Before Tiling
Before tiling it is important to ensure all the tiles are completely dry and free from dust both on the face of the tile and the one to be adhered. Mix the tiles to ensure that any colour, shade or batch differences are mixed and provide an even distribution of any irregularities in the tiles.

Cutting
It is most likely that it will be necessary to cut tiles during the fixing process and any broken or damaged tiles should be put aside and used for this purpose. Where there is a large amount of cutting to be done, a water-cooled diamond cutter could be used to make the job much easier. Tiles can also be cut using an angle grinder; this may leave a rough edge but is ideal if curved cuts are needed.

Tile Spacing
Although a subjective decision, it is recommended that a grout joint of approximately 2mm is allowed when laying stone, a wider joint may be used if required depending on the type of stone.

Fixing
When tiling on a screed the tiles should then be fixed to the floor using Mapei Kerabond white adhesive, or similar product, to ensure the surface of the tile does not become stained. The use of a sand and cement should be avoided as the tiles will take considerably longer to dry out and this may encourage efflorescence. Where the tiles are being laid on to a wooden floor, or where under floor heating is being used, it will be necessary to use Mapei Keraflex Maxi white adhesive, or simolar. Where the tiles are being laid outside, it is important to use Mapei Keraflex Maxi, or similar. Mapei Keraquick is also available when quick setting adhesive is required or when you need to grout within a few hours of tiling.

Using a square notched adhesive trowel, the adhesive should be spread over a small area (e.g. one square metre) of the floor to a depth of between 5 - 10mm thicknesses. Such a depth should be sufficient to account for, and even out, varying height levels of tiles. Deep lugs or keys on the back of the tiles should also be filled with adhesive before the tiles are fixed. It is also advisable to butter the back of the tile to ensure a good key. Mosaics require a smaller bed of adhesive approx 3 - 6 mm thick.

The tile should then be firmly bedded into the adhesive on the subfloor, using a small twisting-like motion to ensure that there are no air pockets under the tile. This process should be repeated, remembering to leave a gap for the grout joints. It is important to ensure that the tiles are laid evenly which can be done using a spirit level. Any adhesive that is accidentally placed on the surface of the tile should be removed immediately using a grout sponge.