Using Ceramic Tiles

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Thin set mortar is an essential component in the installation of ceramic and natural stone tiles for either indoors and outdoors. The mortar is used for installing mosaics, soft bisque, vitreous ceramic, porcelain, glass, quarry, monocottura, pavers and slate, with marble requiring a thin set mortar white formulation. Thin set mortar is ideal for tiles that can be difficult to bond, like porcelain, glass and other vitreous tiles. One significant feature of thin set in every installation ensures the proper latex to mortar ratio by merely adding cool water and mixing together.

Mixing

At least 24 hours before installation, check that the tiles, mortar and room temperature are at 50 to 70 F. This should also be done 48 hours after installation to ensure best results. The powder should be added to clean, cool water then meticulously mixed to a thick, creamy consistency. Allow the mortar to stand for ten minutes then mix again, avoiding mixing at high speeds to prevent air from getting in the mortar.

Installing

Using the flat side of a notched trowel, spread the thin set mortar in an area that can be tiled in about 20 to 30 minutes. Once done, comb the mortar uniformly in a ridge pattern and place each tile by carefully laying them down then twisting and beating them into place to promote a good bond. Check that the mortar layer is heavy enough so that complete contact between adhesive and tile is achieved when the tile is positioned. After the tiles are set, the mortar bed thickness should be 3/32 to 1/8 inch thick without any voids or air pockets.

For large tiles, it might be necessary to spread adhesive on their back side for complete coverage and support. In the case of mosaics, spread the back side of each piece with the mortar using a palette knife or putty knife then press onto substrate, pushing and twisting the tile to ensure a good bond. Keep in mind that the standard pot-life of the mortar is two to three hours, and it should be sporadically re-mixed during use in order to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.

Grouting

Grouting can be done in about 16 to 24 hours after installation, when all the tiles are held firmly in place. Before grouting, the tiles should not be disturbed, and unglazed tiles should be applied with a sealant to avoid discolorations. Cold temperatures can expand the grout curing time, and immediately after application, excess material from the tile surface, hands and even tools used should be cleaned right away with warm soapy water.

When choosing the right kind of tile saw to use, the most significant factor to consider is the size of tile that will be typically cut. As an example, for 12-inch tiles, a saw that can diagonally cut a 12-inch tile should be bought.

It is also important to note the various methods of cutting the tile: the blade could be stationary with the tile moving along a conveyor cart; a rail saw type, where the tile is stationary with the blade moving through it; or a table type, where the blade is stationary and the tile is pushed through it by manually sliding it over the top of the blade.

The typical and inexpensive box type saws should also be considered as well as other factors, like the size of blades, accessories included and horsepower capabilities.

Common Tile Saw Problems

Tile saws do not actually have any common problem that stands out; instead, each type of tile saw has its own little quirks that depend on the user and manufacturer. Most ceramic tile saws frequently involve problems with the water pumps, or the smooth cart movement over the rail systems. Blade breakage seems to be a usual problem, but this can be easily remedied by following some basic user tips, like placing the tile flat on the table in front of the blade and directing it into the blade using light pressure. It is important to remember not to push or force the tile into the diamond blade. It is also a good idea to clean tile saws and their components on a regular basis, with water trays, cutting table rollers and pumps being cleaned after every use.

Sharpening Tile Saw Blades

Sharpening a tile saw blade actually involves removing the dull layer of diamonds on its surface to reveal new, sharper diamonds. Keeping the tile saw blade sharp is as easy as simply using the appropriate material for the blade to cut. That way, the blade will remain sharp on its own, but if it does get worn, you can sharpen the blade by using conditioning sticks, day old mortar, cinder blocks or a minimum amount of water.

To keep your water tile saw in good working order, clean water is also essential. If the water contains a huge quantity of slurry, it becomes abrasive and will cause the blade to wear out a bit faster. If you need to use the saw during wintertime, it is recommended to use a small amount of antifreeze or use it indoors.

