It it important to thoroughly think through the project and decide what will be required to successfully complete the installation based on your project room. The two major issues to address are: arranging the tiles in relationship to each other and arranging the tiles in relation to the surrounding walls.

Where to start: Center the walls. Divide the room in half and lay a chalk line on this divider.

To determine where the first tile should go, you must lay one row of tiles without thinset from the chalk line to the wall with a straight edge and spacers to determine the size of cut on the tile that meets the wall. If the cut will end up smaller than 1/2 the tile, you should center the grout joint (begin laying tile with the chalk line dividing the first tile) as opposed to centering the tile (aligning the tiles edge on the chalk line).

Calculate the number of square feet in the room with length times width. Most tile warehouse sell tile by the square foot, so you don't have to be a mathematician to calculate how many tiles you will need. It is, however, wise to add an additional 10 - 15% for waste and breakage.

Once you have laid out the tile and determined your cut, you are ready to mix your adhesive and install the tile. Please see our other links for the next steps!