Ceramic Tile Installation
Step 5 – Install Tile
TNC EDUCATION SERVICES, INC
Instructional Design and Learning Management
This Play Book
Upon completion of this unit, the student
will be able to:
 Correctly mix thin set
 Calculate amount of tiles needed
 Install tiles
 Cut end tiles
Assumptions
Students work in pairs of their own
choosing, with 6 pairs maximum
 All materials provided for students
 Student has been introduced to the 30X60
inch frame

The Frame – Built with 4X4 Posts
Each of 6 areas is 30X60 inches
Task 1
Introduction
Now that we have a basic understanding of the tools and materials that we will be
working with, let’s get right into the business of laying tile – specifically, mixing the thin set,
calculating the number of tiles needed, installing the tiles and cutting end tiles.
Task 2
Clean Installation Area
Our first step is to clean our work area by sweeping the work board. This is important
because you don’t want debris to get mixed in with the thin set that you will lay down.
Task 3
Check color pattern of tile
Depending on your aesthetic intent, you may want to either incorporate or eliminate
irregularities. To do this, you may want to pull tiles from several different boxes or ensure
that the tiles came from the same lot.
Task 4
Ensure Safety Equipment in use
Safety is important at any time you are using tools, and tile laying is definitely no
exception. The thin set material can be a powerful irritant; to protect yourself from
damaging your eyes, lungs and skin, please be sure to wear the safety glasses, safety mask
and latex work gloves provided. Safety glasses are a must when cutting tile!
Task 5
Calculate the amount of water and thin set needed
Conventional wisdom dictates that a 50 lb bag of thin set and 1 gallon of water will create
enough mortar for a 100 square foot (10’ x 10’) area. The area each of you is working in
is 12.5 square feet (2.5’ by 5’). How much water and dry thin set will we need?
Task 5
Calculate the amount of Thin Set needed
To calculate the amount of thin set needed, multiply the exemplary
amount (50 lbs) by the actual square footage (12.5 sq ft). Divide the
result by the exemplary square footage (100 sq ft) to calculate x above,
which is the amount of dry thin set you will need.
Task 5
Calculate the amount of water needed
To calculate the amount of water needed, multiply the exemplary
amount (1 gallon, or 16 cups) by the actual square footage (12.5 sq ft).
Divide the result by the exemplary square footage (100 sq ft) to
calculate x above, which is the amount of water you will need.
Task 6
Prepare the Thin Set
Using the drill mixer, mix the water and powdered thin set until it achieves the consistency
of peanut butter, which means you should not be able to pour it from the bucket. Read the
direction on the back of the thin set package for further instruction.
Once the correct consistency is obtained let the mixture stand for 15 minutes. During this
interval, make sure that you have enough ceramic tile to use all the thin set in the bucket.
Task 7
Calculate the number of tiles needed
To calculate the square footage of the work board, multiply the length by the width of
the space in inches and divide the result by 144. Multiply the new result by 1.1.
Example: 30” x 60” = 1800
1800 / 144 = 12.5
12.5 x 1.1 = 13.75 square feet
You will need 14 tiles for this space.
Task 8
Determine which trowel is right for you
Because we are using 12” tile, we’ll be using a 1/4” trowel. If we were using 9” tile, we’d
use a 3/32” trowel. What size trowel do you think we would use for 4” tile?
Task 9
Spread the Thin Set
Instructor demonstrates the proper motion and angle of the trowel and thickness of the
thin set on the board. Students are asked to mirror instruction with one tile in the center of
the board. Student removes tile checking that thin set covers the entire tile.
Task 10
Install Center Tiles
Start in the cross (+) or center of the room applying thin set with a ¼ trowel in each
section for only one tile. Slightly wiggle each tile in place over the thin set making sure it is
embedded in the thin set. The tile should be flush with the plumb line. Place a 1/8 inch
spacer between each tile. After placing the first four tiles make sure all corners are square
using a metal square. Let the first four tiles stiffen in the thin set by waiting 15-20 minutes
before laying the next set of tiles.
Task 11
Calculate size of end tiles
The wall (or ending) to your left/right should be the first place to have an end tile; the last
tile laid in this section would be the upper left/right hand corner. Cuts against the wall or at
the end should be measured by flipping the tile over, back facing up and mark the tile for
cutting allowing for room to grout.The tile should be cut so that it is flush against the wall.
Task 12
Cut tiles
Place tile to be cut on the last tile set. Place marker tile on top, against the spacer tile at
the wall. Trace the edge of the marker tile onto the tile to be cut. Place the wheel of the
tile cutter on top of the cut line, then move the wheel back to the far edge of the tile. Pull
the cutting wheel toward you to create the score. Lift the cutting wheel and lower the
handle quickly to snap the tile along the scoring line.
Task 13
Complete the board
Now finish your board portion. Please come to see me if you have any questions about the
procedures or materials we just covered.
Task 14
Assessment
Task 15
Transition to Grouting
Excellent job! We are well on our way to completing this job. Since it takes at least 24
hours for the thin set to dry, we’ll break here and pick up where we left off in the next
class. Please be sure to put all of your tools and materials away.