Installing Ceramic Wall Tile - The Right Way!

Installing ceramic wall tile is a step-by-step processget adhesive spread all over!
that you can do.Sometimes centering the job may not be best.
This article describes the tools and materials youDepending on the layout of the wall or the room, it
need and the steps to installing wall tile the right way!may be best to start at one side and work across
The Base.the room. Also from top to bottom, it may be best
Ceramic tile can be installed over many differentto start with a full tile. Or it may be best to start
materials, including sheetrock. One of the best basewith a partial piece on the bottom and use a partial
materials, especially around water, is cement board.piece on top too. There's art to laying tile.
Especially for tub surrounds and showers, cementChoose And Use The Adhesive.
board is the best choice.For walls, you might choose a latex adhesive or glue.
Cement board is installed with special screws. TheThere are many types of ceramic tile adhesive. Some
joints are taped with a special adhesive tape. Thepeople use a masonry thin-set, just like what's usually
taped joints are covered with thin-set, like you wouldused on floors. Your dealer can help you pick the
tape and mud sheetrock.best product.
Materials and Tools.Installing Wall Tile.
Measure the wall surfaces to determine the squareOnce you like your layout, you're ready to start
area to be covered. Gather the materials before youapplying the adhesive. The adhesive you'll use is
start the job. You will need the following:spread with a trowel. The tile trowel will have a
- Tile pieces including trimsmooth edge on one side and notches on the other.
- Thin-set or adhesive mixThe notches help you get just the right amount of
- Grout mixthin-set. For larger tiles, use a trowel with 1/4 inch
And these tools:notches. Smaller tile will require a trowel with smaller
- Plastic 5 gallon buckets (2)notches.
- Tile sawContinually check alignment with your level. Make
- Nippershorizontal lines at every row or two to make sure
- Cutter boardyou're staying straight. The original vertical lines will be
- Tile spongethere all the way up the wall.
- HammerA cap piece is usually used on top to trim out the
- Screwdriverwall top.
- Notched tile trowelGrouting.
- Margin trowelAfter the tiles have set for 24 - 48 hours, apply the
- Chalk linegrout. Grout is used to fill the spaces between the
- Penciltiles and is applied with a rubber trowel.
- Tri squareGrout comes as sanded or unsanded. Sanded grout
- Tape measurecontains sand to give it more strength and is used in
- Leveljoints wider than 1/8 inch.
Lay Out Wall.Cleaning Ceramic Wall Tile.
Find the center of the room. Measure the width andClean the grout off the tile when it starts to haze.
height of the wall and strike lines to determine theYou can clean it about an hour later for a second
center. Use these lines as the guides to lay the tile.time. Clean with water and sponge.
Strike chalk lines every few rows and columns toUse the same process for shower walls, tub
guide yourself.surrounds, tile on bathroom walls, backsplashes or
Before actually laying tile on the wall, lay out somemost any wall.
tiles on a floor to see how the tiles will work withInstalling ceramic wall tile is a great project! Add
your wall dimensions. Dry setting of tiles lets youbeauty and practical value to your home.
visualize how the finished floor will look before you