How To Tile A Mudroom Floor

A mudroom floor can be better when you enhance its surface. But how do you tile a mudroom floor? What should you expect when you tile it, and how many tiles do you need? Relax! We did comprehensive research to answer these questions.

Tiles improve the floor of any surface. It's practical to tile the mudroom, simply because this area often gets wet or dirty. You may refer to the steps below on how to tile the mudroom:

  1. Measure the area.
  2. Choose your tile.
  3. Prepare the tools.
  4. Install the tiles.
  5. Rearrange the objects.

This article aims to show you how to tile a mudroom floor. We'll provide you with complete steps, and we'll talk about the benefits of doing it. You'll learn more about other relevant matters. So, keep reading!

Professional tiler installing new tiles on the floor, How To Tile A Mudroom Floor

How to Tile a Mudroom Floor

A mudroom is a term for the spot right in front of an entrance, where you usually leave shoes from the outside. It's often stained with mud when it's raining and someone entered the house. This means that the mudroom floor is prone to dirt and is best with tiles. The tiles will keep the surface clean and smooth.

When you want to tile the mudroom floor, you need a lot of preparation from measuring to finishing. This is to ensure the quality of the tiles and to make them last longer. You can seek help from an expert, but you can install the tiles on your own. See the steps below.

Shiplap mudroom wall with mud bench leading to front foyer

1. Measure the Area

Ideally, the mudroom measures around 49 square feet. But you need to measure the floor area to estimate how many tiles you'll use. Start by measuring the innermost edges, then all throughout the surface. Take note of your measurement. You'll use it to find tiles that will fit.

2. Choose Your Tile

Choose your preferred type of tile, as they differ in texture. See below some types of tiles you can use for the mudroom.

Natural Stone

Natural stone material on close up shot

Natural stone tiles are a nice option for any floor surface. These stones contain various minerals from different sources of nature, like seawater or the earth's crust. Although natural stones take longer to process, they have outstanding quality compared to other artificial stones.

You can use natural stone tiles for your mudroom. Natural stones such as marble, granite, and limestone will make the mudroom very easy to clean. However, they are limited and not all manufacturers sell them.

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles are made of clay and some earth elements that are molded into the desired shape. These tiles have a variety of artificial colors, unlike natural stones the colors are based on the nutrients of the stone. Also, ceramic tiles are resistant to dirt and are less slippery.

Ceramic tiles are heavy and quite hard to install. These can also be too hard for your feet when you stand on them for so long. You may need a professional to help you install ceramic tiles without breaking them.

Brick

Using bricks as the floor of the mudroom gives the appeal of classic style. You can match bricks depending on your wall designs and interior setup. Also, bricks can absorb moisture. This is ideal if the mudroom is always wet and you have less time of drying the floor.

Installing bricks for the mudroom floor will require a lot of time compared to installing natural stone or ceramic. You should ensure that the brick's thickness will not block the door. Otherwise, you'll need to dig a few inches to fit in the bricks.

It's also important that the bricks are sealed in place to prevent dislocation. Bricks are fire-resistant, considering that they're made of clay fired up to a thousand degrees.

3. Prepare the Tools

If you've decided what type of tile you'll use, you can now prepare the tools for installation. See the tools below:

  • A mortar mix is usually a combination of sand and cement. Don't pour the water yet.
  • Cement boards to help waterproof and flatten the surface
  • Cutter for the cement board
  • Fiber mesh tape

See this fiber mesh tape on Amazon.

  • Flat trowel and float for spreading the mortar mix

See this float on Amazon.

  • Tile cutter

See this tile cutter on Amazon.

  • Level for straighter surface

See this level on Amazon.

  • Pair of gloves for protection

See these gloves on Amazon.

  • Chalk line for accurate alignment of tiles
  • Measuring tape for the actual measurement
  • Tile spacers to keep the tiles with equal gaps

See this tile spacer set on Amazon.

  • Grout mixture to fill in the gaps

See this grout mix on Amazon.

4. Install the Tiles

Tile work a malle on the unfinished work installation of a tile

It's good if you ask for assistance from a professional when installing the tiles. This is to assess further the condition of your mudroom. Make sure you remove all the objects before starting the installation. However, you can follow these steps:

  1. Dust off the surface, then lay the cement board. Cut the excess on the edges and corners.
  2. Test the alignment using a level. See the product instructions on how to use the level.
  3. Use fiber mesh tape to stick together the cement boards.
  4. Place the chalk line across the floor. This is to create a straight-line guide for the tiles.
  5. Fit the tiles to see if they will align with each other. Use a tile cutter to fit in the tiles. Remove the tiles once done.
  6. Mix the mortar with water, then apply and spread across the surface.
  7. Place the tiles on top but leave at least 1/8 inch of space between them. Use the tile spacer.
  8. Lay all the tiles until you cover the entire area. Place a level on top to check the alignment.
  9. Remove the tile spacers. Mix the grout with water, then use the trowel and float to apply between the gaps.
  10. Wait for the grout to dry. You should clean the floor afterward.

5. Rearrange the objects

You would want to rearrange the objects in your mudroom for a better look, and for more practical positioning instead of putting back the object in their previous spots. You can put the shoe storage and the umbrella drainer near the door and so on.

How to Replace Broken Tiles

Seamless white mosaic texture with a lot of crack on tiles

It's ideal to replace broken tiles and not wait for them to cause an accident. Keep in mind that the mudroom is somehow the first accessible area of the house. You can replace broken tiles by following these steps:

  1. Cut the edges with a tile cutter. Use a hammer and a chisel or screwdriver to remove the broken tile from its place.
  2. Measure the tile and ensure that it will fit in the square. Cut the excess edges if needed.
  3. Clean the spot, then spread the mortar mix.
  4. Place the tile on top, then thump it with your palm or feet.
  5. Apply grout around the tile. Clean the area once done.

You can watch this video here for a visual demonstration of the steps above:

What to Do With Extra Tiles?

It's practical to use the extra tiles in decorating your mudroom. There's a way to utilize these extra tiles so that you will not throw them in the trash. Aside from adding strength to some objects, extra tiles can add appeal to your mudroom. Consider below how to decorate the mudroom with extra tiles.

Make a Bench or Table

Enhance the look of your benches and tables by putting some tiles on top of them. The tiles will serve as another layer of protection against impact and heat. This is ideal if the benches and tables are made of cement.

Use As Coasters

Since tiles have the ability to block heat transfer, you can cut out extra tiles into tiny pieces the shape and size of coffee coasters. With this, you'll cut the cost of buying new coasters. Tile coasters tend to be more durable, specifically if it's made of marble or granite.

Make a Mosaic

You can also crush the tiles into smaller pieces, then use them as decoration along the edges of the wall or window. This will add appeal to your mudroom depending on the theme and color of your house.

Decorate the Pots

You can embed crushed tiles around the pots. Or if possible, you can make a pot out of extra tiles. Just be sure that all sides are equal to make a square. Don't forget to use sandpaper to make sharp edges blunt.

Conclusion

Professional tiler installing new tiles on the floor

We learned how to install tiles on your mudroom floor. We realized the benefits of tiles such as a cleaner room.

Of course, we provided steps in replacing the broken tiles for your safety. We also mentioned some good locations for mudroom objects.

Finally, we discussed the best use of extra tiles. Remember that you can always enhance the room with a good tile.