Installation - Ceramic wall tile
Date published: Aug 18, 2017
PREPARE THE SURFACE
- Remove power from electrical outlets.
- Protect the countertop with newspaper and masking tape.
- The surface to be tiled must be clean, dry and smooth.
- Have a bucket of water and a sponge in hand.
REFERENCE LINES
- Snap a vertical chalk line in the centre of the wall to show your starting point.
- Snap a horizontal line, perpendicular to the first, to indicate the top edge of the base row of tiles.
- Mark a vertical reference line for each end of wall section to be tiled.
SPREAD THE ADHESIF
- Using a notched trowel, spread the tile adhesive over a small section of the wall.
- Cover the area of 3 to 4 linear feet at a time.
- Make grooves in the adhesive using the notched side of the trowel; the grooves should all be facing in the same direction.
- Dampen the adhesive if it starts to harden.
PLACE THE FIRST TILE
- Install the first tile near the centre of the wall, twisting it slightly to embed it in the adhesive.
- Use the reference lines as a guide to make sure the tile is leveled and positioned correctly.
TILE THE AREA
- Use plastic spacers to ensure even gaps between the tiles.
- Continue one section at a time until the entire area is covered.
- Use a level to ensure that the tiles are flat and even.
PREPARE THE TILES FOR GROUTING
- When all the tiles have been installed, wipe off the excess adhesive with a damp sponge.
- Wait 24-48 hours before applying the grout.
- Remove the spacers and dampen the tiles with clean water.
APPLY THE GROUT
- Mix the grout according to instructions.
- Pour some of the grout directly onto the tiles and work it into the joints.
- Apply the grout section by section, covering a surface no bigger than 10 sq. ft. at a time.
- Don't apply grout to gaps separating the tiles from another type of material.
- Use the float to remove the excess grout from the tiled surface.
- Clean the surface with a damp sponge.
- After 24 hours, when the grout is completely dry, apply grout sealer.
CAULK THE EXPANSION JOINTS
After ten days, caulk the expansion joints with a silicone sealer - When the silicone is dry, clean the tiles with a soft, dry cloth.