QEP 78251 General Guidelines for Tile Installation

Preparation

Use a floor scraper to remove any debris from the subfloor that cannot be easily wiped free (e.g., old adhesive, residue). Clean the subfloor of grease, paint, or anything that would inhibit adhesive or thinset bonding. Patch any cracks and level the subfloor before beginning tile installation. Subfloors in poor condition can eventually crack the tile and grout.

Before installing tile, remove any baseboard molding and doors. If necessary, use a jamb saw to cut the bottom of jambs to allow the tile to slide underneath, rather than cutting the tile to fit around the door jamb. This approach results in a more finished professional appearance. Reattach or replace molding and doors after the job is completed and the grout is fully dried.

Begin your installation along chalk lines, working from the center out, one quarter section at a time. Plan your layout to allow an exit path from the room without stepping on newly set tiles. Typically, all outside edge tiles are cut last and laid at one time. Leave a 1/4-inch space around the perimeter for expansion, which will later be covered by molding.

Additional Tools You May Need

• Adhesive
• Cheesecloth
• China Markers
• Contour Gauge
• Grout
• Jamb Saw
• Mixer
• Rubber Mallet
• Safety Goggles
• Scraper
• Spacers
• Suction Cup
• Wet Tile Saw or Tile Cutter
• Tile Nippers

Installation

Applying the Adhesive

Thinset is used to adhere tile to the floor. Consult the thinset manufacturer's recommendations for optimal coverage. The trowel notch size is typically based on the tile size and type. The installation kit includes a Double-Sided Trowel with two notch types (3/16" X 5/32" V NOTCH and 1/4" X 1/4" SQUARE NOTCH) suitable for thinset application for tiles up to 16" x 16". Hold the trowel at a 45° angle to the wall or floor (see image A1). Use the Margin Float to spread thinset into hard-to-reach areas (see image A2). Apply evenly to ensure proper thickness and coverage.

⚠️ CAUTION: Apply thinset to no more than 25 square feet at a time. Some adhesives dry faster than others; always follow the manufacturer's directions.

For Floor Tiles

Set each "whole" tile with a slight twisting motion and press firmly into place. Avoid walking on the floor for at least 24-48 hours. Refer to the adhesive manufacturer's recommendations for specific curing times.

Using Tile Spacers

1. When setting tile, place at least two spacers vertically between the tiles. The spacers should be set "tombstone" style and not laid flat in the corners of the tile (see image B). When using large format tiles, Tile Leveling Clips and Tile Leveling Wedges should be used to keep tiles aligned and level (see image C).
2. Continue setting the next tile against the spacers and repeat this procedure.
3. Wait until the adhesive has set according to the manufacturer's instructions before removing spacers.

Tile Cutting Options

Tile Cutters and Tile Saws

Both manual tile cutters and tile wet saws are used to cut tile. Manual cutters (see image D) offer dust-free cutting and are suitable for basic straight cuts on wall and floor tiles. Tile wet saws are recommended for larger projects, harder tiles, and when notch cuts are required. Ensure the tile cutter or saw you use is appropriate for the tile size and thickness.

Follow the directions provided with the tile cutter or tile saw for proper results. ? NOTE: When using a tile saw, it is recommended to use a blade designed for the specific type and hardness of the tile being cut.

Tile Cutter - Handheld

1. Score the tile to the desired size with the built-in, free-rolling scoring wheel (see image E).
2. Place the scored tile line between the metal lower jaw and the hard plastic upper jaw, then apply pressure. Built-in stops help ensure the correct amount of pressure for consistent results (see image E). A file may be needed to smooth any rough edges.
3. Use safety goggles to prevent injury while making cuts.

Tile Nipper Directions

1. When cutting shapes in tile, first create an outline on paper, cut out the shape, or use a contour gauge to trace the shape onto the tile with a china marker.
2. With the tile nipper (see image F), make small cuts or "nibbles" until the desired shape is achieved. Use a glass tile nipper (see image G) for cutting shapes in glass tile or a compound nipper for porcelain and other hard tiles. A tile file may be needed to smooth any rough edges.
3. Use safety goggles to prevent injury while making cuts.

Drilling Holes in Tile

Special Diamond Rimmed Bits are used to drill holes into tile materials. A Diamond Drill Bit is used for smaller holes (see image H). For larger holes, a 1-3/8" Diamond Hole Saw is used (see image I). Both types often include a drill guide and water cooling system for quicker, accurate cuts.

Grouting

Allow the adhesive or thinset to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions before beginning grouting (typically 24 to 48 hours). Mix the grout according to the grout manufacturer's instructions. ? NOTE: Remember to remove all spacers.

1. Mix a small amount of grout following the grout manufacturer's instructions. Hold the float at a 45° angle and spread grout diagonally across the face of the tile and into the joints (see image J). Apply grout to approximately 25 sq ft at a time. Ensure the grout is forced into the joints so they are completely filled with no voids or air pockets.
2. Wipe off excess grout by drawing the edge of the float, held at a 45° angle, diagonally across the tiles. Remove as much excess grout from the tile surface as possible, being careful not to remove grout from the joints.
3. Wait 15-20 minutes before cleaning. Soak the grouting sponge in clean water (see image K) and wring it out thoroughly. Wipe the tiles diagonally, removing any remaining grout, while rinsing the sponge often. Repeat until the joints are smooth and level with the tiles, and the tiles are as clean as possible with the sponge. For best results, repeat this cleaning step over the next two days to allow grout to cure slower and stronger.

*Caution: Do not over-wet the sponge when cleaning grout, as this may pull color out of the grout, causing uneven coloration.

After the remaining grout has dried to a haze, polish it off with a Microfiber Grouting Cloth or cheesecloth.

⚠️ CAUTION: Keep newly grouted tiles dry for at least 48 hours.

Sealing

It is recommended to seal your new grout lines to help prevent staining caused by foot traffic. Follow the grout manufacturer's recommendations for the best results.