For kitchen design or remodeling projects, one smart solution would be to use ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, patterns and finishes. They will add a dash of flair to any kitchen, whether you’re going for a country look or a kind of upscale elegance.

Ceramic tiles can be used to enhance kitchen countertops for stylish work surfaces that are also relatively low in maintenance. For kitchen backsplashes, alternating colorful and uniquely designed ceramic tiles with plain tiles can create interesting and beautiful decorative effects. Ceramic tiles are not only lovely to look at, they are highly functional as well, offering durability with heat resistance properties.

Kitchen Remodeling

Planning or remodeling a kitchen basically involves determining the way you want to use it and what features you would prefer and then gradually prioritizing your needs to make everything possible within your budget.

Kitchen construction can include virtually anything, from simple tasks like repainting walls to more complex tasks like changing plumbing or even redesigning the entire structure of the house. Keep in mind that the less you spend on major structural costs, the more money you can spend for better, stylish and higher quality kitchen components and fixtures, like flooring, cabinets and appliances.

Using Tiles in Kitchens

Tiles often play a very important role in remodeling a kitchen, as installing tiles can make a kitchen more attractive and worthwhile as compared to other design methods. You can use tiles in the backsplash area above the stove or a sink to add more visual appeal to plain and lackluster field tiles. Several techniques can be used for this, like alternating tiles or grouping several tiles together to create a sort of mural. While they might not be exactly a Van Gogh or Picasso, the design and colors of kitchen tiles jump out at you immediately, and are always considered charming and attractive decor pieces.

Bathroom tiles are the obvious choice for lining your bathroom or shower area. They come in an almost limitless choice of patterns, textures and colors that can satisfy anyone with a discerning taste. While bathroom tiles are usually installed by professionals, most people with no previous tiling experience can tile bathrooms in about a weekend. Before tiling, it is important that the walls should be clean, sound and dry, with the surface as flat as probable. Any wallpaper will need to be removed and flaking paint should be coated with a stabilizing primer.

Preparation

It is highly recommended to make your very own gauge stick, which will help in plotting the position of the tiles on the wall. Use a piece of softwood, lay several tiles next to it then mark each tile’s position along the stick.

How you set out the walls dictates the size and shape of your bathroom, so locate the bottom of the lowest row of tiles and nail a temporary guide batten to the wall that is aligned with the mark. Check if this is horizontal by using a level. If the border tiles are less than half the width of a tile, reposition the rows sideways by half a tile. Use the level to nail a guide batten against the last vertical line. For tiling around windows, use it as your starting point so the surrounding tiles should be equal in size. Keep in mind that cut tiles are supposed to be placed at the back of the window reveal. To position the row of tiles above the window, use a guide batten above it.

Laying Out the Tiles

Get the first tile to be placed and position it in the right angle formed by the guide battens at the skirting level. To ensure that there is enough space for the grouting, place plastic spacers flanked by the tiles if they don’t have lugs. Wipe off any adhesive from the tile surface with a damp sponge. Proceed to tile along the strip of wood until the first rows are complete, checking to make sure that each tile is perfectly horizontal. The battens can then be removed after the tiles have been allowed to set.

In the past, the trend in ceramic tile with regards to color was to stay as neutral as possible. This is because back then, most of the tiles sold for home use were white, almond or gray. While the most commonly used tiles are still white and almond, people are now experimenting more with color. Ceramic tile colors today are not only becoming warmer and brighter, but clearer and cleaner as well.

Available Sizes

The most popular ceramic tile being sold nowadays is still the 4 1/4″ square wall tile. However, there is a growing trend towards the use of larger tiles, like the 8″x8″ tiles, 10″x10″ tiles and even 12″x12″ tiles. For anyone who is into the do-it-yourself type of projects, it might be difficult to install anything bigger than these sizes because the underlayment required has to be absolutely even and level.

Small one-inch tiles are also generally used in tile laying projects. Often called mosaic tiles, different colors of these tiles can be mixed to create borders, patterns or pictures. Custom patterns can even be made to order. Mosaic tiles are usually available in 12″x12″ or 12″x24″ sheets that make them easier and quicker to set.

