Device and method of installing ceramic tiles

Abstract

A device and method of installing ceramic tiles is disclosed. The device includes a sheet, having a top face and a bottom face adapted to mounting on a surface; and a grid formed into the top face of the sheet for receiving ceramic tiles. The method includes the steps of mounting the sheet on a surface; placing a tile in the grid; securing the tile in the grid; placing additional tiles in the grid; and securing the additional tiles in the grid.

1 . A device for installing ceramic tiles, comprising: 
 a sheet, having a top face and a bottom face adapted to mounting on a surface; and    a grid formed into the top face of the sheet for receiving ceramic tiles.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the sheet is made from elastomeric material.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the sheet is made from recycled, natural or synthetic material.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the sheet is substantially square.  
   
   
       5 . A method of installing ceramic tiles using a sheet, having a top face and a bottom face adapted to mounting on a surface; and a grid formed into the top face of the sheet for receiving ceramic tiles, comprising the steps of: 
 mounting the sheet on a surface;    placing a tile in the grid; and    securing the tile in the grid.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the step of securing the tile in the grid is achieved by pressing on the tile with a rubber mallet.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising the steps of: 
 placing additional tiles in the grid; and    securing the additional tiles in the grid.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the step of securing the additional tiles in the grid is achieved by pressing on the additional tiles with a rubber mallet.  
   
   
       9 . A method of installing ceramic tiles using a sheet, having a top face and a bottom face adapted to mounting on a surface; and a grid formed into the top face of the sheet for receiving ceramic tiles, comprising the steps of: 
 measuring the area to be tiled;    removing the floor moldings;    cutting the sheets to the size needed;    laying the sheets out on the floor;    pressing ceramic tiles into the grid; and    replacing the floor moldings.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising the steps of: 
 installing reducer strips can be installed to compensate for the floor height and reduce the trip hazard; and    placing a bead of silicone around where the sheets engage the walls.