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How to Install Ceramic Wall Tile

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Three Parts:Preparing Your Wall and TileLaying the TilesGrouting the Tiles
Ceramic tile is a versatile and durable finishing material. Tiles can be install
ed as a floor or wall covering nearly anywhere, but they are especially useful i
n bathrooms and kitchens. Tiled walls can resist moisture and handle scrubbing m
uch more readily than drywall or other materials, and so they are the ideal choi
ce for humid bathrooms and kitchens where they will be exposed to cooking splatt
ers. Learning how to install ceramic wall tile is a task well within the reach o
f an average homeowner. The process requires only a few tools and materials.
Part 1 of 3: Preparing Your Wall and Tile
Install Ceramic Wall Tile Step 1 Version 2.jpg
1
Make sure your wall is ready to go. Once you've removed the current wall dre
ssings and wall items, like light switch covers, you'll want to check the base l
ayer that you will be building on to make sure that it is structurally sound. Th
is is important, since a rotting or weak wall can cause your tiling job to warp,
crack, or even break and fall down.
Look for signs of mold or damage to the tiling surface. Cracks are often
a sign that a wall may be weak and need to be replaced.
Try pressing on the wall, especially at the studs. If it gives way or fe
els soft, it may require work.
If you are going to be tiling a large area, remember to use tiling board
as a backer and not just put the tiles directly onto drywall.[1] Tiling board i
s installed just like drywall (nailed to the studs) but is made of more water re
sistant materials which will keep it from warping and cracking your tile work.
Install Ceramic Wall Tile Step 2 Version 2.jpg
2
Use a level and tape to measure for your tile locations. Now, using a level
and measuring tape, measure and mark for the middle lines in the area you will b
e tiling.[2] You want to find both the vertical and horizontal middle, since you
will use these to keep your tiles straight and divide the area into sections fo
r tiling.
Never assume a fixture in the room like the tub or vanity (or even the c
eiling) is perfectly level. They rarely are. It is very important to rely on the
level.
Install Ceramic Wall Tile Step 3 Version 2.jpg
3
Mark the locations on the wall using a chalk line. Using a chalk snap line,
mark the mid-line and vertical lines which you just measured. If you've never us
ed a chalk snap line before, don't worry: it's easy. Simply place a nail at one
end of the space you marked, attach the string, pull it taut and snap it down. T
his will leave a straight line on your wall. You'll still want to check it for l
evel but it's much more accurate than drawing a line.
You can use just regular string and manually chalk it to make a chalk li
ne but using a chalk box, which are easily bought for about $5, will generally b
e a lot less work.
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4
Dry fit and then cut tiles to size using a diamond wet saw. Dry fit your til
es to be sure that they will look the way you want them to look. Once you're com

fortable with how it looks, figure out how the tiles will meet up with the corne
rs and edges of your wall. You will probably need only a part of a tile when it
comes to some of these areas, so it will be necessary to cut the tiles to size.
Measure how much space you need for each row with the spaces and cut tiles to si
ze using a diamond tipped wet saw.
So, for example, let's say your wall to tile is five feet long. You're p
utting up subway tile and the tiles are 6", with spaces of 1/4" between each of
them. You'll need 9.6 tiles for each row to cover that space, meaning nine full
tiles and one cut to 3.6"
If you don't own a diamond tipped wet saw, you can usually rent one from
your local major hardware store. You can also use a tile cutter, but this is mo
re likely to end in broken tiles so only take this option if using cheaper tiles
. [3]
Dry fitting is especially important if your tiles make up a pattern, sin
ce you will need to be very comfortable creating that pattern. You don't want to
make a mistake or have to spend a lot of time thinking about it once the mortar
is up on your wall.
You can test your dry fit pattern by making a layout stick, which can be
made from any straight and level piece of spare wood. Lay the tiles on a floor
and mark the layout stick with a pencil at the joints between tiles. Use the lay
out stick to see how the tiles fit on the wall.
Install Ceramic Wall Tile Step 5 Version 2.jpg
5
Install a batten to keep your first row straight. With everything else ready
to go, you'll want to install a batten to help keep your tile rows straight. Th
is is a piece of scrap wood, such as a piece of 1x4 lumber, that you use as a lo
ng straight-edge, placing the first row of tiles right against the batten. Align
the top edge of the wood so that it follows exactly along the mid-level line th
at you marked, then screw it into the studs. Once the tiles have been placed, si
mply unscrew and remove the batten.
Double check that everything is level before installing the tiles on the
batten. You'll also want to check it all the way across, since there may be dip
s in the wood you use for your batten.
Part 2 of 3: Laying the Tiles
Install Ceramic Wall Tile Step 6 Version 2.jpg
1
Mix the mortar. You'll need thin set mortar to lay your tiles. While you sho
uld always go by the manufacturer's instructions, a general rule of thumb is to
start with the powder in a bucket and just add water slowly and mix until the co
nsistency of the mortar becomes like peanut butter.
You should also allow it to "slake" after you first mix it up. This mean
s you allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes and then stir it up again. Now it is re
ady to use.
Install Ceramic Wall Tile Step 7 Version 2.jpg
2
Spread the mortar. Working in a roughly 2x3'[4] area, use a tiling trowel to
apply the mortar. Hold the notched trowel at a shallow angle against the wall,
so that the notches on one of its long sides dig grooves into the mortar. Use lo
ng, sweeping motions to apply the mortar. The direction of the grooves doesn t mat
ter but the lines should all be roughly parallel.
Your trowel size will depend on the size and type of tile you're using.[
5] For the average small wall tiles which are currently popular, you will want t
o use a 1x4" square notch trowel.
Test a tile to make sure the mortar is mixed and spread correctly. Morta
r a small spot and then place a tile. Pull the tile up and look at the pattern t
hat is create on the back. If you see clear lines, then the mortar is too dry. I
f you see goopy mounds then the mortar is too wet.
Install Ceramic Wall Tile Step 8 Version 2.jpg