Available Types

Glazed tile is made from a clay mixture pressed into shape. A glaze is afterwards applied to the top and baked on. This glaze does not go all the way from side to side, so if the tile is chipped, the color inside can be seen. Glazed tiles are available in a variety of decorative styles, with patterns or hand-painted designs, and come in high-gloss, matte or abrasive slip-resistant finishes. While glazed tiles tend to get scratched on frequently used countertops, they are ideal for walls and floors. In the case of floors, just make make sure that the finish is not too slippery or can easily show scratches.

Mosaic tile is made from different types of clay with the color pigments added in, which makes the color go all the way through the tile. These tiles can be applied to almost any surface because of their moisture resistant properties as well as being stain-proof and not easily chipped.

Quarry tile is a general term for any tile made from a mixture of clays. Typically deep red in color, these tiles are also usually unglazed. Because they are porous and irregular in shape, quarry tiles are used regularly for interior floors. The surface of these tiles can be either sealed or unsealed, but keep in mind that they could be stained if left unsealed.

A mural is an enlarged image, such as a painting or photograph, that is applied directly to a wall or ceiling. Throughout history, murals have been known to be an effective tool in attracting public attention to various social issues of different cultures worldwide. Whether it’s social emancipation, racial integration or even political goals, murals have been created against the law or have been commissioned by local agencies, and are often installed at strategic locations where they can be easily viewed by the general public.

This form of public art expression, particularly when sanctioned by governments of totalitarian regimes, are generally used as a propaganda tool for mass-control. But despite their function, these types of murals still have some kind of artistic value. The undeniable visual impact created by murals usually serves as an important means of communication for members of socially, ethnically and racially divided communities in times of conflict, establishing dialogue and discussion that leads to an agreeable solution.

Ceramic tile murals can either be hand painted to your specifications on ceramic tiles or tumbled marble tiles. Once fired, these beautiful pieces of fine art can add a unique charm to any home, business place or even boats. Virtually anything can be painted on the tiles, but popular designs for ceramic tile murals often include palm trees, seascapes, landscapes, lighthouses, tropical islands, coral reefs and marine life. Murals made of ceramic tile or tumbled marble can be combined with accent tiles to create colorful backsplashes and components for kitchens, bathrooms, patios, pool sides and barbecue areas. It is important to have some kind of personal and creative touch when furnishing your home, and having unique art on ceramic tiles fulfills that purpose nicely. The charm and beauty of hand painted fine art combined with the flexibility and durability of tiles ensures that you get the type of ceramic tile design that is just right for your kitchen, bathroom, living room, pool area and other parts of your home that require it.

Before purchasing tiles for installation, measure the area to find out how many tiles you will need. Do this by multiplying the length by width equals square feet. For areas that are not exactly rectangular, break the area into sections, measure each section and add the sections together to get the total area. This type of calculation can assist you in estimating the number of tiles you need for your project. For trim units, just calculate the edges where you want to use tiles and give these linear measurements to your local tile dealers, who will compute the amount of trim you need.

Your local tile dealer can also help you figure out the square footage of your area if you are still unsure how much tile you need; just make a diagram of the area with measurements and show it to them. It is always a good idea to allow some extra tiles for cuts and breakage. Keep in mind that it is a lot better to have too much tile than too little, as you can usually save any leftovers for future repairs.

Preparing the Surface

Ceramic tile can be installed over any structurally sound surface, even on old ceramic tile. Just make sure that the area is clean, dry and smooth. If the tub or shower walls are rotten, the old gypsum board should be first replaced with cement backer-board. Always inform your local tile dealer what type of surface you will be tiling over, so they can recommend the right type of adhesive to use. For particular types of floor grounding, you tile dealer can also give you the appropriate specifications from the Tile Council of America. Planning the Layout

Before applying any adhesive, try to determine the best positioning of the tiles, as taking some extra time for this step will result in a more professional looking job. Start by locating the longest straight wall that adjoins the floor. Calculate around 2 1/2 tiles width from the end of the wall and mark this with a chalk line parallel to the wall. Carefully do the same for the doorway, making sure that you use full tiles or large cuts for each door. In case you change your layout, just make new chalk lines and erase the old chalk lines to avoid confusion.

