Steps in Installing Tiles Using Tile Spacers

It is always a good idea to use tile spacers while positioning tiles. Placing a tile spacer at each corner as the tiles are being set into the adhesive will ensure even tile spacing.

The following method is particularly effective for rooms with large doorways, which will make the floor visible from other parts of the house.

1. Draw two chalk lines down the center of the room; one perpendicular to the doorway, and another one perpendicular to the first line.

2. Temporarily dry-lay the tiles along the first chalk line starting from the doorway. To ensure that the grout spaces will be uniform, use properly sized tile spacers between each tile.

3. If a full tile will not fit at the end of the line, use a cut tile for each end so the spaces will be equal. Cut a tile by using a glass cutter to score it then laying it over a nail or piece of metal and pressing down on both sides. If some rough edges remain, remove them with pliers or nippers.

4. Dry-lay tiles along the second chalk line using spacers like the last time. Make the lines intersect at a tile corner by adjusting them if necessary.

5. Mark the outer edge of the last full tile at the doorway by drawing a line on the floor. Extend it along the entire wall length, making sure the line is straight. Repeat this step for the adjacent wall.

6. On the outside of each line, place long 1 x 2 spacers or 1 x 3 spacers and nail them in place after checking if they are perfectly square.

7. Starting from the corner where the boards intersect, use a notched trowel to spread about 3 square feet of "Thin-Set" mix, achieving maximum coverage by holding the trowel at a 45 angle. For a perfect finish, set the corner tile into the thin set with a firm, twisting motion.

8. Continue setting the tiles in the same order, making sure to use spacers between the tiles to keep a straight alignment. Use a rubber mallet to stamp down uneven tiles and immediately wipe off any excess mortar from the surface. Remove the boards once the mortar is set and lay cut tiles along the edges, taking care to leave a 1/8" gap along the wall.

9. When done, remove the tile spacers and allow at least 48 hours waiting time before grouting.

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