Installation Guide

Installing Porcelain Tile
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Step 4: CUTS
Start by marking any cuts with a pencil or felt-tip pen on the tile surface. You can use a tile
cutter for straight or diagonal cuts. You can make curved cuts with a nipper, chipping away
small pieces for best results.
For any full-length curved cuts, a rod saw may be used. After your cuts are made, smooth out
any sharp edges with a carborundum stone to give a soft finish to the edge of your tile.
Step 5: SETTING THE TILE
Begin by installing tiles in the center of the room, one grid at a time, finishing each grid before
moving to the next. This will help keep the installation balanced and uniform. Within each grid,
it is best to start with the first tile in the corner and work outward.
Using a slight rotating motion, set tiles one at a time and avoid sliding them into place. Use
caution not to hit the edges of the tile against each other. Be sure to either insert spacers as
each tile is set or leave equal joints between tiles. Save the perimeter tiles in each grid for last,
leaving an adequate gap between the tile and wall.
Once an individual grid is completely installed, tap in all tiles with a rubber mallet or hammer
and wood block to ensure a solid bond and level surface. Remove excess adhesive from joints
with a putty knife and from tile with a damp sponge to prevent an uneven appearance and to
leave a clear space for grout.
Allow the tile to sit for at least 24 hours to set before walking on it.
Step 6: GROUTING
After carefully reading and following all instructions and precautions on the grout package,
make just enough to use in 30-minute increments, so it doesn’t dry before you can have it
applied. As you remove the tile spacers and spread grout on the tile surface, use a rubber grout
float or a squeegee to press it down into the joints.
Tilt the float at a 45-degree angle and with the edge of the float, remove the excess grout from
the surface immediately. Do not allow time for the grout to dry. Next, tilt the float at a 90-
degree angle and scrape it diagonally across the tiles.