Laying the Tiles
- Spread about 1 sq m (10 sq ft) of tile adhesive or combined adhesive/grout into one of the right angles made by the two crossing chalk lines.
- Scrape the notched edge of the spreader across the mix to form ridges of the same thickness.
- Lay the first few tiles along the edge of the longest centre line. Gently press the tiles into place, making sure they also line up with the other centre line. Add plastic spacers at each corner.
- Work outwards from the middle of the room until you have laid all the whole tiles on one half of the floor, using a spirit level over every three or four tiles as you lay them to check the tiles are at the same level - not necessarily perfectly horizontal but all surfaces should be flush.
- Then move across to the other side of the longest centre line and add the rest of the whole tiles.
- Leave to set for 24 hours - don't walk on the tiles during this time.
- Use the tile cutter to trim the edge tiles to the right shape. Measure the space at both ends of each run of wall in case the walls are uneven, and remember to allow for the grouting gap. Always wear safety goggles and gloves when you are cutting tiles.
- Leave the adhesive to set for at least 12 hours, then seal the surface if necessary and allow the sealer to dry for at least two hours. Ceramic floor tiles don't need a coating, but unsealed stone, terracotta, slate, and quarry tiles should be protected with a sealer, available from tile stores or DIY centres.
- Grout between the tiles. Force the grout into the gaps with a squeegee, working from side to side and up and down the tiles. Wipe any grout from the tiles with a damp sponge before it sets hard.
