Tools required:  Angle grinder, sponges, cloths, 4" paint brush, Squeegee, 6 mm comb, water bucket
 

1. When goods arrive on site, store inside so as boxes will not disintegrate due to the rain.  Stack upright and not on the flat to avoid breakages.

1. The tiler should make himself familiar with the display board in the showroom where the tiles were ordered ie colour of the grout, the pattern used and the sealer required.

2. Existing concrete should be repaired and made good ie cracks should be raked out and repaired with cement.  Structural cracks, lifting or depressions should be repaired using expanded metal imbedded in the repair.

3. If the surface is uneven a 2" screed can be laid over the existing concrete, lay it to fall one foot in sixty, allowing surface water to run off. 

4. On new concrete surfaces the base should be at least 6 weeks old so that moisture has completely dried out of it (BS Regulation).

5. Fix the tiles to the base using a good quality fastset floor adhesive.  It will take 3 - 4 hours to set and longer in winter.  Grouting spaces should be a minimum of 10 mm and not greater than 15 mm or the grout will sag.  Sandstone grout looks best.  Protect from other trades by 8’ x 4’ hardboard and by polythene sheets to protect it from the rain and assist drying.

6. The tiles are pre-sealed and grouting can commence as soon as the adhesive has dried out.  Use a wide joint grout.  Mix to a pasty consistency (too watery and salts will occur in the grout).  The level of the grout should be made flush with the surface of the tiles.  This is achieved by allowing the grout to dry out a lot longer before sponging off.  Do not recess it or slop water all over the place.  Use damp sponges every time and rinse out in clean buckets of water. 

7. Allow grout 24 - 48 hours to dry out (longer in winter).  Rub grout scum from the tiles with a series of clean dry cloths.  Scrub edges with plastic Brillo Pad for best results, allow to dry out.

At this stage, apply the sealer with a 4" paint brush to the tiles and the grout sparingly.  To avoid brush marks rub over with a clean cloth in a circular manner.  Repeat this procedure for every square yard covered by the paint brush.  Allow the coat to dry for 3 - 4 hours.  Apply a second coat and repeat the procedure.  The area is now completed.