Tools required

• The tools required for your floor tiling project are a chalk line, mastic trowel, cement, steel square, a brush, scissors, a level and a scraper.
  
  

Preparing the base floor

• First, remove all wax, grease or oil stains from your floor with a mild detergent. Make sure the floor is level, and if it's in poor condition, re-cover it with sturdy, level plywood.
  
  

Laying the tile pattern

• It's important to begin tiling from the precise center of the room. So your first step is to carefully measure the center and mark even lines with chalk to the edge of the walls. Plan your laying pattern by tile color, size and shape. And remember to select your tiles alternately from each box, as there can be noticeable color variations in individual packages. If you're using one color, lay according to the grain.
  
  Lay loose tile in the pattern you've chosen along the marked lines. This will help you ensure the correct center has been marked. Adjust your pattern if your tiles end with a narrow margin against the wall. A narrow tile bordering your floor can give an unprofessional look to the entire floor design.
  
  

Apply the cement

• You may use self-sticking tile, which is simpler to lay, but if not, you'll require tile cement. Spread the cement adhesive evenly over a portion of the floor, applying with a trowel or brush. Allow to dry for about 15 minutes; then test with your thumb. The cement is ready when it's tacky, but doesn't stick.
  
  

Laying the tile

• Begin laying the tile at the center you've marked, lining each tile up precisely with your markings on the floor using your steel square and level. Make sure that the first tile is exactly squarely lined up, as this will be your frame of reference for the entire floor.
  
  Butt each tile firmly against each other, leaving no gaps. Be sure not to slide the tiles into place, just set each firmly into position. At the edges of the room, and working around obstructions, trace the line to cut on the tile and trim with scissors. Carefully scrape any dried, excess cement with your scraper.
  
  Once your floor is laid, don't clean it for at least a week. This gives your newly tiled floor time to settle into place.