Here are some tips on installing ceramic floor tiles, for anyone taking on a tiling project. These tips apply whether you’re installing standard wall tiles, diagonal tile patterns, or tiling over existing tiles.

Easy steps for installing ceramic floor tiles:

1. Compact the soil (for ground-floor installations) using manual tamping or a plate compactor.
2. Set string lines according to the measured level. After that, apply a screed / working floor layer… For a single-story house, a 5 cm thick concrete screed works well, followed by a 5 cm sand fill layer on top.
3. Once the screed / working floor has dried (at least 3 days), re-level the surface, then run string lines to mark the height for tile installation matching the planned pattern.

Next Step: Installing the Floor Tiles

4. Prepare the adhesive mix, making sure RK-480 instant cement (Tile Adhesive) is fully blended. Spread evenly up to the tile height.
5. Align tile corners using a wood block (preferably tapped with a rubber mallet). Once seated, wipe away excess adhesive. Wait at least 3 days before grouting.
6. Installing floor tiles follows the same principle as wall tiles — wall tile adhesive uses only cement and water.

When installing wall tiles:

7. Check verticality of wall tiles using a plumb line. Use a quality instant cement such as RK-480 from RK Mortar.