A tile floor installation results in a beautiful, long-lasting, and easy-to-clean floor. Laying tile is a massive project, but with some planning and time, you can do it. Learn well how to lay bathroom floor tile as well as how to grout flooring.

A tile floor installation results in a beautiful, long-lasting, and easy-to-clean floor. Laying tile is a massive project, but with some planning and time, you can do it.

Tools needed for DIY Floor Tile Installation

  • Chisel

  • Floor Scraper

  • Level

  • Rubber Mallet

  • Utility Knife

Materials needed for DIY Floor Tile Installation

  • Tile Membrane

  • Waterproof Membrane Tape/Strips

  • Floor Tile

  • Tile Spacers

  • Unmodified Thinset Mortar


How to Install Tile Floors by yourself?

  1. Trim the tile membrane to fit

Layout your membrane, fleece side down, and mark the subfloor at the membrane's edges so you know where to apply the thin-set. Cut around any pipes with a knife blade.

  1. Stretched and comb the Tile Membrane mortar

Combine the unaltered thin-set. If you can draw your trowel through and the ridges just remain taking a stand, you'll know it's the right consistency. Work on one part at a time to prevent the thin-set from drying before you can install the membrane. With the smooth side of the trowel, apply the thinset to the floor, evenly covering the entire area. Then comb the mortar with the notched side of the trowel.

  1. Set up the Tile Membrane

Using a wooden float, roll out the membrane and press it into the thin-set. Continue to work in segments, applying mortar first, followed by the membrane.

  1. The Membrane appears to be watertight

Use weatherproof tape to seal the seams. Spread some thinset onto the membrane and use your trowel to embed the tape into it, leaving at least a 2-inch overlap on each seam. Cover the seams between the membrane sections as well as the seams along the walls with tape. If your bathroom has finished walls, instead of using tape, seal along the walls with caulk or a sealant designed for your membrane.

  1. Make a beginning for tile installation

After that, draw reference lines for the tile. Begin by measuring two opposing walls and drawing a chalk line between their centers. Then repeat for the remaining walls. This will provide you with a starting point. To help the chalk stay on the membrane, spray it with hair spray.

  1. Try out the tile installation layout

To check your design, dry-fit the tile and then use tile spacers to ensure the expansion gaps are correct. Allow for expansion by leaving a 1/4-inch gap around the outside edges. To keep the color consistent throughout the room, mix tile from different boxes. If you have small pieces of tile on one end, slide the layout to one side to give your edge tile extra width. If you change the layout, remember to add new reference lines.

  1. Start preparing the Mortar for the Tile Floor

To make a peanut butter-like consistency, add more unmodified thinset. Begin in the center and spread the mortar evenly, making sure to fill the membrane's cavities. Work a section at a time, as you did before, to prevent the thinset from drying out before you can lay the tile. Using the notched edge of the trowel, comb the mortar at a 45-degree angle.

  1. Start laying tile

Lay the first tile on the reference line in the center of the room, slightly twisting it while pushing down to ensure full adhesion. Place spacers between each tile as you install tile along your reference line. Pull one tile up every couple of tiles to ensure complete contact with the thinset. If there isn't, back-butter the tile (apply mortar to the back of the tile) to increase coverage.

  1. As you get further, clean and level the tile

Wipe away any thinset from the tile surface with a wet sponge. Check for high spots with a long level on a regular basis and gently even them out with a rubber mallet. Remember to leave a 1/4-inch gap at the room's edge. You should also leave a 1/4-inch gap around any pipes.

  1. As needed, cut the Tile

A tile cutter is useful for making simple cuts in tile. Curves can be cut with a handheld tile nipper, and holes are best cut with a tile hole saw. If you're going to be making a lot of cuts, a wet tile saw will help you get the job done quickly.

  1. Allow the Mortar to Set

Allow the thinset to dry for 24 hours after you've completed laying a tile before grouting.


When your new tile floor is finished and dry, think about some bathroom additions that will add functionality and a sophisticated design.