Using Ceramic Tiles

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Cutting tile can be quite easy with the right tools. In general, tiles can be cut or shaped with a carbide wheel tile cutter, tile nipper or diamond saw cutter. Cuts can be done straight, in circles or by clipping off edges for pipes or other fittings. Tile is similar to glass in the sense that when the glazed surface is cleanly scored and pressure is applied to each side, it will break neatly along the scoring.

Tile cutters have a carbide wheel like standard glass cutters. The cutter can hold the tile square to the cutting blade, and a clean, straight line can be scored by sliding the handle with some applied force. Pressing down on the handle will cut the tile along the line.

Cutter Blades

Tile cutters can normally cut pieces only up to 5/8 inch wide. For thinner pieces, an abrasive saw blade, diamond wet saw or hacksaw with carbide blade might be required. The best tool for this purpose would be a diamond wet saw, as they can cut quickly and accurately. These saws are not really dangerous, since they do not have teeth like regular wood blades, but tiny pieces of diamond that can be found on the edge and sides of the blade. However, you might think twice about actually buying one, as a decent diamond wet saw costs nearly $1,000.

Cutting Circles in Tiles

There are two ways of cutting circles in tiles. The first is buying an expensive carbide circle whole saw, which is nice but too costly for onetime use. The second is to get an inexpensive carbide rod saw blade that fits into a standard hacksaw frame. You will first need to drill a large enough hole in the tile that allows the actual blade to be inserted then attach it to the hacksaw frame so you can start sawing. It is important to note that the tile must be firmly supported as you saw, otherwise it will crack when you reach the end of your cut. It is also a good idea as you are about to reach the end to slow down and use less force when cutting.

Homeowners know that a lot of hard work goes into making the kitchen and bathroom look their best. Ceramic tile is usually the best choice of floor material for these areas of the home due to their strength and durability. If a single tile breaks, it obviously looks ugly, and can ruin the overall look of the entire room.

To ensure a quality installation, it is important to draw exact and visible working lines on the area as a guide before starting to place the tiles. An ideal layout will have full size tiles in high visibility areas with border tiles that are at least 1/2 tile or more.

First, do a trial run of the layout by placing dry tiles from the two most visible walls to see which would work best in the area. You can adjust the row by moving the width of half a tile if the tiles at the end of each row are less than half a tile width, ensuring that the cut tiles will have a width of more than half a tile.

Check if the corner you are working from is square; if not, battens should be nailed to the floor about a tile width from an exact square corner by using a frame square and chalk lines. Establish the line closest to the wall by drawing a line about one tile length away from the wall along both corner walls. Another line should be drawn parallel to it that is about the thickness of two grout lines; this gives an allowance for the grout line along the wall and the next row of tiles.

From that line, nail a batten made from 1″x2″ or 1″x3″ along it, checking if the battens are straight and form a right angle. This makes a good position to start running the tiles, and when the tiles have been laid, the battens can be removed and tiling can commence along the edges. Cuff the tiles if needed, but remember to always leave room for the grout line.

It is always a good idea to be very careful when laying tiles. If you need help, do not hesitate to consult with your local tile dealer who can provide assistance with any problem that might happen during installation.

The concept of ceramic wall tiles goes as far back as in olden times, when the term “wall tile” usually referred to finishing tiles. To make them more attractive, wall tiles are usually glazed and are often painted or embossed with decorative patterns. Modern ceramic wall tiles are fixed to walls by using a synthetic bonding agent tile adhesive for dry areas. For areas prone to moisture like bath or shower walls, a cement-based mortar is used.

A fine cement called unsanded grout is used to fill in the spaces between the tiles, with the excess grout scraped off using a hard rubber block known as a float. This is done right after applying the grout, and a moist sponge is then used to wipe the grout again before it hardens completely, in order to provide moisture that strengthens the grout as it dries. Finally, any haze that might remain from the residual grout is wiped off using a piece of cloth.

Ceramic wall tiles can be installed on almost any clean flat surface, but you have to check first if the surface can support the weight of the tiles. If you are not sure whether the weight can be supported, it is recommended that a 1/2-inch cement wallboard should be installed before tiling, and should be cut to fit with a carbide blade or circular saw. Compared to other types of wallboards, cement wallboards tend to be more sturdy, yet light enough to be installed anywhere. They are best used for wall tiling, and not needed for tiling fixtures like tubs or sinks.

A good installation can also result from having a drawn reference guide, at least over a 3-feet-by-3-feet area. The guide should be similar to a grid, with clearly drawn horizontal and perpendicular lines. These reference lines should represent the length and width of each sheet of tile to be installed, and they should be level enough to ensure that the tiles will be installed straight.

It is also necessary to use the right tile tools during installation. The flat side of a notched trowel is used to apply and spread the adhesive over one square area, while being careful not to go over the reference lines of that area. Afterwards, the notched edge of the trowel is then used to form ridges in the adhesive.

It is always a good idea to use tile spacers while positioning tiles. Placing a tile spacer at each corner as the tiles are being set into the adhesive will ensure even tile spacing.

The following method is particularly effective for rooms with large doorways, which will make the floor visible from other parts of the house.

