How to Lay Ceramic & Porcelain Tile [Infographic]
If you’re a DIY pro, or even a skilled and ambitious DIY beginner, laying tile isn’t as difficult as you may think. In fact, anyone who knows their way around a trowel and a tile cutter can lay ceramic or porcelain tile in just 7 easy steps! Check out the infographic below to learn how to lay ceramic floor tile in no time at all.
![How to Lay Ceramic & Porcelain Tile [Infographic]](https://learning-center.builddirect.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/howto-porcelainceramic_V2.2.jpg)
And there you have it! With the right tools, and a little bit of know-how, you can lay ceramic or porcelain floor tile at your home or job site like a pro!
brandon simon
i have 6×24 wood look tile and i now have to diy the project i was wondering what type of trowel should i use
BuildDirect Product Expert Team
Hi Brandon – thanks for reaching out to us! It is recommended to use a 1/4″ x 3/8″ trowel (1/4″ x 1/4″ x 3/8″) for a 6″x24″ tile. It’s very important to note that you need to check your coverage with your installation to ensure that you have proper coverage. If you do not have proper coverage then you will need to back-trowel the tile or use a larger trowel. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
Dee
Hi:
We had trouble getting the longer wood looking tiles to balance correctly. the 6×24 tiles. We finally had to hire someone to reinstall all the tiles and of course I needed more because we could not get them balanced and straight. We did even out the floors, but somehow they just did not lay right.
This is not the first tiles we have installed but it was a nightmare.
We are wanting to update our kitchen but are scared to do so. Any tips?
BuildDirect Product Expert Team
Hi Dee,
Thank you for getting in touch! Sorry to hear you had such a difficult time with the tile installation! It’s very difficult to tell how a tile will install or how balanced they will be, it’s all based on how they are manufactured. I usually suggest getting a smaller amount of the tile first, one or two boxes should work, and laying them out on the sub floor to see how flat they are. If there is a significant bow or dip it would be best to look for another tile, preferably something manufactured at a high quality standard. You can also ask your installer which tiles they prefer working with to help find some other options. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
Pingback: Home Improvement Giveaway | Bloggsom
Pingback: Home Improvement Giveaway – drewloweryblog
Pingback: Home Improvement Giveaway – Greta Bell Amazon Products
Howard Farr
Are there any special procedures or steps to lay floors with no grout line?
BuildDirect Product Expert Team
Hi Howard,
Thank you for your inquiry! Technically it is possible to lay tile without a grout line if it has rectified edges BUT we don’t suggest it, even with an extremely experienced installer. Even with a completely level and flat sub floor you will have tiles with lips along the edges that are sharp and will cause tripping hazards.
If you want the look of no grout lines I would suggest finding an experienced installer and asking them to use 1/16″ grout lines and choosing a grout that is a similar color to the most prominent color in the tile you are installing. This is the best way to ensure you have a flat, safe and level floor. Please give us a call at 1-877-631-2845 if you have any other questions!
BuildDirect Product Expert Team
Hi there. Thanks so much for contacting us! The Anti-Fracture Membrane step would come after step 4 (mix thin-set mortar), so you would lay thin set – anti-fracture membrane – thin set – tile. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Theo Meuris
How does this work with the “FiberBacker Anti-Fracture Tile Underlayment” ?