How to Install

How to Install PDF File PDF - Size: 1.8MB









Step 1. Preparing Surface

Surface Preparation is one of the most important steps in the tile installation process.

  1. Surface (substrate) must be rigid; not bouncy, nor have give or loose areas.
    • Loose or "squeaky" floors or counters should be glued, nailed or screwed down tightly.
    • Walls must be flat and should not flex. Make sure the substrate is securely attached to the wall studs.
  2. Surface must be free of contaminants.
    • Clean and dry.
    • No grease, sealers, dirt, dust, debris, wallpaper, etc.
    • Roughen (abrade) all latex based painted surfaces, existing ceramic tile or laminates.
  3. Surface must be flat and even before tiling.
    • Solid with no holes or voids.
    • Joints, nail and screw holes must be filled.
    • Use a 6' or 8' long straight edge (2" x 4") to make sure there are no gaps greater than 1/4" when straight edge is placed across the tiling surface (see picture).
    • Use Ready to Use Patch & Leveler to fill voids (do not use for wall or below grade concrete).
  4. If you are tiling over concrete: new slabs must be cured at least 28 days. Patch holes, dips and cracks.
  5. If you are tiling over plywood (plywood approved for floors only): plywood should be APA Grade Trademarked Exposure I (Underlayment grade or better). You must have 2 layers of plywood with a minimum total thickness of 1 1/4 in. over floor joists that are spaced 16" apart. These two layers must be fastened with adhesive and screws or nails per manufacturer's instructions.
  6. If you are tiling over old tile or vinyl linoleum: any loose tiles must be secured. Linoleum should be stripped and cleaned of any waxes or dirt.
Note: Certain older vinyl surfaces such as sheet vinyl flooring and vinyl tile may contain asbestos, therefore do not abrade or sand any vinyl surfaces.

Preparing Surface

Before you get started Top Step 2. Laying out and Cutting