Installing Ceramic Wall Tile... The Right Way!
Installing ceramic wall tile is a step-by-step process that you can do.
Read along for insight on the tools you need and the steps to installing wall tile the right way!
The Base.
Ceramic wall tile can be installed over many different materials, including sheetrock. But wood materials are usually poor bases for ceramic tile. One of the best base materials, especially around water, is cement board. Hardibacker is the name of the cement board. Especially for tub surrounds and showers, cement board is the best choice.
Hardibacker is installed with special screws. The joints are taped with a special adhesive tape. Then the taped joints are covered with thin-set, just like you would tape and mud sheetrock.
Materials and Tools For Wall Tile Installation
Measure your surfaces to determine the size of the square area you'll be covering. Then gather the materials before you start the job.
You'll need these materials:
- Tile including trim
- Thin-set or adhesive mix
- Grout mix
And these tools:
- Plastic 5 gallon buckets (2)
- Tile saw
- Nippers
- Cutter board
- Tile sponge
- Special tile spacers
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Notched trowel
- Margin trowel
- Chalk line
- Pencil
- Tri square
- Tape measure
- Level
Lay Out The Wall.
First find the center of the room. Do this by measuring the width and height of the wall and strike lines to determine the center. Use these lines as the guide to lay the tile. Use your level and strike chalk lines to guide yourself.
You may want to lay out some tiles on a floor to see how the tiles will work with your wall dimensions. This dry setting of tile lets you better visualize how the finished floor will look before applying adhesive!
And centering the job may not be the best plan. Depending on the layout of the wall or the room, it may be better to start at one side and work to the other side. Also from top to bottom, it may be best to start with a full tile. Or it may be best to start with a partial piece on the bottom and use that same size piece on top. There is where the artistry comes in.
Now For The Adhesive.
For walls, you may choose a latex adhesive or glue. There are many brands and types of ceramic tile adhesive. Some people use a masonry thin-set just like what's usually used on floors. Your dealer will help you pick the best product for your job.
Installing Wall Tile.
Once you're comfortable with your layout, you're ready to start troweling on the adhesive. The thin-set you'll use is spread with a trowel. Your trowel will have a smooth edge on one side and notches on the other. The notches help you get just the right amount of thin-set. For larger tiles, use a trowel with 1/4 inch notches. Smaller tile will require a trowel with smaller notches.
Continually check your alignment with your level. And you'll want to make horizontal lines at every row or two to make sure you're staying straight. Your original vertical lines will be there all the way up the wall.
A cap piece is usually used on top to trim out the wall top.
Grouting.
After the tiles have set for 24 -48 hours, they are ready for grout. Grout is used to fill the spaces between the tiles. Grout is applied with a rubber trowel.
Grout comes as sanded or unsanded. The sanded grout contains sand to give it strength and is used in joints wider than 1/8 inch.
Cleaning Ceramic Wall Tile.
Clean the grout off the tile when it starts to haze over. If you want to, you can clean it about an hour later for a second time. Clean with water and your sponge.
This same procedure is used for shower walls, tub surrounds, installing tile on bathroom wall, backsplashes or most any walls.
Installing ceramic wall tile is a great project for your home! You add beauty and practical value to your home.
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Tile Installation Questions?
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