The Beginner's Guide to Tiling

Tile may seem like an intimidating home renovation project, if you've never done it before, but like most other projects, success lies in proper preparation and tools. If you are prepared beforehand, then tiling is not difficult at all. If you have been considering starting a tiling project, then you are in the right place! 

First, make sure you have the correct tools for the job. For a basic installation, materials you will need are tile, mortar thinset and grout. Certain applications may have other requirements (eg. waterproofing or substrate preparation) so check whether your project needs them. 
Subfloor and substrate are key factors to a successful tile installation. Check out this post for more information on subfloor requirements.  

For tools, you'll need a trowel, thinset and grout mixer, tile cutter or diamond blade, spacers, grout float, grout sponge, pails for mortar, grout and washing and a cleaning rag. We offer a wide range of tiling supplies here.

Grid preparation:
Take the time to create a grid layout for your project; doing so will result in a simple and straightforward installation.
Step 1: Determine which walls are square or not. (in most cases an exterior wall will be your most square wall.)
Step 2: Visually inspect the area and determine a logical/ aesthetic place to begin laying the first tile. Often this will be the centre of the wall or floor, but you may need to account for a fixed element or feature like a sink vanity, range hood or threshold to another room. 
Step 3: Measure the length and width of the room. Based on the tile and room size, calculate where the first tile will start and the last tile will end. If the last tile will result in a small cut tile (less than 1/2 full tile size), consider shifting the first laid tile back to offset the smaller cut on the opposite of the room. You don't want to have to try and cut miniscule pieces to fit along the edges. 

Marking the grid:

Step 1: Determine the grout joint width you are going to use. For this example, we will use 3/16. Grout spacers are available in all kinds, from simple one-time use, to reusable, to systems that incorporate leveling and spacing in one. Here are a variety of systems we offer. 

Step 2. Calculate the length of 2 full tiles, including two grout joint widths, as in the image here.

​Step 3: Snap chalk lines at the determined length (example 24 3/8”) off the squarest wall. Continue snapping lines at this interval across the entire room.
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Step 4: Snap chalk lines at the same determined length (Example 24 3/8”) intersecting the previous chalk lines across the entire room, creating individual squares which will later be filled with 4 full tiles.

How to use the grid:

Step 1: Spread thinset within each quadrant, taking care NOT to cover the chalk lines.

Step 2: Place tile 1 so it aligns with 2 of the chalk lines as shown.

Step 3: Tiles 2 & 3 will contact only one chalk line as shown.

Step 4: Tile should not touch any chalk lines, being spaced away from the nearest chalk lines by a full grout joint width (in this case 3/16”).
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Step 5: Space the tiles evenly within each quadrant (using spacers to help). With one grid complete, begin the next grid. Work one grid at a time until your space is completely tiled.

Once you've marked your grid, you are ready to move forward with installing the tile!​

Installing the Tile

Trowel Selection:
The correct trowel notch size is critical, ensuring a reliable and strong tile installation. By using the correct trowel notch size, (relative to the size of the tile), the mortar provides both a bonding and support bed for the tile. Consult your tile salesperson to choose the correct trowel notch size for your tile.

Mixing Thinset:
Pour water into a clean pail, add thinset powder. Mix thinset per manufacturer’s guidelines with mixing paddle or suitable mixing tool until well blended and free of lumps. Allow 10 minutes to slake, remixing thinset once more before using.

Spread thinset:
“Comb” the area in a uniform direction, keeping the trowel at a consistent angle to ensure there are no high/low spots. Once the mortar is spread, do not allow the thinset to dry or form a “skin” before placing tiles. For this reason, work in smaller areas, spreading no more thinset than you can cover with tile in 5 minutes.
If the mortar “skins over”, remove the thinset with the flat backside of the trowel, then re-apply fresh thinset to continue tiling.
“Comb” thinset evenly in each grid, using and notched trowel. These “combed” lines should remain upright but may slightly sag.
To verify correct mortar consistency, touch the thinset with your finger. If the thinset does not stick to your finger, it will not stick to the tile. If required, revise mortar ratio and re-mix.

Laying Tiles:
Before placing tiles onto the combed thinset, “backbutter” each tile by spreading thinset onto the back of each tile (using the flat side of the trowel) filing in the voids/depressions on the back side of the tile.
Place the backbuttered tile onto the freshly combed thinset. Firmly push and twist the tile into place to ensure proper adhesion.
Use a wet grouting sponge to clean uncured thinset off the tile surface while installing tiles.
Once the mortar has cured, use a utility knife to remove any excess thinset which may be protruding from the grout lines. (Refer to mortar manufacturer’s recommendation for curing.)

Grouting

This guide does NOT  apply to installation of epoxy or urethane grouts! This guide applies ONLY to standard cement based grouts.
 
Mixing Grout:
Pour water into a clean pail, add grout powder. Mix grout per manufacturer’s guidelines with mixing paddle or suitable mixing tool until well blended and free of lumps.
 
Spread Grout:
Use a grout float to spread grout over the tiles and into the grout joints. Spread at an angle to the grout joints, dually using the float to “squeegee” grout off the tile surface.
 
Wait too long and the grout will be difficult to wash off; wash too soon and the grout will wash right out of the joints!
Grout must be allowed proper time to “set up” in the grout joints before washing. Depending on grout brand, temperature and humidity, average wait time, is 10-30 minutes. (check manufacturer’s guidelines.) You can verify the grout readiness by touching a grout joint with a finger. If the grout sticks to your finger, it is too soft and will wash away with the sponge. If the grout does NOT stick to your finger you can proceed with initial washing.
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Initial wash:
Using a pail of clean water, wet a grouting sponge. Wring it out while leaving it fairly damp. Using a circular motion, wash the tiled area. The sponge should wash and massage the grout into the joints. Be gentle on the grout joints to avoid washing out all of the grout. Once the first wash is complete, wait before proceeding with the final wash.
The final wash will clean 99% of the remaining grout off the tiles. Use a pail of clean water and wet the sponge, but wring it out very well. Wash 1-2 tiles with each swipe, using only the clean side of the sponge. Rinse the sponge often to avoid spreading grout residue over the clean surface. Repeat until the tiled area is clean.
Once the grout is fully dried and cured from the wash, there may be a slight grout “haze” present on the tile surface. This can be dusted off with a dry rag. 
Depending on where the tile is, for example in a kitchen backsplash, you may want to seal the grout to guard against stains.

And then you're done! Take a step back and enjoy your beautiful tile! ​

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