How to Use Brick Mortar to Set Tiles

Tile is a popular choice both inside the home and out. Outdoor floor tile has a matte rough finish, a glossy sand finish, or is unglazed. Indoor floor tiles are generally smooth and the finish ranges from matte to glossy. Tiles are available in a variety of colors, patterns, sizes and prices. Tile offers a long-wearing, durable surface that is easy to maintain, making decorating uncomplicated. Typically, interior tiles are set using an adhesive bonding agent. Exterior tile and tile over concrete slabs are set using brick mortar. Adhesive bonding agents do not stand up to weather and moisture as well as mortar, making mortar a better choice for long-lasting tile floors, patios and walkways.

• 1

  Sweep the surface to remove dust and debris.

• 2

  Fill in depressions, holes and cracks in the foundation with hydraulic cement. Grind down high spots on concrete bases with a masonry grinder.

• 3

  Mix mortar and water in a wheelbarrow, trough or bucket to form a paste-like consistency.

• 4

  Mist plain water over the surface with a large spray bottle, garden hose or wet broom.

• 5

  Apply a paper-thin coat, known as a skim coat, of mortar to the substrate with a trowel. Work in small, manageable 3-by-3-foot sections. Do not attempt to apply mortar to the entire floor at once.

• 6

  Apply a 1/4-inch layer of mortar over the wet skim coat with a trowel.

• 7

  Drag the notched edge of the trowel through the mortar, leaving lines in the mortar.

• 8

  Place the first tile into the wet mortar and press it down.

• 9

  Place a tile spacer next to the tile. Tile spacers help to keep a uniform distance between tiles.

• 10

  Set the next tile, butting it up to the tile spacer.

• 11

  Place a level across the two tiles. If the bubble is off-center, tap the tile in the appropriate direction with the heel of your hand or a small rubber mallet until the bubble centers.

• 12

  Place a tile spacer, set the next tile, level, and continue until tile covers the substrate. Make cuts as needed with a wet saw.

• 13

  Allow the mortar to set for 4 to 6 hours.

• 14

  Remove the tile spacers from between tiles.

• 15

  Mix mortar and water in a bucket.

• 16

  Fill a grout bag with mortar. Place the tip of the grout bag in between the tiles and squeeze the bag while moving along the space. Continue until the mortar fills the space between the tiles.