Ceramic tile adds a richness and beauty to any room. It's not a difficult process to install tile, and is a common enough project for any homeowner to undertake. Tile requires a relatively sturdy and level subfloor, and is capable of being installed over existing linoleum flooring. This has the advantage of not requiring a new underlayment over the linoleum that would raise the level of the floor being tiled. If the subfloor under the linoleum is stable and undamaged, there is nothing to stop the laying of tile on the surface.
Instructions
1. Remove all molding or trim around the perimeter of the room with a pry bar. Unless replacing fixtures like sinks, cabinets and toilets, carefully remove the existing units and set them aside for later reinstallation.
2. Sweep the linoleum thoroughly, taking care to remove any loose debris that would inhibit laying the tile. Mop the tile with water and a mild cleanser and allow it to dry fully.
3. Plan the layout of the floor, taking into consideration and marking tiles where cuts will be necessary to fit around plumbing or wall corners. Number all tiles with masking tape for easy return to the floor after the adhesive is laid.
4. Collect the floor tiles and use a wet saw to pre-cut all edge tiles or those that go around or under fixtures. Using a notched trowel, spread adhesive across the linoleum that leaves grooves in the thick material.
5. Begin laying out the tiles, following their numbers and placing spacers between all tiles to allow for the proper amount of grout. Wipe away any excess adhesive that is displaced and seeps onto the tiles. Allow the adhesive to cure with the tiles for a few hours.
6. Apply grout, using the trowel, over the tiles in a circular pattern in such a way as to force grout down into the spaces between tiles. Wipe away all the grout from the faces of the tiles with a damp sponge before it hardens. When complete, stay off the tile for at least 24 hours to allow the adhesive and grout to dry adequately.
7. Reattach baseboard trim and molding and replace the toilet, sink and cabinetry. Around the edges of porcelain, any piping or cabinets, place a bead of silicon caulk to help seal the fixtures to the new tile floor.
Tags: between tiles, laying tile, linoleum that, that would, tiles with, Wipe away