Getting professional tile installation help can save you a lot of hassles and headaches. Professionals know how to lay tile in a way that produces the best looking results. They have the experience and expertise to make sure that everything is installed according to industry standards. A tile installation professional will also help you choose the right tile and provide you with a variety of options to ensure you get what you need.

The first step in laying tile is to measure the area for your project. You will need to estimate how much tile you need, multiplying the square footage of the wall area by its width. In addition, estimate how much padding you will need, about 10% of the total area.

The next step is to prepare the substrate for tile installation. You will need a backer board or cement overlay, depending on the subfloor material. The backer board provides a solid cement surface for tile to be installed on. You may also need corrosion-resistant screws to fasten the overlay to the sub floor. The substrate should be cleaned of surface contaminants before placing the tile installer.

During the preparation of the substrate, you will need to level the subfloor. You can use self-leveling compound to do this. Another alternative is to use a mortar-based adhesive, also known as thin-set mortar. This type of adhesive contains a water-retaining agent that helps to improve the adhesion of the tile to the substrate. It is also usually mixed with a latex additive. This type of adhesive is suitable for most tile installations.

Once the subfloor is prepared, the next step is to lay down the mortar. To do this, you will need a trowel with notches. This trowel will help you to evenly distribute the thinset mortar. The mortar is usually made of fine sand and water. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding mixing the mortar. It should also be applied at a 45-degree angle. This will help ensure that the mortar dries quickly.

Once the mortar is spread, you can lay the tiles down. Be sure to leave a space between each tile to allow the adhesive to set. Apply the mortar gently, twisting each tile slightly as you put it in place. You should also be careful not to step on the tiles until the mortar has completely set. You should also apply a layer of rosin builder's paper over the floor and countertop. This will help to cover any exposed surfaces and protect them from the tile's edges.

You will also need a tile cutter. You can use a snap cutter or a wet saw to make the cuts. You can also use an angle grinder to cut curves. If you have to cut tiles under a molding or other obstacle, you may want to use a tile nipper. You can also use a contour gauge to make curve cuts.

You may also want to consider installing trim tiles. These can be base tiles or edge trim. You can also use a bullnose top trim to finish off the edges of the tiles.