Wholesale Ceramic Floor Tile - Installing a ceramic tile floor is not too difficult, but you must plan ahead to ensure a professional quality job. Removing the old flooring (if this is not a new tile job) will prove to be the most difficult part of the task. In addition, the substrate to be covered must be clean, level, and smooth.

Substrate Preparation

The substrate must be clean and free of defects. Make sure all high spots are removed or you will find it nearly impossible to align adjacent tiles. If you need to patch rough areas, use a waterproof patching compound.

Snap chalk lines with a 90 degree intersection, preferably in the center of the room. Be patient. The more time you invest in laying out your area the better your project will go. Solve your layout questions before the adhesive is even mixed.

For best results, all tiling materials and adhesives should be at 50 to 70 degrees for 24 hours before and 48 hours after installation. Thoroughly mix the mortar with clean water to a toothpaste like consistency. It is best to only mix what can be used in 30 minutes. Stir mixture occasionally to maintain consistency. In the event the mix becomes stiff in the pail, discard and make a fresh batch.

Bathroom Floor Tile - Ceramic tile comes in many shapes, sizes, textures and types. Before starting your tile project, take some time to investigate the types and installation procedures. You need a clear idea of the area you are going to tile as well as performance characteristics. Will the area be exposed to a lot of moisture? If you are tiling a floor, how much foot traffic will the area be exposed to? What about weight of heavy objects, such as refrigerators?

Remember accessories like soap dishes and towel holders if you are planning to install ceramic bathroom tile. Do you have the necessary equipment? Cutting tile is not difficult, but does require patience and a few tools to do the job right.

Measure the floor and wall areas to be tiled. If the tiles are normal sized then you should add no more than 10% for waste. Some tiles will have to be cut, while others may be damaged or blemished. Always order an extra 10%. Even if you don't use them, they often come in handy for repairs at a later date.

Bathroom Floor Tile - For a professional tile installation job, good planning and proper layout are a must. The surfaces must be smooth and free of defects. Fix all high and low spots before proceeding, and make sure that nail heads are countersunk slightly below the surface.


Layout lines must be accurate and easy to see. The horizontal lines are drawn first, and the procedure depends on whether your tub or shower pan is level.

Level Tub or Shower Pan - If the tub is level to within 1/8″, measure and mark your horizontal line from the high point of the tub. The 1/8″ difference (if there is a difference) can be hidden with grout. Measure up from the lip of the tub, the width of a tile plus 1/8″. Make a line using a level and a straight edge, along the back wall and the two end walls.

Out of Level Tub or Shower Pan - If the tub is not level to 1/8″, mark your horizontal line from the low point. Determine a level line just like for a level tub and run a batten along the bottom of the line. It is usually best to nail a straight wooden batten so that the top of the batten is set to the horizontal line. This provides a level surface for the tile. After all the tile is laid, remove the batten and install the bottom row. You will have to cut the bottom row of tiles to fit along the uneven top edge of the tub or pan.