How to Set Field Tile Flooring
More in Floors
Step 1: Mix the Thinset
Mix the thinset with a heavy duty drill and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Mix the thinset to a paste-like consistency.
Step 2: Lay the First Tile
Set a four-tile template first. Spread the thinset on the floor with the smooth end of the 3/8 inch notched trowel. Once you have a smooth coat within the four template area, notch the thinset with the notched end of the trowel. Take the first tile, put a skim coat of thinset on the back of the tile and lay the first tile. The skim coat on the back of the slate tile ensures that the tiles evenly match up. Because this is a natural material, tiles often vary slightly in width, so the extra thinset creates a cushion that can be adjusted to level the tiles.
Step 3: Lay the Four-Tile Template
Use the small trowel to score the thinset around the edge of the set tile. This "cutting back" prevents the thinset from oozing up between the joints. Set the next tile, and space it out with the tile spacers. Repeat this process until the four tile template is set, making sure that each tile is within the original grid traced onto the floor. This is the starting point of the project, so it's important that it's done correctly.
Step 4: Set all the Tiles
Before you set all of the tiles, spread out all of the tile material. Slate is a natural product – no two stones are alike. Spreading out the tile before setting it ensures that you’re evenly incorporating the product’s range of colors.
Step 5: Remove the Excess Thinset
Continue setting tile, working out from the center of the room. Keep in line with the grid that you snapped on the floor and use the spacers between each tile to ensure that the tile runs straight throughout the room. If you get thinset on the face of the stone, during the setting process, wipe it off with a damp sponge. Removing thinset now saves time and effort later.
Step 6: Mark the Cuts
As you get to cuts around the border, mark them with a square and pencil and cut them. You can also mark the cuts with a crayon. A crayon mark won’t wash off during cutting
Step 7: Cut the Tile
To cut the tile, rent a wet tile saw from a local tool rental company. The precision of the tool saw is very helpful with this natural product. Because the tile is cut on a diagonal, brace the tile as you run it through the wet saw with the angled edge of the square to ensure a straight cut. Gently push the tile through the blade, letting the saw do the work for you. Finish tiling and let it set overnight.
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