Prepare Floor

• Before installing the backboard, remove the room's baseboards, so you can lay the tile beneath it and hide any jagged edges or measuring mistakes. You can leave your existing flooring in place and install the backerboard on top of it, or remove it and install the backerboard directly to the subfloor. However, if your existing floor consists of vinyl tile, use a vinyl stripper to remove any residue on the surface of the floor for better adhesion.
  
  

Install Backerboard

• Next, cover the entire floor with backerboard. Use a combination of thinset and screws to adhere it to the subfloor or existing flooring material. While you can set the board in any direction, you should stagger the joints between sections to prevent having four corners all in one spot, and leave a 1/8-inch gap between the sections of backerboard and at least an 1/8-inch space along the walls.
  
  Cover the surface with thinset, working in small sections. Embed the backerboard, and anchor it in place with screws approximately every 6-inches along the edges and every 8-inches across the face of each section. Secure all of the joints with mesh tape, and cover the tape with additional thinset to secure the backerboard in place.
  
  

Dry Lay Tile

• Before setting tile, dry lay it on the backerboard to figure out the best layout for the space. Aim to use full tiles along doorways or built-in features. At the walls, make sure the tiles are at least half size to avoid an uneven look. In addition, try to cut the tile as little as possible and stay away from odd-shaped cuts if possible.
  
  

Set Tile

• Next, mix more thin-set to set the tile. Place all of the full center tiles first and allow the thinset to harden for a few hours before cutting the side tiles and laying them. Apply the thinset in a single direction to avoid trapping air beneath the tiles, and press the tile into place so it is firmly embedded in the thinset.
  
  

Grout Tile

• Consult the instructions on your thinset's packaging to see how long it must harden before you can grout the tile. In most cases, you should wait at least a day. When the thinset is ready, use a grout float to apply grout across the tile joints in a diagonal direction. Pack it into the joints, and scrape away excess so the tile is as clean as possible.
  
  

Finishing Touches

• When the grout has set long enough to become slightly stiff, use a damp sponge to wipe away any excess. If there are areas where the grout is extremely hard, use a scouring pad to scrub it away. Do a second pass with the sponge or scouring pad to make sure that you remove all of the grout, and use a clean, soft towel to dry off the tile. Allow the grout to set overnight, and apply silicone or acrylic caulk to joints around doorways, cabinets and other built-in features.