Ceramic floor tile installation is quite similar to installing ceramic tiles on the walls. You will basically need all the same tools such as a tile cutter, tile nippers, grout, cement, putty knife, rags, buckets, a level, safety goggles and tape measure.
Of course you will need to order your ceramic tiles and again make sure that you order extra in case of mishaps.
To get an estimate of the amount of tiles you will need you will have to measure your floor space both length and width and depending on the size of the ceramic tiles you are planning to use you will be able to calculate the amount of tiles you will need for your project.
Also remember when ordering your tiles you should also order your tile adhesive and grout at the same time, this will give the sales person a good idea of which is the best adhesive for your particular project.
Now this part is a bit tricky, unlike wall tiles where there are no obstacles your floor plan will have to be drawn so as to accommodate all doors, toilets, baths, cabinets, and should also include electrical supplies etc.
This plan has to be an indepth plan of the entire room as every detail no matter how minute could make a difference in the laying of your tiles.
Now it is time to prepare your floor for the new ceramic tiles, start by thoroughly cleaning the floor of all debris, sweep, vacuum and mop if necessary to make sure that your floor is as clean as humanly possible.
Next cut your tiles to the desired sizes and prepare your thinset mortar according to manufacturers instructions.
Now you will have to snap two chalk lines into position, one from the center down the length of the room and the other from the center across the width of the room.
Assuming that you have already mixed the thinset mortar you can now spread some over the area where the tiles are going to be positioned, for this task you should use a trowel to ensure that the rows are straight and even.
Now it is time to start placing the tiles in the thinset mortar, make sure that you use enough pressure so that the tiles are securely set in the thinset mortar.
Lay all the tiles so that the full tiles are in position you will have to cut some of the the tiles at the ends to fit snugly into corner positions.
You are almost done, now it is time to place your grout in the grout lines. Be sure use the grout float to ensure that the grout reaches down into the grout lines and remove any excess grout with a damp rag or sponge.
Let your grout dry for fifteen to twenty minutes and then you can wipe off any excess grout with a wet cloth or sponge and keep washing the sponge or cloth until it comes up clean. Now all that's left is to leave your grout to set and dry properly.
