Working with Tile

Intro

If you have an existing slab and it's in good shape, the right size, and in the right location, you can tile over it. If you don't have a slab, you'll need to pour one.

To tile an old slab, lay out tiles without mortar first to center the pattern so the edge tiles will be the same size. If you're tiling a new slab, plan the slab size so that it won't require any cut tiles.

In either case, use thinset mortar mixed with a latex additive -- it is stronger than water-mixed thinset. Mix only as much thinset as you can use in half an hour. Use a drill with a 1/2-inch chuck equipped with a mixing blade and mix the mortar in a 5-gallon bucket. Mix thoroughly, let the mortar stand (slake) for 10 minutes, then mix it again. Work in sections small enough that you can lay all the tiles within a section before the mortar sets up.

When installing tiles, insert spacers to ensure even joints. Drop each tile in place, then give it a slight twist to ensure the thinset adheres at all points. Stand back every few minutes and inspect the joints. Make any adjustments to each section before the mortar starts to set.

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What If ... The Tile Goes on a New Slab?

If you're tiling a new slab, you can lay it out in such a way that you won't have to cut the edge tiles. This means the dimensions of your slab must be equal to a length of tiles and joints without cuts. On a flat area such as a driveway or garage floor, lay out tiles and spacers in lengths approximately the size of your proposed patio. Measure the lines in both directions. The measurements will become the dimensions of the slab. If the slab has control joints, place them so you can start the layout lines on the joints. That way tiles won't span a control joint, which could lead to breakage.

Laying Out an Existing Slab: Step 1

Prepare the surface of the slab, making any critical repairs. If the slab doesn't have control joints, mark the center by snapping chalk lines at the midpoints of opposite sides. If the slab has control joints, start your layout at Step 4.

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Laying Out an Existing Slab: Step 2

Check the chalk lines for square using a 3-4-5 triangle. Measure and mark 3 feet on one line and 4 feet on the other. If the diagonal distance between the two marks is 5 feet, your lines are square. If not, adjust the lines.

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Laying Out an Existing Slab: Step 3

Adjust the lines until they are square by moving the chalk line slightly and resnapping the lines. If the diagonal measured more than 5 feet, move the line slightly clockwise with reference to the center point. If it was less than 5 feet, move it counterclockwise.

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Laying Out an Existing Slab: Step 4

Dry-lay a row of tiles along both axes -- from one end of the slab to the other. Adjust the lines of tiles until the edge tiles are at least half a tile wide and the same width. Repeat the adjustment on the other axis until you have even borders.

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Laying Out an Existing Slab: Step 5

Measure from the chalked lines a distance equal to an even number of tiles and joints, and snap layout lines at these points in both directions. Use these lines as a layout grid for sections when you lay the tile. Snap additional lines if you need them to help keep your tiles straight.

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