- 1). Measure the wall you intend to start laying the tile at and find the mid-point. Make a chalk line beginning at this point on the wall, toward the center of the room. This will provide you with a visual of where the center of your first row of tile will lie.
- 2). Place your first tile directly on this line, so the line bisects it in the center. Lay out the tiles for the first row with no mortar, moving evenly from the first, center tile out to the sides of the room. Cut the tiles to fit the edges on a tile wet saw. This will allow you to see how many tiles will fit, and to make adjustments in the edges of the tiles if the wall area you're laying them against is not square. The next rows of tile will work off the first row until you reach the other side of the room.
- 3). Take up the tiles from the floor when you are satisfied with how they will lie, and stack them in the order you will install them. Spread mortar onto the center point of the floor against the long wall you will install them, and begin to press the tiles back into place. Spread a small amount of mortar with the trowel a section at a time, combing each section until it is completely level before placing the tile.
- 4). Move out from the first row of tile from the center to each side, cutting the edge tiles to fit as needed. Install a few tiles at a time, and stop frequently to stand away from the installation and make sure your lines are straight and coming off the long wall evenly.
- 5). Wait 24 to 48 hours after all the tiles have been installed to grout. Spread the grout over all the tiles evenly with a rubber grout float, packing it into the joints, and wipe the tiles clean with a damp sponge after 10 minutes. Allow the grout an additional 24 hours to dry.
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