Before you can lay ceramic floor tiles you first need to know what surface you are laying them on. If the ceramic tiles are being laid on to concrete floor then it can be laid directly after cleaning as long as it is level. With wooden flooring you must lay a thick plywood first to strengthen the floor. You will also need to choose the correct adhesive for the surface you are laying the ceramic floor tiles on.

First Tile Position

Measure to the centre of the room and draw out a square marker. Now layout a row of tiles (dry not with adhesive) from the centre to both edges of the room. Move the tiles until you are happy with your layout/positioning. Once you are happy with your floor tile position you are ready to start tiling your floor.

Floor Tile Positioning

You must position the first tile correctly as this will determine the position of all the other floor tiles. To help ensure that your design stays symmetrical you should not start tiling from the edge of the room but from the centre of the room. Measure to the centre of the room and start your tiling there and work outwards towards the edges of the room is the best option if you want a symmetrical design and layout.

Floor Tile laying

As said above you should start in the centre of the room, pour some tile adhesive onto the floor, roughly enough to cover 1 square meter. Using a notcher trowel or spreader, spread the adhesive evenly. Once in position check with your spirit level, to ensure its stuck in place give a little wiggle, now check the level once more. If your first floor tile is level and you are happy with its position you can move on to the next tile.

This process should be repeated upto the edge of the room until you reach where you need to cut your edge floor tile. Once your have completed a line of floor tiles use a damp tile sponge to wipe off any excess adhesive they may have on them. Clean the sponge after each floor tile or you will just spread the tile adhesive not remove it.

Last of all you will need to make sure you have not left any tile adhesive on the edges of the floor tiles. Leave floor tiles for 24 hours before you add your cut tile edges.

Laying Floor Tile Edge

Measure the space between the last whole tile and the wall/edge where your tiling will stop, and mark the tile with chalk where its needed to be cut to fit the gap. Cut the tile just short of the chalk line with your tile cutter, remember to cut short to allow for grout and sealant. Apply tile adhesive and tile as you laid the whole tiles and leave for 24 hours.

Floor Tile Grouting

Check that your tiles and tile adhesive have stuck, once they are you can now mix up your tile grout which should be a paste texture (follow the tile grout packet instructions). Using your grout spreader spread out the tile grout evenly. As the grout starts to set compact the tile grout with a striking tool, use a damp cloth to wipe down the floor and finally use sealant to seal all edges to ensure the tiles are 100% waterproof.