Installation & Assembly

Installation
of Floor Tiles
Page 2 of 4
Dry Layout
Mark the centre of two opposing walls and snap a chalk line
between these two marks. Do the same thing for the other
two walls, forming a cross in the centre of the work space.
Check if the inner section is square. This cross section will
identify the starting point of the tile.
Lay the tiles loosely along each of the reference lines, use tile
spacers for a more accurate measurement. Leaving approximately
a ¼ inch between the perimeter tiles and the walls or cabinets
to allow some room for expansion.
If the gap between the last full tile and the wall is less than a
half tile, adjust the reference lines to make the tiles wider
along the perimeter, keeping equal widths on each parallel
side. Once the reference lines are set, remove the loose laid
tile. For larger areas, mark a grid of 3’ squares along the floor,
creating smaller work areas, allowing you to ensure accuracy
and to adjust as necessary as you go.
For more detailed specifications on flatness and lippage, grout
joint size and pattern considerations, always consult a tiling
professional and the latest edition of the Tile Council of North
America (TCNA) Handbook for Ceramic, Glass and Stone Tile
Installation.
Installing floor tiles
Start by mixing the thinset mortar to the recommended
consistency – mix the mortar in workable batches. You will
start laying the tiles at the cross section in the centre of the
room, as per the reference lines, and work out from there, that
way the full tiles are in the centre of the room and any cut tiles
will be along the edge.
Starting at the cross section in the room, spread the thinset
with a trowel, work in small sections approximately 3’ x 3’
at a time (use the reference grids created during the dry
layout stage). Try not to cover your reference lines.