Installation & Assembly

chalk line section at a time. Finish each grid before moving on to the next. Place the first tile in the corner of
the grid near the previous section and work outward. Do not slide tiles into place. Insert tile spacers as each
tile is set and leave them in place until the mortar has cured. Place perimeter tiles last and leave a 1/4" gap
between the tile and wall. Long linear tiles should never be set in a grid or running bond pattern. There should
be no more than a 33% overlap between adjacent pieces. The grout joint should be expanded larger than a
typical 1/8”. If the field tile exceeds 15” in length in any dimension, spread a thin layer of mortar directly onto
the back using the flat edge of the trowel prior to pressing into the mortar bed. This technique is called “back
buttering” the tile and it ensures a complete bond. When the tiles in each chalk line grid are set, tap them
down to ensure a proper bond and level plane. Remove excess mortar from open grout joints with a putty
knife. Do not grout or walk on the tile until the mortar has completely cured (usually after 24 hours).
Making Tile Cuts
Carefully measure tiles to be cut and mark with a pencil or felt-tip pen. Make straight or diagonal cuts with a
tile score and cut tool or a wet saw. Make curved cuts with a tile nipper by chipping away small pieces at a
time. Full-length curved cuts should be made with a rod saw. Smooth all sharp edges by hand using a silicon-
carbide stone.
Applying Grout to the Joints
Once the mortar has cured, carefully read and follow all instructions and precautions on the grout packaging.
Mix just enough to fill the joints in an area that can be completed in less than 30 minutes. Remove all tile
spacers and spread the grout across the tile surface. Apply pressure down into the joints with a silicon grout
float tilted at a 45-degree angle. Remove excess grout from the tile surface immediately by tilting the grout
float about 90-degrees and scraping it diagonally across the tile. Wait 20 minutes for the grout to begin to set
then use a damp sponge to clean the excess from the surface and smooth the grout joints. Rinse the sponge
often and change water in the bucket as it begins to turn cloudy. Let the grout dry until a haze forms on tile
surface, then polish the tile with a soft damp cloth. Rinse again with a sponge and clean water. The grout
should be completely cured within 24 hours of finishing the last step. Do not apply sealers to the tile or grout for
at least two weeks, and only in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.