How to Lay Ceramic Tile

Before you can begin installing ceramic tile flooring, laying out the pattern is critical. Although a wide range of patterns can be achieved, these instructions will help you lay a simple square grid pattern with your ceramic tile. Once you have your pattern layout, you can proceed to installing the tiles.


Instructions
Step 1

Prepare the subfloor before laying ceramic tile by installing ceramic tile backboards over plywood or patching a cement foundation to create a level surface.

Step 2

Start the pattern you will use to lay ceramic tile at the entrance of the main door to the room.

Step 3

Snap a chalk line perpendicular to the entrance to use as a guideline to lay your first row of ceramic tile. Make sure the line is at a 90 degree angle by using a square and extend the line from the main door to the opposite wall.

Step 4

Lay your first row of ceramic tile along the chalk line. Use spacers between each tile to ensure that they are equally spaced.

Step 5

Install a temporary board at the end of the row when you can no longer lay a full tile.
Step 6

Put down ceramic tiles along the board perpendicular to the first row.

Step 7

Measure the spaces at either end of this row to determine how much you need to move the center row to achieve an equal border on all walls.

Step 8

Snap a new chalk line to mark the line where you will begin installing your ceramic tile.