Tile Setter how-to

How to Lay Out a Tile Floor

Layout decides the look.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Layout decides the look. In short: find; dry-lay; avoid, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Find the room center.

  2. Dry-lay a row.

  3. Avoid thin cuts at edges.

  4. Snap lines.

  5. Start at the center.

  6. Work toward the exit.

Safety reminders for tile setters

  • Use wet saws to control dust
  • Wear knee pads
  • Lift heavy tile with help
  • Protect hands from mortar

Thinset · Grout · Backer board · Waterproof membrane · Lippage · Large-format tile: see the full tile setter glossary.

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