Laying Ceramic Tile... can be an easy and a wonderful experience but will require patience for the do it yourself-ers out there. If I can do it so can you. One of the most important things in any job you decide to do is that the job is not hard to learn, be patient. I find when I have the right tools it makes the job a cinch and the level of frustration is almost non-existent.

Actually, I enjoy it, and it think you will to.

You will need some specific tools before laying ceramic tile. Below is a small list of tools and supplies that will be needed to install a new ceramic tile floor.

A tile cutter may be rented and used for the small jobs from a rental store or any store that sales tile. If you find yourself doing a lot of cutting (cutting the tile), you'll need to rent a wet saw.

Something I notice just talking with others who have installed ceramic tile before, there's more than one way of doing a job and that is having the right tools. Planning will make the job go faster and better.

Okay, you got the list but here are also four important things you need to consider before you get started and head out to the hardware store.

1. Selecting your tile adhesive which will depend upon the tile you're working with. (Sorry to tell ya but there are more than one type. This is something you can discuss with the hardware salesperson.

2. Selecting trowel size or type. If you use heavily corrugated tiles, you might want to use a 3/8 inch notched trowed. If the back of the tile is flat you can use a small trowel (1/4 inch should be enough).

3. Estimate the size of your order. This will be the length times width of your floor or the area yo're planning of covering. The ceramic tiles will

come in different sizes but by knowing your work area measurements, that will give you a good ideal how many boxes you'll need. I should mention to get a few extra tiles just in case you have cracks in the future or just need to replace a tile. There's an old saying, "It's better to have Tile and not need it, than need it and not have it."

All right, I made that up, sort of.

4. Last but not least, layout your plan as to how you're going to go about doing the project or job.

It's important to take your time. Patience is going to prevent you form making mistakes, saving you time and money in the long run.

That's at every stage of the process, from planning to executing. "Remember what carpenters say, "Measure Twice and Cut Once."

Ceramic tile is long lasting and material for increasing the value of your home. Easily maintained, it may be just the look you want for your bathroom or kitchen. Installation requires preparation and some a little Education or Training.

How to install tile flooring

Installing a tile flooring is not very difficult but does require some patience and preparation. Ensure that you have all the materials and tools before starting the Job.

And if the tiling involves both the walls and the floor, it is recommended that you start with the walls first. Floor tiles are usually thicker than wall tiles so make sure you use the right tiles for the right platform.

Tools and materials for Placing tiles

The tools needed to install tile flooring are glass cutters, carpenter’s square, goggles, grout float, tape measure, pencils, sponges, Angle Buster,

Concrete board-this is used for different purposes. It can be used to help level the floor, to help with any problems you may have with the floor,Pliers, Screws for the concrete board- again it's used for leveling and corrections in the floor.hammers and a notched trowel. The materials required are tiles, tile spacers, spackling compound, tile adhesives, silicone caulk and grout sealer.

Prep. and Tiling

The old flooring must be removed completely before installing the new tiling. Ensure that the sub-floor is strong and able to support the new tiles, which are 1" in thickness.

Since tiles are heavy they must be installed on a flat, rigid surface. Any indentations may later show up in the grouting and lead to tiles cracking. If the floor is uneven, cover it with an under-layment as the tile base. If you have a concrete floor, repair all holes and cracks. If you have linoleum, you can place the underlayment over it.

Remove all trimmings and clean floor thoroughly. The surface must be free of wax, debris or grease. Use water-proof membrane if the area is subject to moisture. Cement-fiber boards are most suited as underlayment for tiles in such cases.

Patterns and Layouts

The patterns and types of tiles are numerous depending on how artistic you would like to be. The two most common patterns are ‘jack-on-jack’ and ‘running bond’. While the former consists of tiles laid like squares on a chessboard, the latter has offset grout lines for each row. Floor tiles should always be centered in the room so as to look good and neat.

Measure and find the center of the two opposite walls. Use these points to draw a chalk line across the length dividing the room in half. Then do the same with the other two walls by drawing a line perpendicular to the other. Use the carpenter’s square to ensure that the center point is square.

Dry-fit a row of tiles down both lines to the width and length of the room. Leave equal spacing for the grout joints. By laying out the tiles in this way, you will get an idea of what adjustments need to be made. Work with as many full tiles as possible and try to end up with at least half a width in areas where the tiles meet the walls.

Installing the tiles

Begin laying the tile from the center of the intersection of the 2 lines; then use the lines as a guide as you work your way outward toward the walls in each quadrant.

Spread the adhesive with the trowel's notched edge, combing it out in beaded ridges. You could insert plastic spacers between the tiles to maintain straight grout lines.

Remember to remove these after placing the tiles but before they become set in the adhesive. Clean the excess adhesive before it dries out.

The adhesive takes about 20-30 minutes to set firmly.After you have installed a few rows of tiles, set them into the adhesive with the tile leveler and a mallet. After setting all the whole tiles across the room, start to cut tiles to fit around the perimeter of the room.

Cutting and Fitting ceramic tiles

Obviously, all tiling jobs will require some trimming and cutting of tiles so that they fit snugly around borders, obstructions, piping, wiring, window frames, electrical pipes, basins etc. Shaping tiles to fit these indentures is difficult and requires some patience and practice. You can use a tile cutter or a glass cutter for small jobs, but for larger projects you may need a wet saw. Apply pressure when using tools for scoring, cutting and drilling tiles, but a little excess pressure can cause the tile to crack or break. To make cuts at right angles with a glass cutter, use a combination square as your straight-hedge. This should be done in one stroke

to achieve a smooth and even shape. Repeated scoring will lead to cracking of the tile. The tiles can be snapped by hand or with tile nippers, tile cutters or using a wet saw. Apply firm and even pressure after measuring the size that needs to be cut. Always wear safety goggles when you are using tiles.

Taking care of rough and jagged breaks

Nippers or pliers serve to remove jagged edges and a round file will help smoothen rough edges. For a straight-edge cut, rub it against a sheet of 80 grit aluminum oxide sandpaper which will round and smoothen the edges.

Grouting the joints

The grout should be mixed in a thick paste and applied by forcing the grout between tiles with a rubber float held at a 45-degree angle. Hold the float almost perpendicular to the floor. Wipe away excess grout from the surface of the tiles. Use a toothbrush to shape the grout. After 20 minutes, wipe away all excess grout with a damp sponge.

Fill seams with some flexible water-soluble silicone caulking where tiles meet the counter. Smoothen it out with a sponge or your finger. Allow the grout to cure for a week

and then apply silicone grout sealer with a small paintbrush to help prevent grout discoloration.