Interiors

How to Install Ceramic Tiles on a Bathroom Wall

If your bathroom is in need of a design overhaul, it's important to think about how you're going to use colour, texture and materials to achieve the look that you want. Redesigning a bathroom doesn't have to be a difficult task, as long as you approach the challenge with all the relevant information and have a clearly designed vision in mind before you commence the project in question.

Ceramic wall tiles can change the entire look of your bathroom, for example, as there are a plethora of styles and colours to choose from in the current market. While procuring and installing ceramic tiles is not necessary a complex task, it does require you to follow a detailed process that will help to guarantee the integrity of your work and support an outstanding finish. With patience, the tight tools and a willingness to follow strict instructions, you can install the wall tiles of your choice and bring your creative vision into life.

Ceramic TIles

With this in mind, what are the practical steps that you need to follow in order to execute a quick and efficient tiling job in your bathroom?

Consider the following:

1. Prepare the Walls and Mix your Adhesive

As a starting point, it is crucial that you look to adequately prepare the surface of your walls. Begin by roughing the surface with medium grit sandpaper, as this will create a rougher texture that is more compatible with your adhesive of choice. Then take a laser and trace a straight, level line across the bottom of the wall and up one side, before marking this clearly with a chalk or pencil line. This will mark the framework for the entire project, and you can add detail to this by tapping a brad into one end of the line to and mapping out additional lines for when you begin tiling. As the final stage of the preparation, be sure to mix your adhesive thoroughly and according to the manufacturers' directions before allowing it to set for approximately ten minutes.

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2. Place your Tiles and Set them Into Position

At the beginning of the next phase, you will need to apply a thick layer of adhesive to the bottom section of the wall using an adequately sized trowel. Then set the first tile in the corner according to the chalk outlines you have traced on the wall. Place the edges along this line and ensure that it is positioned as accurately as possible, before pressing it firmly into place against the adhesive. Then follow the same process with an additional tile, before inserting a small spacer and adjusting the installation to ensure optimum accuracy. Follow this process diligently until the first row of tiles in place, and then continue this on the second row and work your way slowly upwards. If the final tile in each row needs to be cut before being secured, simply take an accurate measurement and use a wet saw to execute the task.

3. Grout the Area and Apply the Finish

After leaving your newly installed tiles to set overnight, you can resume and complete the project during the following morning. Start by mixing the grout according to the manufacturers' directions, before removing your spacers and placing these to one side. Apply a small amount of wall grout on the thin end of your trowel and push this into the spaces between each tile, working at a 45 degree angle and starting with the bottom row. Work across each row of tiles and ensure that any space in-between is completely filled, before taking a grout sponge and soaking it in clear, warm water. Then wipe down the tiles and remove any excess grout from the section, before allowing the remaining product to dry for a period of between 12 and 24 hours. You can seal the grout with a spray, which should complete the process and leave you with a neatly finished bathroom wall![youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYais38h5Qk]

This information was brought to you by Suretile.

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