Both the interior and exterior of architectural projects are equated with time. On the floor, sometimes splashed on the back. Apart from functional purposes, tiles are even used for decoration.
If you are looking forward to installing wall tiles and need a detailed guide, here is what you can read. The guide below covers everything you need to know about installing wall tiles and the related important aspects to remember. If you need to know the ” YID Household Glazed Tiles Guide“ , you can also click here to learn about the detailed process.
The correct meaning of wall tiles
Tile installation is one of the most common tasks, but it’s important to make sure it’s done correctly. The task of installing these tiles properly has many reasons, some of which are listed below:
1.Beautiful
When tile is installed correctly, it can also achieve the look you want (it should be visually appealing) and can help instantly elevate the design of a space.
Long-lasting results When tiles on your walls are properly installed, you can rest assured that they will last longer and won’t wear out as quickly. Properly installed tiles will not crack or crack as they develop resistance to all of these things.
2. Water resistance
Wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms may require accurate tile installation to prevent water from penetrating the building structure.
3. Easy to maintain
When installed correctly, ceramic tile is easier to clean and maintain, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
Prepare for Tile Installation
You will need to do some prep work to reinstall the tiles on the wall for best results; some ways to do this prep work are as follows:
1. Wall evaluation
The wall surface needs to be evaluated first to ensure it is suitable for tile application. Walls should be stable and free from damage or cracks that could affect the use and lifespan of the tiles.
Make sure the surface is clean, dry and level so that the tiles will bond without any burrs and breakdown.
2. Remove the existing covering on the wall
If there is any existing covering on the walls, make sure to remove it before installing the tiles. These coverings may include wallpaper, existing old tile, or uneven paint.
You need to prepare the walls and make sure the surface is flat and even so that the tiles can be installed without any problems.
3. Repair the wall
After the coating is removed from the wall, it must be repaired to prevent any cracks or holes. You have to make sure marks like bumps or uneven movement are properly smoothed.
Depending on the wall type, you may need to apply a primer to the wall for better adhesion. But I want to say that the types of tiles selected in different regions are different, and I suggest you learn more about them. Click here .
In addition, it is recommended to use a waterproof membrane in wet places to prevent moisture penetration.
Set the layout of the Tile application
Before starting the task, you need to set up the layout of the application tiles, for this you can follow the steps suggested below.
- First, assess the room and find out the highlights of the tile design.
- In general, always choose a wall as your starting point; it is recommended to start with the center section of the wall.
- Before you can find the center point of the wall, you need to measure the height and width of the wall.
- Draw a horizontal line through the center so you can create a guide.
- Make sure there are grout lines in the spaces between the tiles. You can achieve even spacing between tiles by making them visible in the layout.
Choosing the Right Binder and Mortar
When you install tile, you need to create a bond between the wall surface and the tile; for this, you’ll need adhesives and mortar . Each binder and mortar has different properties and is suitable for different tiles.
Some common adhesives and mortars may include cement-based mortars, epoxy adhesives, ready-mix mystics, and more. However, there are some basic factors to consider when choosing these materials:
- The type of tile plays an important role when choosing a bonding material; each tile has different properties, so to bond with an adhesive, they all need to be aligned.
- Wall surfaces must also be considered; some walls are dry, some are cement board, some are plaster, and some are concrete.
- The environmental conditions the tile will be in are also a factor to consider when choosing an adhesive, as some are suitable for wet areas while others are not.
- The size of the tile must be analyzed; for larger and heavier tiles, an adhesive with excellent bonding properties is required to ensure a durable installation.
Tile cutting
Tile cutting is an essential skill that must be considered during tile installation. There are different methods of cutting tiles. You can use power tools to help cut the tiles, and a water cooling system to keep the blades cool and keep them from overheating.
Also commonly used to cut tile is a tile cutter, which is a hand-held tool with very sharp jaws. It is suitable for use when you need to make some curves on the tiles. A tile cutter or angle grinder can be used to cut tile in straight lines; however, an angle grinder is suitable for harder tiles.
Depending on the type of tile you choose, you can choose tools and choose an installation method. You must be very careful when using these tools as they are very sharp and can cause injury.
Tips for Successfully Cutting Tile
Here are some basic tips to follow when cutting tiles:
- Accurate measures must be taken when cutting tiles to avoid mistakes.
- When you need to cut tile in a straight line, use a square to accurately mark the cut line so you can cut at the perfect angle.
- When cutting curves on the bench, do not make large cuts; instead, make smaller cuts so that less material is removed at one time ;
Fix the tiles to the wall
Adhesive must be applied to the wall where the tile is installed. This is done with the help of a notched trowel. After applying the adhesive, place the tile on the wall according to the marked points and press lightly into the adhesive. When placing tiles , consideration must be given to allowing enough space between tiles for a uniform and professional look. An even space can also be achieved using tile spaces.
Grout application
Grout is an important part of installing tile and can be cement-based or epoxy-based. It fills the spaces between tiles and creates a solid surface.
Grout creates a bond between the wall and the tile, and sealing the gaps ensures that the tiled surface is waterproof , especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms. The application of grout also enhances the overall appearance of the tile due to the different colours ; Provides visual appeal and prevents dirt from accumulating in the crevices.
There should be a mix between grout and tile to relate to each other and enhance the look. Once the tiles are placed and secured, the grouting task can be accomplished by filling the tiles’ gaps and then allowing them to dry. The grout takes 15 to 20 minutes to set; afterward, clean the tiles so they don’t look messy.
Final finishing and sealing of tiles
Sealant is another very important thing to apply to your tile when installing it, as it will protect the tile from stains.Before applying, make sure the tile is clean and with the help of the applicator, spread it evenly over the tile.
Sealing even helps prevent moisture and moisture from penetrating the tile, extending the life of the tile.You may need to apply several coats of sealer for better results. It also helps reduce tile absorption and protects them from moisture.
In summary
This guide contains all the basic information you can expect about tile installation. You can follow all the steps outlined therein and be sure to exercise extreme care throughout the process; everything from the tools used to the tiles is delicate and needs to be cared for.
In addition, you can choose to apply this installation method to different kinds of tiles, be it ceramic, porcelain, glass or metal tiles. However, depending on the type of tile chosen, the adhesive may vary and you can choose according to the tile .
There are many types of tiles, the most popular of which are glazed tiles and roof tiles. I have detailed how to install roof tiles in another article. Click here to read: How to install roof tiles?