How to Install Tile

Tile installation is one of the most rewarding DIY projects for bathrooms, kitchens, and mudrooms. Done correctly, tile lasts decades. The key is a solid substrate and a careful layout.

How much tile to buy

Room area	Standard size	Tiles needed (10% waste)
50 sq ft	12×12 in	55 tiles
100 sq ft	12×12 in	110 tiles
100 sq ft	12×24 in	55 tiles
150 sq ft	12×12 in	165 tiles
200 sq ft	18×18 in	100 tiles

Add 15% waste for diagonal patterns. Use the Tile Calculator for exact counts.

What you’ll need

Materials:

Cement board (1/4” for floors; 1/2” for walls)
Modified thinset mortar
Tile (see calculator for count)
Tile spacers (1/8” for most floors; 1/16” for large-format tile)
Sanded or unsanded grout
Grout sealer

Tools:

Wet tile saw (rental)
Notched trowel (3/8” V-notch for most tiles; 1/2” U-notch for large tiles)
Rubber grout float
Tile leveling clips (optional but great for large-format tile)
Level and straightedge
Rubber mallet

Grout joint size guide

Joint size	Best for	Grout type
1/16 inch	Rectified tile (precision edges)	Unsanded
1/8 inch	Most floor and wall tile	Unsanded
3/16 inch	Standard spacing	Sanded
1/4 inch	Rustic, handmade tile	Sanded
1/2 inch	Brick pattern, large format	Sanded

Thinset coverage by trowel size

Notch size	Coverage per gallon	Tile size
3/16” V-notch	50–60 sq ft	Up to 8×8
1/4” square	40–50 sq ft	8×12, 12×12
3/8” square	30–40 sq ft	12×12, 12×24
1/2” square	20–30 sq ft	18×18, large format

Large-format tile (18×18 and bigger) also requires back-buttering — apply thinset to both the substrate AND the back of the tile for full coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tiles do I need for a floor?

Divide total square footage by tile square footage, then add 10% for cuts and waste (15% for diagonal patterns). A 100 sq ft bathroom floor using 12×12 tiles needs about 110 tiles. Use the Tile Calculator for exact counts.

What size tile is best for a small bathroom?

Larger tiles (12×24 or 12×12) actually make small rooms feel bigger because fewer grout lines create a less busy look. Very small mosaic tiles (1×1) work well for shower floors where slip resistance matters. Avoid 4×4 tiles in modern bathrooms — they tend to look dated.

Do I need to use cement board under tile?

Yes for floors and wet areas. Cement board (1/4 or 1/2 inch) or uncoupling membrane (like Schluter Ditra) is required under tile in bathrooms and kitchens. Never tile directly over standard drywall in wet areas — it will fail within 1–2 years.

How long does tile installation take?

A 100 sq ft bathroom floor takes an experienced DIYer 1–2 days: half a day for prep/layout, half a day for setting, plus drying time before grouting. Grout the next day. Factor in substrate preparation (cement board) as a separate step.

How soon can I walk on new tile?

Wait 24 hours after setting tile before walking on it (with some weight-distributing shoes/boards). Grout after 24 hours. Do not get grout wet for 48–72 hours after grouting. Full cure of the thinset mortar takes 28 days, but light foot traffic is fine after 24 hours.