Floor Considerations

• Perhaps the hardest project to tile in the kitchen is the floor. According to Better Homes and Gardens, consider the impact of the tiling project on appliances and cabinets. For example, choose whether you will tile just the main floor or include the areas under the cabinets and appliances. When you install the tile, use a consistent approach, either tiling the whole floor or just in uncovered areas.
  
  

Layout

• The layout of the floor tiles must be completed before you actually glue the tiles over the concrete floor. Reference lines guide how you lay out the tile. If you work in a checkerboard pattern, the layout is fairly straightforward and can be begun from a straight edge or corner. For a different pattern like interlocking rows of diamond shapes, use a perpendicular reference line marked on the center of the floor. Be sure to complete a practice layout before applying the mortar to the existing floor. Achieving an even set requires that you work slowly and carefully.
  
  

Setting Tile

• Setting tile is a grueling task when you get down on your hands and knees. The following ideas are based in part on step-by-step tutorials from HomeTime and Better Homes and Gardens. Use mortar as the adhesive material that will bond your tiles to the floor. First, apply the mortar to the floor and smooth the surface with the straight edge of a trowel, according to HomeTime. After you have installed all of the full tiles, work around the perimeter to install partial tiles. One of the most important considerations is keeping your mortar surface flat and even. You also need to maintain an even spacing between tiles for later when you want to achieve uniform grout lines.