3
Place your tiles on the wall. With the mortar ready to go, you can start pla
cing your tiles. Just twist them into place, sticking to the small area that you
prepared for yourself. Place your spacers between each tile as you go. These ar
e usually cross shaped and placed at the corners but if you have unusual tiles y
ou may have to improvise, such as by placing only one arm between tiles and lett
ing the rest of the spacer stick out.
If the mortar rises up between the tiles as you place them, the bed is t
oo thick and you will need a smaller trowel.
Check the tiles for level as you go. This is when a laser level can real
ly come in handy.
Part 3 of 3: Grouting the Tiles
Install Ceramic Wall Tile Step 9 Version 2.jpg
1
Choose and mix your grout. You'll need to choose what grout is appropriate f
or your project, depending on how large the gaps are between your tiles. Once yo
u've chosen, mix the grout according to the packaging directions, being sure to
also mix any additives you want. Usually, you will start with the water in a bow
l or bucket and add powder until the consistency is like toothpaste. Mix only wh
at you can spread in about 20 minutes, since mixing any more risks the product d
rying out.
Sanded grout is used for gaps larger than 3mm.
Unsanded grout is used for gaps smaller than 3mm.
You can find all sorts of additives at your local hardware store. These
can do everything from making the grout more water resistant to changing the col
or to match your tiles.
Install Ceramic Wall Tile Step 10.jpg
2
Spread the grout, using a grout float. Now, spread the grout (using a grout
float) in a roughly 3x3' area, or whatever size you can grout in about 20 minute
s. Hold the float at a 45 angle and push the grout into the gaps using diagonal s
wipes.
You do not want to push the grout around parallel to the lines, since th
is can gouge the grout back out of the gaps.
You can save yourself some time by using the grout float to remove as mu
ch of the excess grout off of the tiles as possible.
Install Ceramic Wall Tile Step 11.jpg
3
Clean the grout. After allowing the grout to cure for 20 minutes wipe the ti
les with a clean, damp sponge to remove any excess grout from the tiled surface.
Wipe just a small area, clean out the sponge, and then wipe some more.
It is best to do this for each small area as you complete it but you can
wait until you have done two to four small areas as well. Keep in mind, however
, that it will be much harder to get the grout off and the final look may not be
as professional.
Install Ceramic Wall Tile Step 12.jpg
4
Allow it to cure. Now, allow the grout to cure for three hours or whatever a
mount of time is recommended on your product directions. Make sure that the area
remains dry and that it gets adequate ventilation.
Some additives may cause the grout to cure more slowly. See the included
packaging for any addendums to the curing process.
You can clean off any remaining residue after the grout has cured. An ol
d sock or dry rag work well for this.
Install Ceramic Wall Tile Step 13.jpg
5
Seal the grout. Once you have installed all of your tile, you'll want to app
ly a grout sealer. This will help keep mold from growing in the gaps and will ne

ed to be reapplied usually every year (preferably every six months). Though ever
y sealer is different, usually it is a wax which must be applied in a circular m
otion with a rag.
You can also get brush-on or spray-on tile sealer.
Do not put these sealers on non-glazed, unfinished tile. It will absorb
into and possibly stain the tile.
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Video

Tips
If you notice a skin forming on top of the thinset mortar or tile mastic, do
not install tiles over it. Scrape it off using a paint scraper and apply fresh
mortar before continuing.
In wet environments, it is best to apply a bead of silicone caulking around
the borders of the tile installation.
Ceramic tiles can be applied to nearly any surface, including both painted a
nd unfinished drywall. However, for the best adhesion, consider installing cemen
t backer board underneath the tiles.
Things You'll Need
Flat head screwdriver
Coarse-grit sandpaper
Cloth
Water
Tile mastic or thinset mortar
V-notched trowel
Ceramic tiles
Tile spacers
Snap tile cutter
Tile grout
Rubber grout trowel
Sponge
Related wikiHows
How to
Install Ceramic Tile on Sub Floor
How to
Tile Around Outlets
Sources and Citations
? http://diydiva.net/2010/06/tile-101-how-to-install-mosaic-wall-tile-or-any
-kind-really/
? http://howto.homedepot.com/videos/watch/111831700001/How-to-Install-Tile-o

n-your-Bathroom-Wall-The-Home-Depot.html
? http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/step/0,,672069_680161,00.html
? http://www.lowes.com/cd_Install+Wall+Tile_449228750_
? http://tiletools.com/what-size-trowel-to-use-for-tile/
Article Info
Categories: Interior Walls Ceilings and Floors
Recent edits by: Little_birdy, Katie Hope, Chris
In other languages:
Italiano: Come Rivestire una Parete di Piastrelle in Ceramica, Portugus: Como Ins
talar Azulejos de Cermica
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