Step 1: Prepare the surface The floor should be clean, dry, flat and sound. The floor should be free from oily/waxy or curing compounds.

Step 2: Measure and plan the tile Layout For a square or rectangular room: stretch a chalk line between the centers of two facing walls. Snap the line. Repeat this on the opposing walls (Figure 1). The resulting lines must cross at the center of the room at a precise 90 degree angle. Check with a carpenter's square. Change line angle if necessary. At least one of the lines should be parallel with a wall.

Step 3: Tile Placement Lay out a row of dry tile along one line from center to the right wall.

If the last space is less than 1/2 a tile wide, return to the center and move the first tile 1/2 a tile width to the left. Be sure to allow the proper grout spaces between the tiles or use plastic spacers.

Mark the new "center point" and strike a new crossing line at this mark (Figure 2). Repeat the entire process for the other line. You may want to trace these lines with a pencil or felt tip marker, to make them more permanent.

Step 4: Lay the tile: Work in one of the 4 sections created by the chalk lines. Starting at the center point, spread mastic over a few square feet. Be sure to follow instructions on mastic container.

Step 5: Laying rest of whole tiles Place spacers between tile. Proceed as shown in (Figure 3B). Continue until all whole tiles are laid.

Step 6: Making cuts: Leave the row of tile along the walls until last. These will probably have to be cut. Do any necessary cutting as you proceed around the room. Follow the instructions accompanying the tile cutter for straight cuts. The rod saw is used for circular openings, square cuts, angles and curves.

Use long even strokes for a clean line. Use the contour gauge to measure and mark irregular cuts. If you don't have a gauge, simply cut a piece of light weight cardboard, shaping it to fit, then use it as a pattern to trace the line on a tile Use tile nippers to break away the waste

Step 7: Apply the grout. Use the rubber surfaced trowel to spread grout as instructed on the grout package. Use a damp sponge to clean excess grout from the face of the tile. When dry, polish with a soft cloth.

Step 8 : To seal grout joints. Use silicon sealer on grout joints if continuous staining is a problem.

Ceramic tile placed directly over a concrete slab ( “Thin set” method )

Ceramic tile placed directly over a plywood floor

Typical Residential mortar bed method