How to Finish Edges of Floor Tiles
- 1). Tile the whole floor in a grid pattern, working from the center outward toward the edges of the room. Lay all the full tiles that will fit, leaving space around the edges near the walls. Let the tiles set overnight.
- 2). Measure from the edge of a full tile to the wall, using a tape measure. Subtract 1/2 inch. Mark a tile with a line at the measured size, using a tape measure, pencil and tri-square.
- 3). Set the tile in your tile cutter, with the line positioned under the blade and running in the same position as the upper rail on the cutter.
- 4). Hold the tile in place with one hand, while using the other to run the blade across the surface of the tile in one smooth, forward push. The blade should score a line in the tile.
- 5). Set the two prongs from the back end of the handle onto the tile, on both sides of the scored line. Press down with firm and steady pressure, until the tile snaps at the line.
- 6). Spread thinset mortar on the back of the tile. Press it to the floor with the cut side facing the wall, spacing it evenly off the edge of the full tile. There should be about 3/8 inch between the cut edge of the tile and the wall. Repeat for all the spaces around the perimeter of the tile, at the wall. Let them set overnight.
- 7). Apply grout to the whole floor, pressing the grout between tiles with a grout float and wiping off the excess grout with a damp sponge. Let the grout set for 24 hours.
- 8). Cut trim on your miter saw to fit around the perimeter of the floor, attaching it with a trim nailer. The trim will cover the spaces between the cut sides of the tiles and the walls.
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