Installation Guide

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Installing Porcelain Tile

Page 1 of 4

Installing porcelain tile can be a very rewarding project, potentially increasing the resale value

of your home while adding beauty and durability. With proper preparation, and step-by-step

advice, you can do it on your own.

STEP 1: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL THE TOOLS & MATERIALS

Tools:

• Pencil

• Tape measure

• Level

• Speed square

• Notched trowel

• Rubber float

• Grout sponge

• Tile spacers

• Power drill

• Mixing paddle

• 5-gallon buckets

• Kneepads

• Safety glasses and earplugs

• Scoring cutter or wet saw

• Handsaw or jamb saw

Materials:

• Tile

• Thin-set mortar

• Cement backer board

• Cement board screws

• Grout

• Sealer

Summary of content (4 pages)

PAGE 1
Installing Porcelain Tile Installing porcelain tile can be a very rewarding project, potentially increasing the resale value of your home while adding beauty and durability. With proper preparation, and step-by-step advice, you can do it on your own.
PAGE 2
Installing Porcelain Tile STEP 2: PREPARE THE SURFACE Make sure you remove any old floorcovering. The surface should be clean, smooth, and dry for optimal results. Repair, patch, and level any damaged or uneven areas. Double check to make sure the surface is architecturally sound and can support the weight of tile flooring. Remove any moldings, trim, or appliances that may interfere with the installation, and check the doorjambs to make sure that you have enough clearance for the tile to be laid beneath.
PAGE 3
Installing Porcelain Tile Step 4: CUTS Start by marking any cuts with a pencil or felt-tip pen on the tile surface. You can use a tile cutter for straight or diagonal cuts. You can make curved cuts with a nipper, chipping away small pieces for best results. For any full-length curved cuts, a rod saw may be used. After your cuts are made, smooth out any sharp edges with a carborundum stone to give a soft finish to the edge of your tile.
PAGE 4
Installing Porcelain Tile Allow the grout to sit for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, then use a damp sponge to clean any residue from the surface and smooth the grout joints. Make sure to rinse your sponge often and change the water as needed. Polish with a soft cloth when the grout has dried and haze forms on the tile surface, then rinse again with a damp sponge and clean water if necessary.