Preparing the Floor

• 1). Check the flatness of the floor by laying a flashlight on the floor and aiming the light parallel to the edge of a precision aluminum or magnesium straight edge. This will expose any uneven spots or dips in the floor.
  
  
• 2). Fill in the uneven spots in the floor with a cement-based floor leveling compound. Pour the compound into the uneven spots and spread it with a mop.
  
  
• 3). Clean the floor after the leveling compound has dried. Use a bucket of the tri-sodium phosphate solution and a scrub brush to get rid of any dirt.
  
  
• 4). Seal the concrete according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use a brush or a sprayer, depending on which sealer you have. Apply concrete sealer only when the floor is dry.
  
  

Installing the Tiles

• 1). Mix the mortar with water according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  
  
• 2). Spread the mortar over a small area (enough for three or four tiles) using the grooved trowel.
  
  
• 3). Start at the center of the room and mark chalk lines that go out to the center of each wall. The lines form your laying guide. If you are not comfortable laying your tiles right into the mortar, lay them on the dry floor first to see if you like the layout.
  
  
• 4). Lay the tiles into the mortar, using spacers between each one.
  
  
• 5). Wipe the tiles off with a damp rag as you go.
  
  
• 6). Finish the edges. Once you reach the end of the room, cut and lay the tile to fit against the wall and around permanent objects.
  
  
• 7). Let the mortar dry for the time specified by manufacturer.
  
  
• 8). Mix the grout with water as specified on the instructions and liberally spread it over the tiles using a grout float.
  
  
• 9). Wipe excess grout using a damp rag.
  
  
• 10
  
  Wait for the grout to dry. Repeat steps 7 and 8.
  
  
• 11
  
  Wash the floor. After the grout has dried thoroughly, use a wet rag to wash the surface of the entire floor.
  
  
• 12
  
  Allow the floor to dry and then wash it again with a wet rag.
  
  
• 13
  
  Apply a grout sealer, usually found in spray form. Make sure the floor and grout have dried completely before applying the sealer.
  
  
• 14
  
  Wipe any sealer off the ceramic tiles to avoid stains.