Tile Installation Tips From A Tile Expert (2023)

diagonal arrangement

The usual way to tile diagonally is to mark 45 degree diagonal lines on the wall or floor. But when that angle isn't 45 degrees, like on the diamond tile you see here, getting exact lines is even harder. So we'll show you a better way: mark a single layout line and center the tiles on it, aligning the corners of the tile with the line. Build a pyramid centered on the line and use the sides of the pyramid to align each line diagonally. Check the sides of the pyramid from time to time with a ruler.

Special thin mortar

Thin grout is the best laying adhesive for most tiles. But if you're laying tiles larger than 12 x 12 inches, look for terms like "medium bed", "large tile", or "large format" on the bag tag. Larger tiles require a thicker bed and, unlike standard thin-set grout, medium-bed grout does not lose its bonding strength when laid over a thick bed. It's also firmer and shrinks less, so the tiles stay in place better as the grout sets. Medium bed grout is available at tile stores and some home centers.

design suggestion

If you are planning a niche in the wall, lay the tiles and take some measurements to determine the size of the niche. Custom sizing the alcove to fit between full tiles will provide a more attractive installation and avoid some cuts. With a diagonal tile layout like the one shown here, you'll get full tiles and half tiles. If the frame frames the niche, be sure to take this into account in the design.

Align the tile edges

“Lippage” is the technical term for the jagged edges of tiles (although “@%&#” is more common). The ridge is difficult to avoid with large tiles and is easy to see with narrow grout lines or tiles with square edges rather than rounded edges. In any of these circumstances, clips and leveling wedges help lay the tiles flat. Simply slide the clip under the tile and push in the wedge. After the thin layer has hardened, break off the exposed clip. LASH brand clips are available at tile stores and some home centers.

Two-Piece Alignment Clip

The plastic tee top fits under the two adjacent tiles. The wedge then forces the edges to line up.

Step 1: Scoring

Make a shallow cut in the tile, about 1/8 inch deep. This minimizes chipping.

Step 2: Slit

Cut a final slit about 2 inches long. This prevents it from splitting as it nears the end of the main cut.

Step 3: Slice

Make the main cut as usual. Do not hurry; Slow, steady pressure creates the cleanest cut.

cleaning assistant

When shopping for tile supplies, make a detour to the sandpaper aisle and grab a pack of fine abrasive pads. Together with a little water, they are excellent for removing stubborn, fine stains from tiled surfaces. And they won't scratch the glossy nail polish.

coverage guidelines

Your slim set probably has a graphic like this on the label. Do not rely on it. The recommendations are a good starting point, but they don't guarantee a base thin and thick enough to provide full contact with the tile. And without full contact, you don't get full support or buy-in.

As the table shows, larger tiles require larger trowel notches (to provide a thicker base). But other factors are also important: the flatness of the wall or floor or the texture of the back of the tile. So the only reliable way to know if the bed is thick enough is to lay the first few tiles and immediately lift them up. If the tile hasn't made full contact, you'll see it. The easiest solution is to use the next notch size. With tiles larger than 12 inches, it's a good idea to prime those as well. Also watch out for "pulls" during work. If you don't see foam oozing between tiles, lift a tile to check coverage.

fast collection

A suction cup lets you lift a sagging tile or adjust a crooked one. Some home improvement centers and hardware stores sell them; most do not. To buy online, search for "suction cup strap". Note that they only work on smooth-faced tiles.

economical tile saw

Large tiles are popular these days, and the best way to cut them is with a large, expensive tile saw. This is the next best way: a hand saw guided by a ruler (we used a piece of plywood). The saw pictured here, along with the three-step cutting method shown above, gave us perfectly straight cuts in porcelain tile (but with some chips). A cement mixing tank picked up most of the mess.

margin spatula

Tile installers use a margin trowel for everything: lifting fallen tiles, pushing out crooked tiles, cleaning grout lines, mixing small batches of thinset or grout, scooping the mix out of the bucket, and scraping up the mess. It is also an excellent back scratcher. If you're laying tile, you should have one (sold at home centers).

depth adjustment

If you are using tile trim, it is often necessary to "build" the trim to make it stand out from the field tile. A mosaic background strip can help you get the perfect build. Any type of backing plate will do; just cover one side with caulk or caulk and glue in place. Here, the trim wasn't thick enough to come up above the tile below, so we laid the trim over a 1/4-inch strip. fan. To make adjustments of less than 1/4 inch, you don't need a support strip; just apply a thicker layer of thin layer.

hand cleaner

An old shirt makes cleaning your hands quick and convenient. And it keeps fine stains out of the tile. When the job is done, just throw it away. I bet you have a few shirts that must go in the trash anyway.

tool cleaner

Thin-set today is much more sticky and resistant than it used to be. That's good for your tile work, but not so good for your tools. To make cleaning easier, throw a coarse sanding sponge (sold at home centers) into the bucket of water. Sand cuts thin layer or partially dried grout. And unlike rags or sponges, it won't catch the teeth of notched trowels.