Applying Ceramic Tile to Walls, It's Easy

An easy way to beautify either your kitchen or bathroom is to apply new ceramic tiles. Today's tiles are attractive, practical and can add value to your home. Some may think it an overwhelming task to tackle, but it is actually an easy project that almost anyone can do.

Select and purchase the tile of your choice from any home renovating store. You will have to measure the area in which you'll be tiling, thus figuring out how many tiles you will need. Next you will need tile adhesive and an applicator, as well as a tile cutter (these are usually very inexpensive). Lastly, a bag of grout and some sponges to finish your tiling project. Optional items may include a level and possibly spacers, if you're not sure you have a good eye in detecting straight lines.

Now that you have your items home, let's begin the project.

* Firstly, be sure that your walls are clean and free of debris. Also, make sure that your walls are not rough, with any bulging spots.If so, these will have to be sanded down or straightened out. If your walls are not perfectly flush, the tiles will either not adhere properly or will also bulge, making them more prone to falling off.

* Secondly, check with your level that the area in which you'll be laying tiles is in fact level. If you are working over a kitchen counter, be sure your counter is level. The same applies with a vanity or bathtub. Usually these areas are quite level, but it won't hurt to be sure. This way you will know when the project is completed, your tiles will also look level.

* Always begin at the outer most edges. You want these edges to have a complete full tile. It is just esthetically more appealing. Also, you don't want cut edges to be exposed where the eye is most likely to be drawn to them. Before adding the adhesive to your walls, lay out your tiles to get an idea of how many it will take to cover the wall from end to corner or end to end. You may find that by the time you reach a corner, a tile will need to be cut. This is the place to do it, as once the tiles are grouted, the cuts won't be noticed.

* If you only have a small space to tackle, you can apply all the tiles in one step. If it's a bigger wall, try only doing a few rows at a time. Allow the adhesive to set up some so the tiles won't move or slip. Then you can add a few more rows in intervals (allow an hour or two between intervals). This way your tiles won't be slipping down and going out of square before you manage to get the entire wall completed. It will also allow for less frustration if you give yourself break periods.

* Always start at the bottom and work your way upwards.

* Using your adhesive applicator (which should be serrated), apply a generous coat of adhesive to the wall and spread it out evenly. You can now start applying the tiles. Be sure to try spacing them evenly. Each tile should have close to the exact amount of space between them. This is where you might decide to use spacers. However, just having a good eye will usually help you to judge.

* Once your tiles are layed, whether you've done the entire surface or just completed the first couple of rows, step back. Give it a good look over, making sure they appear to be straight. You should get a good idea by eye, but if you need to be absolutely certain, use the level. It takes a while for the adhesive to set up, so if you notice any inconsistencies between tiles, you have a certain amount of time to readjust any that might need to be moved around.

Cutting Tiles

You will most likely find that your tiles won't run the length of your wall evenly. You may have to cut a few to fit. This isn't as hard as it might seem. Figure out how much of your tile needs to be cut in order to fit to the corner. Measure the tile, draw a line and score it with a good utility knife. Depending on the size of your tile, you may either use a small tile cutter or snipper, or for the larger 12 inch tiles, using or renting a wet saw may be needed. It is well worth it to get those perfect cuts.

Grouting

Allow 24 hours before you start applying the grout. This is to be absolute certain that the adhesive has had plenty of time to completely dry.

Usually grout comes by the bag and is in powdered form. This means that you will have to add water. This may actually be the hardest part for some do-it yourselfers, figuring out the appropriate consistency of the grout. It should not be soupy, yet it shouldn't be too thick either. It should be about as easy as spreading peanut butter on a piece of bread.

* Dip your clean, slightly damp sponge into the container of grout and start applying it to the tiles. Be sure that you squeeze it into the spaces between each tile. The entire area should be covered with grout, not only the spaces. You will be washing it off the tiles in the next procedure.

* Depending on the amount of area you are covering, you may have to periodically clean your sponge off. Keep it clean and slightly damp at all times.

* Once your grout has been applied, you will notice that it is already starting to dry, creating a filmy residue on the surface of the tiles. You can now start to wipe this film off. Again, always keeping your sponge clean and damp. You will have to keep rinsing your sponge during this procedure. Be sure that the grout lines between the tiles are even, consistent and smooth.

* Do not over wipe the grout, as it will weaken the grout and remove more of it than you want.

* When grouting to the corners of your wall, use your finger, wiping the grout from top to bottom, removing any excess grout. This will also give you a nice clean corner.

* Now that your tiles have a clean surface, you have completed the job. Allow the grout several hours to dry. Try not to splash anything onto them until they are well cured (at least a day).

You have now completed your first tiling and grouting project and feel like a pro. I'm sure you'll be thinking of more places in your home where you'd love to have ceramic tiles.