guide to Installing Floor Tile
Step 4: Cutting Tile
Carefully measure tiles to be cut and mark with a pencil or felt-tip pen. Make straight or diagonal cuts
with a tile cutter, curved cuts with a nipper (chipping away small pieces for best results) and full-length
curved cuts with a rod saw. Sharp-cut edges may be smoothed with a carborundum stone.
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7/25/2018 Daltile's Step By Step Guide to Installing Floor Tile
Step 5: Setting Tile
Variation of shades is an inherent characteristic of ceramic tile – mix tiles from several cartons as you
set, for a blended effect. Begin installing tiles in the center of the room, one grid at a time. Finish each
grid before moving to the next. Start with the first tile in the corner of the grid and work outward. Set
tiles one at a time using a slight twisting motion. Don't slide tiles into place. Insert tile spacers as each
tile is set, or leave equal joints between tiles. Fit perimeter tiles in each grid last, leaving 1/4" gap
between tile and wall. Any rectangle porcelain should never be set in a running bond pattern, rather no
more than a 1/3 overlap; the joint should be widened to 3/16" and use of a large unit porcelain mortar
should be employed. When grid is completely installed, tap in all tiles with a rubber mallet or hammer
and wood block to ensure a good bond and level plane. Remove excess adhesive from joints with a putty
knife and from tile with a damp sponge. Do not walk on tiles until they are set (usually in 24 hours).
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7/25/2018 Daltile's Step By Step Guide to Installing Floor Tile
Step 6: Grouting Joints
Generally, you should wait about 24 hours before grouting (refer to the adhesive package for specifics).
Carefully read and follow all instructions and precautions on the grout package. Make only enough to
use in about 30 minutes. Remove tile spacers and spread grout on the tile surface, forcing down into
joints with a rubber grout float or squeegee. Tilt the float at a 45-degree angle. Remove excess grout
from surface immediately with the edge of float. Tilt it at a 90-degree angle and scrape it diagonally
across tiles. Wait 15-20 minutes for grout to set slightly, then use a damp sponge to clean grout residue
from surface and smooth the grout joints. Rinse sponge frequently and change water as needed. Let dry
until grout is hard and haze forms on tile surface, then polish with a soft cloth. Rinse again with sponge
and clean water if necessary. Wait 72 hours for heavy use. Don't apply sealers or polishes for three
weeks, and then only in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
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7/25/2018 Daltile's Step By Step Guide to Installing Floor Tile
Learn how to choose the best tile for your next project with a little help from our expert
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7/25/2018 Daltile's Step By Step Guide to Installing Floor Tile
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