Installing tile flooring is a very rewarding project for three reasons. First, you get that feeling of satisfaction of a job well done. Buy a few new tools. Learn a few new skills. Bleed a little. It's great. Hey it's hard in many lines of work now to point to what you've done. Here's another chance to actually build something that you can see and use.



Secondly, it looks great when you're finished! Nothing you can add to your home adds much more beauty than tile surface. Ceramic tile and natural stone surfaces add a luxury look of warmth and luster. The look can't be beat.

Finally, you're making a small investment in the biggest investment you'll likely make, your home. This is one of those long-lasting investments that you can use as it increases the value of your property. Adding stone or ceramic tile to your home, makes it easier to sell as well as more valuable.

The only way to get projects finished around the house is to put together a detailed list of everything required to get the job done. Otherwise, you'll end up making many runs back and forth to the store and you'll never get done. You really need to know every tool, part and piece you need to get the job finished. The time you spend on your project list will be a great investment that will save you time as well as money too.

For installing ceramic floor tile here's a list to get you started.

1. What are you installing the ceramic tile flooring over? Make sure it's solid and not bouncy. Often a layer of cement board is the best underlayment for tile. Put it down first using special cement board screw.

2. Your chosen tile. Maybe the hardest part of a tile project is choosing the tile. Get about 10 percent extra to allow for trim and breakage.

3. Get thinset or whatever adhesive you choose. Check with the tile suppler on the recommended adhesive.

4. Tile saw. The tile saw is a must for most jobs. you may want to rent one. YOu also need tile nippers and a cutter board is helpful sometimes too.

5. Grout. Get sanded or unsanded depending partly on the grout line size. What about colors? The choices are endless since you can get them custom mixed.

6. Trowels. You'll want notched trowels. The notches are for regulating the adhesive thickness. You'll probably want a small margin trowel and maybe another one or two.

7. The best way to mix thinset and grout is with a mixing attachment and a drill. Now this is heavy duty work, so make sure your drill can stand the strain. Don't forget the mixing attachment. It's a big stirrer.

8. Rubber grout float. This necessary tool is used to spread the grout into the grooves between tiles and then to smooth and level the grout.

9. Miscellaneous supplies such as tile spacers, tape measure, a chalk line, buckets, sponges, gloves, goggles. A rubber mallet is a plus as is a carpenter square and a level too.

Laying ceramic floor tile yourself is a satisfying project. The toughest part may be gathering the right materials and tools. Once you get everything together the actual installation is a step by step process. It's a process that's similar no matter what the tile project.