Installation - Ceramic wall tile

Installation - Ceramic wall tile

Date published: Aug 18, 2017

Partage

  • Facebook

  • Twitter

  • Pinterest

PREPARE THE SURFACE

  1. Remove power from electrical outlets.
  2. Protect the countertop with newspaper and masking tape.
  3. The surface to be tiled must be clean, dry and smooth.
  4. Have a bucket of water and a sponge in hand.

REFERENCE LINES

  1. Snap a vertical chalk line in the centre of the wall to show your starting point.
  2. Snap a horizontal line, perpendicular to the first, to indicate the top edge of the base row of tiles.
  3. Mark a vertical reference line for each end of wall section to be tiled.

SPREAD THE ADHESIF

  1. Using a notched trowel, spread the tile adhesive over a small section of the wall.
  2. Cover the area of 3 to 4 linear feet at a time.
  3. Make grooves in the adhesive using the notched side of the trowel; the grooves should all be facing in the same direction.
  4. Dampen the adhesive if it starts to harden.

PLACE THE FIRST TILE

  1. Install the first tile near the centre of the wall, twisting it slightly to embed it in the adhesive.
  2. Use the reference lines as a guide to make sure the tile is leveled and positioned correctly.

TILE THE AREA

  1.  Use plastic spacers to ensure even gaps between the tiles.
  2.  Continue one section at a time until the entire area is covered.
  3.  Use a level to ensure that the tiles are flat and even. 

PREPARE THE TILES FOR GROUTING

  1. When all the tiles have been installed, wipe off the excess adhesive with a damp sponge.
  2. Wait 24-48 hours before applying the grout.
  3. Remove the spacers and dampen the tiles with clean water.

APPLY THE GROUT

  1. Mix the grout according to instructions.
  2. Pour some of the grout directly onto the tiles and work it into the joints.
  3. Apply the grout section by section, covering a surface no bigger than 10 sq. ft. at a time.
  4. Don't apply grout to gaps separating the tiles from another type of material.
  5. Use the float to remove the excess grout from the tiled surface.
  6. Clean the surface with a damp sponge.
  7. After 24 hours, when the grout is completely dry, apply grout sealer.

CAULK THE EXPANSION JOINTS 

  1. After ten days, caulk the expansion joints with a silicone sealer - When the silicone is dry, clean the tiles with a soft, dry cloth.

  

More from Italbec

Our catalog

Contact Us