- 1). Measure the area where you plan to lay ceramic tile, then buy enough cement backer board to cover the area. Backer board is usually sold in 3 by 5 foot sheets at your local home improvement store. Also buy backer board (sometimes called hardy board) screws, which are usually sold beside the backer board.
- 2). If necessary, cut down any backer board that doesn't fit by using a jig saw with a carbide blade. Simply draw a line where it needs to be trimmed, and cut it off. Make sure you wear a dust mask and safety glasses, however, before cutting the cement board.
- 3). Once you have the cement board in place, use the special backer board screws and screw into each piece every 12 to 15 inches.
- 4). Measure the center point of the room from left to right and front to back. Snap a chalk line along these points to form a cross, giving you the center point in the room. Typically, you lay your first tile at this point.
- 5). Dry lay the tiles using your spacers. If you need to adjust the tiles away from the center point to avoid making extra cuts, this is normal, so go ahead and adjust your starting point if needed.
- 6). Once you have a layout you're satisfied with, pick up the tiles and begin at your starting point, spreading tile mastic with your notched trowel. Drag the notched end through the mastic to create ridges, then use the smooth end to "butter" the back of the first tile. Once this is done, lay it down making sure to stay within your lines, pressing the tile to get rid of any air bubbles. Repeat until the entire floor is laid. Let dry overnight before walking on it.
- 7). Once the tile and mastic have set overnight, mix your grout according to manufacturer's instructions, usually adding water to give it the consistency of peanut butter, then use your rubber floe to spread the grout. Angle the floe at 45 degrees as you push the grout into the grout lines between the tiles.
- 8). Once the grout is in, wait about 30 minutes, then wet a sponge and wipe up the haze that will be on the tile. But don't worry if it doesn't all come off. Let it cure 24 hours, then mop with warm water to get off any remaining grout residue. Seal the grout by applying grout sealer to the grout lines, let dry 24 hours, and you are finished.
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