A trowel, float, straightedge, and a pair of carpenter's pincers will be required. First mix cement and sand and make the hearth quite level and at a depth that will allow of the tiles, when laid, lining with the floor. This would make the cement hearth about 1/2 in below the floor level, according to the thickness of the tile. Lay the tiles while the cement hearth is still moist. Commence at the front edge and work back towards the grate, using the straightedge occasionally to see that all the tiles are quite level. See that the division lines between the tiles are kept straight and true, as tiles sometimes differ in size a trifle. Try and slip the edges of the tiles under the grate; if this is not possible, and they must be cut, use a pair of carpenter's pincers. Nip pieces off until the tile is the desired size and shape. With a chisel there is danger of breaking the tiles and the cutting takes much longer; however, tiles are chiselled as described on p. 244. Previous to laying the tiles, they should be well soaked in a pail of water placed at the side of the tile layer, and taken from this direct to the hearth. Some lay the tiles without cement, and just float a little (as thin as milk) over afterwards to run in the joints.

It is better to have a little cement, as thick as cream, on a board and just rub the bottom of the tile on this as it passes from the pail to the hearth. This applies to 4-in. tiles and smaller. For 6-in. tiles, a thin layer of the cement might be put on with a trowel. Cement should not be placed on the edges of the tiles; it makes an ugly job. (See also p. 244.)