Lay 2X2 Ceramic Tile
Mosaic tiles and other small ceramic tiles, (2" x 2" or smaller) are sold premounted on mesh-backed sheets, usually sized at 2 square feet, which saves from having to lay each individual tile separately. They're installed almost exactly like larger tiles-laying them out from the middle of the floor and affixing them with tile adhesive or thinset mortar--except that you often don't have to actually cut the tiles themselves; if you're lucky, you'll only have to cut the mesh backing so that the 2-inch tiles fit by the wall.
Instructions
1. Divide the room into four even square (or rectangular) sections using your chalk line, snapping two perpendicular lines across the floor.
2. Use the trowel to spread tile adhesive evenly around the center of the floor. Extend for a few square feet over the intersection of the two lines. (The lines should still be visible through the spread adhesive.) Press your first mesh sheets of tiles alongside the lines at the center.
3. Spread more adhesive and lay more tiles, following the lines and making a grid pattern, until you've laid as many full sheets as will fit on the floor, leaving spaces as necessary by the walls. Let the tiles set overnight.
4. Install the partial tile sheets by the walls, cutting with your razor knife through the mesh between the tiles so the sheet fits. The edge of the tiles should be within 1/2 inch of the wall. (The remaining space will be covered by floor trim.) When necessary, cut the tiles with your tile cutter to fit at the edges. Let the tiles set overnight.
5. Use the trowel to spread grout over the surface, pressing it into the lines between the tiles. Let grout sit for about 10 minutes, then wipe the tiles with a damp sponge to remove the excess grout. Let grout cure for two days before using the floor.
Tags: between tiles, Ceramic Tile, square feet, tile adhesive, tiles overnight