1. Draw two chalk lines down the center of the room; one perpendicular to the doorway, and another one perpendicular to the first line.

2. Temporarily dry-lay the tiles along the first chalk line starting from the doorway. To ensure that the grout spaces will be uniform, use properly sized tile spacers between each tile.

3. If a full tile will not fit at the end of the line, use a cut tile for each end so the spaces will be equal. Cut a tile by using a glass cutter to score it then laying it over a nail or piece of metal and pressing down on both sides. If some rough edges remain, remove them with pliers or nippers.

4. Dry-lay tiles along the second chalk line using spacers like the last time. Make the lines intersect at a tile corner by adjusting them if necessary.

5. Mark the outer edge of the last full tile at the doorway by drawing a line on the floor. Extend it along the entire wall length, making sure the line is straight. Repeat this step for the adjacent wall.

6. On the outside of each line, place long 1 x 2 spacers or 1 x 3 spacers and nail them in place after checking if they are perfectly square.

7. Starting from the corner where the boards intersect, use a notched trowel to spread about 3 square feet of “Thin-Set” mix, achieving maximum coverage by holding the trowel at a 45 angle. For a perfect finish, set the corner tile into the thin set with a firm, twisting motion.

8. Continue setting the tiles in the same order, making sure to use spacers between the tiles to keep a straight alignment. Use a rubber mallet to stamp down uneven tiles and immediately wipe off any excess mortar from the surface. Remove the boards once the mortar is set and lay cut tiles along the edges, taking care to leave a 1/8″ gap along the wall.

9. When done, remove the tile spacers and allow at least 48 hours waiting time before grouting.

Ceramic tile is most often used in kitchens, bathrooms and entryways due to its water resistant properties. Patio floors, exterior veneers, swimming pools and spas as well as plaza floors in public buildings like shopping malls are also examples where ceramic tile is used in exterior work.

Tile setters create long lasting surfaces using ceramic tile. A solid, flat surface like plywood or a concrete floor is usually required for tile setting. For walls and countertops, tile setters first prepare a strong concrete base by applying waterproof paper to the surface and tack reinforced wire meshing over it. A mixture of cement, sand and water is spread over the lath, and the concrete is leveled and allowed to dry.

When installing tiles, a finer grade of cement or mastic is used, with the desired thickness achieved by using a serrated trowel. The tiles are then cut and shaped with the appropriate tools so they can fit properly around corners, cabinets, sinks and windows.

The tile setters lay the tiles on the cement, using plastic joints to separate them evenly, and a straight edge to make sure they are lined up before they are tapped into place. Once the cement is dry, the spaces between tiles is filled with a fine cement called grout, which is available in many colors. When the grout dries, a sealer is then applied to make it stain-resistant and waterproof.

The job of a tile setter includes consulting blueprints and taking measurements of the project area, which enables them to estimate the amount of tile and other materials needed for the installation as well as the total cost and labor. In addition, tile setters can also order the materials and assist the homeowner in choosing the required tile and grout.

Tile setters generally work indoors, in structures that are either being renovated or under construction. The job can be rather strenuous and often involves a lot of prolonged standing, reaching, bending, kneeling and heavy lifting of supplies like boxes of tiles, cement bags and mortar buckets weighing 100 pounds or more. No job is without its share of hazards, and a tile setter’s job is no exception, which can include muscle strain, knee and back injuries, cuts from tools or materials and potential falls from ladders.

The rustic charm of Mexico can be present in your home or office through the use of Mexican ceramic tiles. These natural clay tiles are hand painted with traditional and modern designs then glazed and fired one more time to increase the depth, richness and permanence of their colors.

Types of Mexican tile include Mexican Antigua, Mexican Talavera and Mexican Mission or Renondo. Not only do these Mexican ceramic tiles have a variety of attractive designs, they are durable and easy to install as well. Mexican Antigua Tiles

The Mexican Antigua tile collection truly brings the charm of past centuries into any room. These Mexican ceramic tiles use a time-honored technique of being 100% hand-made and hand-painted using designs influenced by Mexico and other countries like Spain, Italy, China and Saudi Arabia, producing unique works of art.

Mexican Talavera Tiles

The Mexican Talavera tile collection uses very high quality tile handcrafted in Mexico, continuing a tradition that incorporates design motifs and symbols of 13th century Spanish-Moorish style brought from Mexico. Considered as one of the oldest tiles, many of the designs of Mexican Talavera tiles reflect history, from the colonial influence of France and Spain, to Mexican indigenous and to Chinese immigrant cultures.

Designs are hand-painted on each tile using modern and traditional motifs. To make the colors more permanent and add to their richness, each tile is glazed and fired a second time. Mexican craftsmanship and artistry combined with American-made glazes and pigments produce durable and long-lasting tiles, which also have water, heat, and wear resistant properties. These dramatic and colorful Mexican ceramic tiles are economical, making them a great choice for the budget conscious, and also feasible for large areas where style and cost matters.

Ceramic tile cutters are professional hand tools that can easily cut holes, angles and straight edges in most types of ceramic tiles. These versatile hand operated tools work by using a sharp tungsten carbide wheel to score the ceramic glaze then cleanly breaking it along the scoring.

