How to Prepare Concrete Floor for Ceramic Tile

Co-authored by Art Fricke

Last Updated: March 1, 2023 References

A concrete floor is a good base for laying ceramic tiles, provided it is level and free of cracks or abrasions. Self-leveling compound can be purchased at your local home improvement store and applied to the concrete floor prior to tiling. Cleaning and filling any cracks in the floor takes a little time, and the only precautions to take prior to tiling are to make sure that the floor is completely dry, as the thinset used for tile needs a moisture-free environment.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Art Fricke
Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
Expert Interview. 1 July 2020.} The following steps will allow you to prepare a concrete floor before you lay your tiles.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Clean the Floor

1
Sweep the floor for dust and debris. Use a broom to sweep any debris from the floor.^{[2]
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2
Remove dust. Use a wet mop to get any remaining dust from the cement floor. Leveling compounds are sensitive to dust so it's important to remove the dust with water.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Art Fricke
Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
Expert Interview. 1 July 2020.} Allow the floor to dry for at least 1 hour.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Repair the Floor

1
Identify and fill any cracks in the concrete. Mix thinset mortar with water in a bucket according to package instructions.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Art Fricke
Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
Expert Interview. 1 July 2020.} Stir the thinset thoroughly with a trowel. Pour the thinset in any cracks, to about ¹⁄₄ inch (0.6 cm) above the floor surface. Smooth the thinset with a masonry float. Allow to dry according to manufacturer's instructions.^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Prime the Floor

1
Apply latex primer. Pour latex primer into a paint tray. Use a paint roller to apply the primer to the floor. Cover the entire floor with 1 coat. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most primer will take at least 24 hours to dry thoroughly.^{[7]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Level the Floor

1
Use a level to check the floor. Use a large carpenter's level to identify low areas of the floor. Move the level across the floor and use a marker to mark low levels of the concrete.
2
Apply self-leveling compound.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Art Fricke
Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
Expert Interview. 1 July 2020.} Mix the self-leveling compound in a bucket according to package directions. Pour the compound into a bucket. Slowly pour the compound into the areas that you previously marked as low. The compound will expand and rise to reach the correct levels of the rest of the concrete. Use a trowel to spread the compound until it is as flat and smooth as possible. Allow the compound to dry for 24 hours before starting on your tile.^{[9]
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