What Do I Use Behind Ceramic Wall Tile

Measure each wall area calculating the width times height.

What do i use behind ceramic wall tile. Next mix your grout and spread it into the gaps between the tiles using. Ceramic tile can be drilled with a carbide bit while glass and porcelain call for a diamond tipped bit. Use long sweeping motions to apply mortar to the wall and start placing your tiles in the marked locations. Green drywall is specifically designed for use in bathrooms.

Ceramic and porcelain tile more than almost any other surface material needs a stable flat flex free substrate. Hold a tile at this spot accounting for a 1 8 inch expansion gap. It must be easy to work with and it must adequately fill in gaps between the tile and the substrate. It s as easy to work with as ordinary drywall but it s specially formulated to resist moisture.

According to the tile council of north america glazed porcelain tiles have a water absorption rate of 0 5 percent or less which makes them an outstanding material for shower walls. Be sure to put spacers between each tile as you go. Otherwise you do. Tile adhesive is expected to hold the tile in place not just for years but for decades without fail.

Standard drill bits don t work on tile but not to worry. Then use a level to extend the line along the work area. Wipe the wall with a soft cloth or damp sponge to ensure a clean dry surface. Ceramic tiles can be installed directly on drywall plaster or if they are in moist areas onto green drywall or even better cement backer board.

Have the right bit for ceramic tile. Check the wall behind the stove for any oil or grease stains. Whether wall or floor tile that tile needs to thoroughly stick to its base surface demands placed on tile adhesive are both extensive and steep. Add up the wall areas and add 10 so you have extra tile for mistakes or future repairs.

Cut tile is best hidden under cabinets but you may have to cut from the bottom if your countertop isn t level. Much like ceramic tile these tiles come in all kinds of colors patterns and shapes but they are an even harder and more durable material. Porcelain tile looks a lot like regular ceramic tile but it s much harder. It cannot cure too fast.

Mark the wall at the top of the tile. In addition because showers and bathtubs are wet areas they need a substrate that will not be damaged by moisture just in case a crack in the tile or grout lets water through. Even in the best of scenarios the tile and grout will eventually wear down leaving behind a clear route for water to seep through and soak into the drywall. To install ceramic wall tile use a level and measuring tape to mark the tile locations on the wall with chalk.

When using ceramic tile try to find boxes with the same dye lot number. Glossy surfaces are typically sanded and de glossed. Even the slightest amount of movement in a building structure can telegraph to the tile and crack it. Painted walls can be wiped down with tri sodium phosphate and sanded gently.

Determine how much tile you ll need. These should be cleaned with a degreaser or primer if you have tough stains. Step 1 prepare the wall.