Home & Garden Architecture

How to Lay Cement Under Tile

By Home & Garden Last updated Sunday, April/21/2024

1). Incorporate a latex additive into the thin-set tile mortar as directed by the manufacturer. Mix until the mortar has a mayonnaise-like consistency.
2). Wait 15 to 20 minutes for the mortar and latex to bond.
3). Scoop up a trowelful of mortar and spread it out evenly onto your subfloor. Use long, sweeping motions with the trowel to create even coverage. Spread the mortar in only 3-by-3-foot sections. Set tiles in one 3-by-3-foot area before spreading more mortar; you must lay tiles while the mortar is very wet.
4). Scrape the notched edge of the trowel along the mortar in long, straight passes to give it a ridged texture. Once textured, immediately press tiles onto the mortar to adhere them.