Tile nippers are basically used to create circular cuts in ceramic tile. While a tile nipper can be used to create straight or angled cuts, a tile cutter or wet saw is better suited for straight or angled cuts.

When using a tile nipper, small and sharp fragments of tile can shoot out during the cutting process, so it is highly recommended to wear eye protective gear as a safety precaution.

For some cases where the tiles have very sleek surfaces, it might be difficult to properly make a cut mark on the tile. If a lubricant pen can’t mark the surface of the tile, use a pencil to mark the underside of the tile, or make a separate template with a piece of cardboard and transfer the markings to the tile.

Once a noticeable cut mark has been made on the tile, hold it firmly over an empty container and use the tile nipper to cut out small “nips” or “bites”, taking the time to make sure that the bites remain small, or else the tile might break and you have to start over. Also take extra care not to “overbite” the marked cut line. When the tile has been cut, the edges of the cut will be very sharp and might cause injury, so use a piece of 60 grit sandpaper or a special rubbing stone used by ceramic tile contractors to smoothen the cut edge.

A tile nipper can also be used to make irregular cuts. First, use a glass cutter or utility knife to score the cut line then use the tile nipper to nibble off undersized bits of tile until what you need remains. A lot of patience is required when using a tile nipper because you risk going beyond the cut line if you take off pieces that are too big.

In order to make the nibbled pieces small, it usually helps to make gridline marks on the areas you need to remove. Tile nippers will often leave uneven edges on the tile, so they are mostly used for less visible areas, like around plumbing fixtures where the tile will be covered with trim.

Ceramic tiles can be applied on practically any firm and level rigid surface like plaster, cement, fiber cement sheet or plasterboard. Surfaces with metal, old tiles and wood can even be tiled over as long as the correct adhesive is used.

However, never tile over a wallpapered surface or any other surface that could separate from the base wall. Also make sure that any loose or flaking paint on the wall is completely removed, particularly water-based paints. Do not use a paint stripper for removing wall paint as it might leave unwanted traces. Use mechanical methods for roughening up the wall surface instead and then clean and dry thoroughly. It is important to keep in mind that the surface beneath can affect the finished job.

Tiling Walls

When tiling the walls of a home, it is important to note that most walls are not perfectly vertical, so use a plumb bob to make a vertical line as a guide to ensure that your tiling is done at right angles to the base. It is also a good idea to arrange your layout in such a way that you won’t be filling in several centimeters of tile at the top when starting against the wall using a full tile at the base. For tiling around windows, try to keep the cuts to the back and the returned tiles in line with the rest of the wall tiles. An excellent method of hiding these external corners is to use tiling trim moldings, which are made of metal or PVC and available in a wide variety of colors. Despite most people having the least confidence about it, tiling around windows is actually one of the easiest things to do.

Straight cuts are generally made by first marking a cut line on the tile with a thin felt pen and then scoring that line with the wheel of the scriber or breaker. The jaws of the cutter are then used to simply break the tile along the scored cut line.

Complex Tile Cuts

Tile nippers are used when only small bits of tile need to be removed. The tile is first scored as usual then the nipper is used to nibble portions of tile away. When using a tile nipper to take off portions of tile, remember to use small bites only. It is also advisable to smoothen the jagged, cut edges with a carborundum file or stone.

To cut a hole in the center of a tile, various methods can be used. Beaumont tiles have been proven to be the best type used by most handymen, and the hole is drilled with a masonry bit of a carborundum rod saw blade, which is afterwards used like a fret saw. Other methods involve using an angle grinder with a diamond or carborundum wheel.