Installing Parquet Tile

Prepare the subfloor, then snap chalk lines between the midpoints of opposite walls. If the shape of the room is irregular or features protrusions, snap the lines on the largest rectangular portion of the floor. That way your installation will be centered on the primary focal point of the floor. Square the lines with a 3-4-5 triangle and adjust the lines if necessary. Dry-lay the tiles so you have edge tiles of the same width and adjust the lines again if necessary. Set a cork expansion strip, usually provided by the manufacturer, along the wall when you're dry-laying the tile.

Scoop a small amount of adhesive onto the floor. Holding the trowel at a 45-degree angle, comb out the adhesive with the notched side of the trowel. Spread the adhesive up to but not on top of the chalk lines. Allow the adhesive to become tacky according to manufacturer recommendations.

Set the first tile in the adhesive exactly at the intersection of the layout lines. Use the edge of the tile, not the edge of the tongue or inside surface of the groove, to line it up. Position the tile with some precision. Avoid sliding the tile, as this will push up the adhesive.

Hold the second tile at a slight angle to the first. With the tongue engaged in the groove of the first tile, push the tile simultaneously down and toward the first tile. Tap the tiles together with a rubber mallet.

Using the same technique, continue laying the parquet in the remainder of the first quadrant. When you reach a point where you have to work from the surface of the newly laid tile, spread your weight evenly over a 2x2-foot plywood sheet. When you reach the walls, mark the tile for cutting the border or edge tiles. Mark and cut each tile individually; don't cut them all to the same width unless you're absolutely sure the room is square.

Once you've completed the first quadrant, use the same methods to install the tiles in the remaining quadrants, always starting at the intersection of the layout lines. Within the time suggested by the manufacturer, roll each section with a rented 100-pound floor roller to set the tiles firmly in the adhesive.

To mark tiles for cutting, set a loose tile bottom side up exactly on top of the last tile, then a marker tile on top of that one. Run a pencil down the edge of the marker tile to mark the cut.

Clamp the tile to a supporting surface and cut it with a jigsaw equipped with a fine-tooth blade. Cut the tile facedown if using a regular blade or circular saw, faceup with a reverse-cutting blade.