Are you a DIY lover, wanting to install porcelain tiles yourself? It can be a daunting task, right? Without the proper knowledge or an effective guide, it can be difficult to know where to start, or how to complete the installation process.

In this article we give you all the information you need to complete your own porcelain tile installation like a pro! For all you need to know on how to install porcelain tiles, get comfy and carry-on reading.

What are porcelain floor tiles?

Porcelain floor tiles are a very popular choice for South African homes thanks to the many benefits that go along with installing this robust, modern tile. Porcelain tiles are made up of kaolin clay mixed and compacted with fine sand and minerals, which is then fired in a kiln at extremely high temperatures.

Porcelain tiles are durable, versatile, hard-wearing, easy to clean, low maintenance and are aesthetically and visually very pleasing to look at

The 5 Steps to installing Porcelain Floor TilesFor this blog on installing porcelain tiles for floors, we going to assume that you have already prepared a floor area, ready for tiles to be laid. The correct floor base on which to lay porcelain tiles on should be level and as smooth as possible. Once you have your floor base ready, now you can continue installing a porcelain tile floor, here’s how; 

Step # 1 – Begin in the centre

When you lay most types of tiles, and most especially porcelain tiles, you need to begin laying the tile from the centre of the room. Never start at the wall, door or steps of a room, or else the overall symmetry might be completely off-centre and the room will look lopsided.

Step #2 – Spread thin-set

Spread a layer of thin-set with a notched edge of a trowel. For smaller tile sizes you can use a thinner layer of thin-set, and vice versa for larger sized tiles.

Step #3 – Lay tiles and Use spacers

As you lay your tile, use plastic spacers to help ensure you have straight lines. Spacers are essential for keeping you lines straight and intact, and will allow your tile to set in place correctly.

Step #4 – Set your tiles

Once a few rows of tiles have been installed, begin levelling them where you started by setting them with a tile level and a rubber mallet.

Step # 5 – Cut & Adjust as needed

As you reach the perimeter of the room, cut and adjust your tiles to complete your installation.

Once these five steps have been completed, your tiles are ready to be left alone to set and dry. We recommend leaving them for at least 24 hours after setting them to begin grouting.

Maintenance tips to manage porcelain floor tiles

As we’ve mentioned before, porcelain tiles are one of the most low-maintenance tiles you can install as flooring in your home. In order to keep them looking as good as the day you installed them, here’s how to maintain your tiled floor well;

• Porcelain tiles are smooth and shiny, which means they can often collect dust and pet hair easily. Make sure you sweep, brush or vacuum your porcelain flooring at least once a day to keep them looking great.
• To keep your tiles sparkling, you simply need to wash your tiles with a solution of warm water and your favourite floor cleaning product. Microfibre mops work really well on porcelain tiles. We recommend washing your floors around twice a week, more if they are particularly dirty.
• If you need to clean the grouting in between your tiles, mix a paste of equal parts baking soda and water. Using a soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush), scrub the paste into the grouting and wipe off to clean.
  
  

How much does it cost to install Porcelain Floor Tiles?

When it comes to the cost to install porcelain tiles, CTM prices cannot be beaten. Our range of CTM porcelain tiles vary in prices, ensuring that no matter what your budget is, you’ll be able to find something to suit your price range and your design style.

You can also get an instant cost estimate on the tiles you like by using the CTM Tile Calculator, allowing you to instantly know what the cost of the tile you love will be.

FAQs

How hard is it to install porcelain tiles for my floors?

As long as you have the right tools and equipment, the time, the patience and this guide, installing porcelain tiles is easy.

What do you lay under Porcelain Floor Tiles?

You need to make sure the floor or base under the porcelain tiles is level and smooth. You can either choose to lay a self-levelling screed or levelled concrete down first.

How do you install Porcelain Floor Tiles in a bathroom?

Read our blog to find out the five easy steps to laying porcelain tile flooring.

What is the best adhesive for Porcelain Floor Tiles?

Thin-set should be used to lay your porcelain tiles onto. The smaller the tile, the thinner the thin-set layer can be.