How to Start Laying Floor Tiles
- 1). Measure one edge of the floor and mark the middle of the length. Do the same along the opposite edge of the floor. Stretch a chalk, snap line between the two marks, dividing the floor in half.
- 2). Repeat the process to lay a second, perpendicular line, between the two remaining edges of the floor. Before you snap the second line, set a square at the intersection and adjust the string so it's 90 degrees off the first line.
- 3). Spread thin-set mortar over the intersection of the two lines, covering a few square feet. You will still be able to see the lines through the mortar.
- 4). Press your first tile into mortar in one corner of the intersection, into the mortar. It should be bordered on two sides by the two lines. Make sure it's completely lined up.
- 5). Put two spacers along one side of the tile, a few inches apart, and set the second tile next to it. Repeat, setting tiles all around the first one, with two spacers between each.
- 6). Spread additional mortar and start building toward the walls, making a grid pattern that's kept straight by the lines. Cover the whole floor. Cut the tiles at the perimeter with a tile cutter as needed.
- 7). Let the tiles set for 12 hours. Pull out the spacers and grout the tiles with a grout float, pressing the grout into the lines. Wipe up the residual grout with a damp sponge.
Source...