Installation & Assembly

Installation
of Floor Tiles
Page 3 of 4
Once the thinset mortar is down, run the notched side of the
trowel over the mortar at a 45 degree angle. Work in one direction
to ensure a consistent and uniform application. Remove any
excess mortar with the trowel.
Lay out tiles onto the mortar along the reference lines, lightly
pressing and gently twisting the tile into mortar, use spacers
between the tiles. You can lift the tiles to check if the mortar
is sticking to the tile. If the mortar is not sticking, you can apply
additional thinset to the back of the tiles. It’s recommended
to periodically check the tiles to ensure that there is proper
adhesion.
Once your tiles are set, check for any high spots using a level.
Even them out using a rubber mallet. Continue to check that
the tiles are level as you complete the installation across the
room. Make adjustments to the installation as necessary
to ensure that the tiles are aligned straight.
Any mortar on the face of the tiles can be wiped away with
a damp sponge.
Use a tile cutter or wet tile saw to cut tiles to fit into place
along the room’s perimeter where necessary. Be sure to remove
any chalk or materials made to mark the cuts off of the tile
prior to installation.
Allow the thinset mortar to dry for at least 24 hours before grouting.
Polished porcelain tiles should be sealed prior to grouting.
While porcelain floor tiles are dense, durable materials that
require little maintenance, polished porcelain tiles are slightly
different. The polishing process leaves tiny, nearly invisible surface
pits, which can catch grout and other debris, dulling the shine.
To prevent this from happening, polished porcelain tiles should
be sealed with an impregnating sealer prior to grouting. The sealant
will fill these tiny holes, and act as a grout release. The impregnating
sealer will not affect the surface or finish of the tile the way a topical
sealer would. For best results follow the manufacturer’s
instructions and future maintenance recommendations.