When you do-it-yourself, You're not alone We offer professional installation, but for those who prefer to do it themselves, we offer our full support and free advice. We will even rent the tools you need. Click on any of the topics below for some handy tips: How Much Tile? Installing Surface Preparation Cutting Tile Tools Grouting Plan Your Layout Sealing

Determine How Much Tile you will need? [ Top ]
Measure your area to find out exactly how much tile you should order. In simplest terms, the area is determined by multiplying the length (in feet) by width (in feet) equals square feet. Unfortunately, very few areas are exactly rectangular, so you may have to break your area into sections, measure each section, and add the sections together to find the total. Be sure to allow a little extra for cuts and breakage. Remember, it is better to have too much tile than too little. You can save any leftovers for repairs later. Use this Tile Calculator to help you estimate the number of tiles you will need for your project.

Measure the edges where you will want to use trim units, and give the linear measurements to Molony Tile, and they will compute the number of pieces of trim you will need. If you are still in doubt about how much tile you need, make a diagram of your area, with measurements, and take it to Molony Tile who will help you figure the square footage.

Surface Preparation [ Top ]
Ceramic tile can be installed over just about any structurally sound surface, even old ceramic tile. Be sure the area is clean, dry and smooth. For floor preparation of your specific situation, contact Molony Tile for specifications from the Tile Council of America. If the walls around the tub or shower are rotten, the old gypsum board should be replaced with cement backer-board. Be sure to tell Molony Tile what surface you will be tiling over, so the correct adhesive can be recommended.

Tools [ Top ]
You will need about 10-12 basic tools, some of which you probably already have. Trowels, cutters, nippers, square and level to name a few. Here are the tools you will need:

Notched Ceramic Trowel - for spreading adhesive to the correct thickness. Molony Tile will tell you which trowel is correct for the tile you have chosen.

Ceramic Tile Cutter - for making straight or diagonal cuts (see photo Below).

Tile Nippers - for making contour cuts.

Rubber Grout Float - for working grout into joints without marking the face of the tile. Similar to the trowel used for spreading adhesive, but designed for working grout into joints without marking the face of the tile.

Rubber Squeegee - for wiping away excess grout. Same type of squeegee you’d use to clean your windows or windshield.

Chalk Line - for making straight lines across length of surface. Strings out over the surface and with a snap it marks a chalk line. Hold the string tight to get a straight line when you snap the string.

Tape Measure - Common tape measure in metal or plastic case. Make sure it’s long enough for the area your going to be working in.

Carpenter’s Square - Usually made of metal, this L-shaped tool helps you keep things squarely in line.

Level - Get the bubble in the center of the marks and you know flat is flat and perfectly level.

Rubbing Stone - for smoothing cut edges (not necessary, but very helpful). Looks somewhat like the blocks of stone used to sharpen knives.

Most of the above tools can be rented from Molony Tile.

Other handy items which you probably already have are clean sponges and rags for cleaning up, a soft lead pencil, and a clean bucket or pail.

Plan Your Layout [ Top ]
Before you attempt to use any adhesive, you must determine the best positioning of the floor tiles. A little extra time spent on this process will pay off in a more professional looking job. Begin by finding the longest straight wall adjoining your floor. Measure out 2 ½ tiles width from each end of the wall, and mark a chalk line parallel to the wall.

Next, use your carpenter’s square to draw a second line perpendicular to the first, anyplace where it will cross the widest part of the room (See figure 1). Then begin laying loose tile (remember, no adhesive!) at the intersection of these lines. Allow for the desired joint width, and lay loose tiles in each direction, all the way to the walls (See figure 2). Now stand back and look at it carefully. If this layout leaves you with less than half tiles against any wall, shift your layout so that you have larger cuts. Look carefully at the doorway, and be sure you have full tiles or large cuts at each door. If you have to shift your layout, mark new chalk lines and rub out the old chalk lines to avoid confusing yourself later.

Installing Your Tile [ Top ]
Be sure to tell Molony Tile what kind of floor you will be tiling over, so the correct adhesive can be recommended. If you are using an adhesive that must be mixed, be certain you follow the manufacturer’s directions. When the adhesive is ready, begin spreading it on the floor using your notched trowel, starting at the intersection of your chalk lines.

First spread the adhesive with the smooth side of the trowel, then turn the trowel over and comb the adhesive with the notched side. Cover only as much area as you can easily reach from on position. If the adhesive films over before you get it covered with tile, scrape it off and apply fresh adhesive.

Now begin laying the tiles. Set each tile in place with a slight twisting motion, pressing it down firmly. Do not slide the tiles. Now beat the tile into the adhesive with a rubber mallet or a flat board tapped gently with a hammer. Do not beat hard enough to break any tiles, but just enough to get all tiles flush with on another and to ensure a good bond.

Use a damp sponge to remove any adhesive from the surface of the tile. Do not allow the adhesive to fill the joints, or it will discolor the grout. Since you cannot walk on your tile for 24 hours, it is best to lay narrow rows up and down your chalk line. Make any necessary cuts and lay them in place as you go along. Be sure to work your way into a doorway, so that you can spend the next 24 hours somewhere else!

Cutting Tile [ Top ]
Cutting ceramic tile is a lot easier than you might expect. After you mark the tile where you want to cut it, place the tile in the tile cutter, and draw the cutting wheel firmly and smoothly one time across the surface. All you have to do is make a clean scratch completely across the surface of the tile. Then press down firmly with the tile cutter handle, and the tile will break cleanly in two. Use your tile nippers to make contour cuts, taking small bites from the edge of the tile. If the edges are somewhat jagged, use your rubbing stone to smooth them down. If you are still not confident about cutting tiles, Molony Tile will be glad to demonstrate.

Grouting Tile [ Top ]
Be sure to wait at least 24 hours after you finish laying your tile before attempting to grout. Mix the grout following the manufacturer’s instructions. Start in a corner and work out. Use the rubber grout float to spread the grout directly on the tile, pressing the grout firmly into the joints. Use the squeegee to wipe off the excess grout, keeping it at a 45-degree angle to the joints so that you don’t pull all the grout out of the joints.

After the grout has dried for 15 to 20 minutes, begin washing the surface of the tile with a damp sponge. Rinse your sponge often in a bucket of clean water. It is a good idea to wear rubber gloves, as the grout can be very irritating to your hands.

Try to get the surface of the tile as clean as you can, without pulling the grout out of the joints. When the floor has been washed thoroughly, let it dry overnight. A dry film will appear. Wipe the film away with a clean dry rag, and you are finished except for sealing. Do not walk on the tile or put furniture on it for 24 hours, to allow time for the grout to dry completely.

Sealing Tile [ Top ]
After installation, seal your grout and unglazed tile and stone per manufacturer’s recommendation. Protect your tile and grout from liquid absorption which may cause staining and discoloration. Ask Molony Tile for the proper sealer for your application.

If you have any questions, please call us or send e-mail to: info@molonytile.com

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