A tile guard for use in a method of installing a plurality of tiles on a floor surface includes a layer of film having opposed top and bottom surfaces, the top surface having a generally smooth texture and the bottom surface including an adhesive. The method of installing the tiles includes the steps of positioning the layer of film on a top surface of respective tiles of the plurality of tiles such that respective film bottom surface are in contact with respective top surfaces of the respective tiles. The method includes positioning the respective tiles on the floor surface such that the film top surface faces upwardly and such that predetermined gaps are left between the respective tiles. The method includes spreading grout over the positioned tiles and directing the grout into the gaps between the respective tiles and then removing the layer of film from the respective tiles.