Installing Porcelain Tile for Your Space [Step-by-Step Guide]

Are you looking to give your space a bold statement? Want to know the process of installing porcelain tile?

If so, consider reading this article. Here, you’ll find the complete process of installing tiles for your floors to add tremendous depth to your space. No matter where you are installing, porcelain tiles always offer aesthetically pleasing looks as well as functionality.

So, if you want to create a beautiful and welcoming space, you should consider installing porcelain tiles. With a variety of colors, designs, and patterns available, you can create a unique space of yours.

But before diving into the step-by-step process, you should be ready with all the necessary tools and materials. So, let’s first check what all things you’ll need while tile floor installation.

List of Tools and Materials

Before you start installing porcelain tile, make sure you have all the tools and materials ready. So, here is the list of all the things you need during the installation process:

Porcelain Floor Tiles
Tile Cutter
Floor Scraper
Waterproof Membrane Tape/Strips
Thin-set Mortar
Tile Trowel
Level
Chisel
Utility Knife
Rubber Mallet
Tile Spacers

Process for Installing Porcelain Tile

In this section, you’ll learn the porcelain tile flooring installation to make your space stand out. The lightweight, hard-wearing, weather-resistant properties make porcelain tile an ideal choice of flooring material. If properly installed, porcelain tiles can bring a lot more than you think. However, you can read about ceramic vs porcelain tiles to know which tile is best for your space. So, here is the complete process of installing porcelain tiles on your floors.

Step 1 – Choosing the Tile Type

The first and foremost step while installing porcelain tiles is deciding the type of tile you want. By tile type, we mean the design, color, and pattern of your porcelain tiles. If you have a patterned porcelain tile, you have to prepare the surface and calculate accordingly. So, choose which type of porcelain tile you want to install on your floors.

Step 2 – Preparing the Surface

Once you have decided on the type of porcelain tiles, it’s now time to prepare the surface. Make sure these tiles are installed on a clean, level, and rigid surface. If you find any uneven surface, repair it before installing the tiles. Once the surface is leveled, install a water-resistant fiber cement or cement board as your underlayment. A strong base results in the success and longevity of porcelain tile floor installation.

Step 3 – Test Your Tile Pattern and Layout

Once you have prepared the surface for tile floor installation, dry-test your layout. Find out the ideal pattern and layout of your porcelain tiles. A dry layout of your porcelain tiles is a must so you can adjust the surface and your tile count accordingly.

Step 4 – Preparing the Thin-set Mortar

Thin-set mortar is made from a mixture of cement and fine sand, and you need to mix it with water if you buy it in a dry form. This mortar is a bonding agent used to attach tiles to the cement board. Make sure to use a polymer-modified thin-set to achieve a strong bond between the porcelain tiles and the substrate. You need to keep in mind that the mortar cannot be used immediately after mixing. You must allow 5-10 minutes for the chemicals to fully activate.

Step 5 – Apply the Mortar Mixture

Using a tile trowel, apply the mortar mix to the surface and press it into the fiberboard at an angle of 45 degrees to make sure the mortar fully adheres. However, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using a trowel.

Step 6 – Installing Porcelain Tiles

Now it’s time to start installing porcelain tiles. First, spread the thin-set mortar onto a small area and put the porcelain tile onto the mortar mixture. Once you have laid the tile, slide the tile ¼ inch back against the thin-set ridges and then slide it back into place.

Make sure the area is completely covered with the mortar. But if that doesn’t happen, you need to fix this either by mixing the mortar properly or by spreading the mortar evenly onto the surface. Once you’ve fixed it, re-lay your tile. After you are satisfied with the first porcelain tile flooring installation, start laying the rest of the tiles. Make sure all the tiles are leveled.

Step 7 – Grouting

Once you are done installing these tiles, it’s now time to apply the grout. Fill in the spaces between the tiles, and make sure to choose the grout color that matches your porcelain floor tiles. There is a variety of grout for outdoor tiles that you can use to fill in the spaces.

Step 8 – Sealing is Important

Now that you have successfully completed the porcelain tile flooring installation process don’t forget to seal the grouts. Sealing will keep the grout clean and look beautiful for years to come.

Conclusion

This is the complete process of installing porcelain tile for your space. You should carefully and properly follow this step-by-step process to make your space functional as well as aesthetically pleasing.