Using Ceramic Tile Cutters

Before starting your project, it is recommended that you practice cutting several times with some scrap tiles. Also keep in mind that straight ceramic tile cutters are designed to only cut fired clay glazed ceramic tiles. This type of cutter may not properly cut stone tiles, fully vitrified porcelain tiles and some types of unglazed clay tiles; instead, a quality wet saw is needed to cut those tiles.

Steps for Cutting Tiles Using a Ceramic Tile Cutter

1. Align the designated tile to be cut with the arrow on the cutter. Position the guide and securely tighten it to hold the tile in place. If multiple cuts of the same size are needed, you can also keep the guide in place.

2. Hold the handle firmly and place the scoring wheel on the outermost edge of the tile. Slightly push it down and pull the handle towards yourself until the entire length of the tile has been scored. To check, the ceramic tile must have an unbroken scratch from one edge to the next.

3. Pull the handle forward to the top edge of the tile, then press down on handle. The tile should cleanly break along the scoring.

Other Useful Tips

Using ceramic tile cutters is a very convenient way to keep the cut lines evenly straight and square. The process simply involves scoring the surface of the glazed tile first, and then by using the cutter handle with your arm pressure, the tile can be easily snapped exactly along the scored line.

Before using the ceramic tile cutters, check first if the guide bar and scoring wheel are well-oiled. To keep clean cuts, the scoring wheel should also be replaced when it gets worn. An alternative to using ceramic tile cutters is to use a glass cutter to score the tile and break it with a large nail placed under the tile. Tile cutters are available for rent or for purchase at almost all rental stores, home centers and flooring stores.

Tile is a surface covering that is versatile enough to be installed over floors, ceilings, countertops, hearths and shower and bath enclosures.

For tiling over concrete floors, check if the slab is level, properly cured and free from dirt, wax or curing compounds before installation. The floor should also be repaired prior to tile installation if it is cracked or spoiled in any way.

For tiling over a wooden sub flooring, the bonding surface must be solid, exterior-grade plywood with minimal deflection and having a minimum thickness of 1″. A 1/4″ plywood backing must be first glued in place, then fastened with 5d coated nails that are 8″ apart in every direction. A space of 1/8″ between sheets of plywood should be present to allow for expansion.

For tiling over a wooden sub flooring in wet areas, cement backer boards or a cement plaster coat reinforced with metal lath should be applied before the tiles are installed. The cement backer board is laid over the sub flooring with some thin set, with a 1/7″ space between boards, then nailed every 6″ with 1-1/2″ galvanized roof nails.

For tiling over vinyl flooring with a concrete base, the vinyl covering must first be removed. Liquid stripper should then be applied to the mastic residue and scraped off to remove all traces of adhesive.

For tiling over an existing wall, installation of wallboard or some other new backing material should be done if the wall has wide cracks and other surface defects. Thin set should be used to plug all corners and cracks, then a surface coat is applied. If the surface is originally glossy, then it will have to be sanded down. If you need to tile over existing ceramic wall tile, the surface should first be cleaned and abraded, and thin set should be used as the bonding substance.

For tiling over countertops, it is important that high-quality tile should be used, as the surface will be subjected to a good deal of moisture, impact and other abuse. Since unglazed tile tends to stain, glazed tile is recommended for use around sinks and food preparation areas. A 1/8″ space between plywood pieces should be allowed for expansion. When installing over Formica, all residue should first be removed from the surface, then roughened with a coarse sanding disc to ensure a good bond; it is also a good idea to remove all traces of sanding dust before installation.

While the average homeowner can do repair tile work, it is usually a messy, dirty job that is best done quickly and more efficiently by expert professionals. It is always a good idea to keep some leftover tiles from the original installation for future repairs, but if none are available, it is possible to use newer tiles with some slight color variations or to lay out a pattern combining the new tiles with the old tiles so they will look nicely integrated. Most tile and grout repair companies specialize in repairing tiles and can also make new grout match the old one. Grout Maintenance

Cracks in the grout joints of new shower and kitchen installations will eventually show up within the first five years after a new home is constructed, regardless of its price. Professional grout cleaning that involves carefully hand scrubbing each grout joint with special commercial tile and grout cleaners can remove years of stains and dirt accumulated by the grout. Future stain problems can be minimized by preserving the grout with penetrating grout sealers.

While cracked and missing grout on backsplash joints are mostly a cosmetic irritation in kitchens, it is a different story for shower and tub grout cracks, as they can lead to serious water damage if not properly repaired in time. If left alone, bacteria will eventually grow in the damp wallboard and wood behind the tiles, which will make the problem go beyond simple tile repair, as the rotted materials will need to be replaced by a general contractor.

Porcelain Tiles

All tiles are prone to damage, particularly through impact. However, porcelain tiles are becoming increasingly popular because of their toughness. Harder than granite, even a razor blade can’t scratch these artificial tiles. Scratches seem to be a rarity for porcelain tiles, and they have little cosmetic or structural impact even if they occur. In addition, porcelain tiles also have very reliable color finishes from top to bottom. When the cost of replacing an entire countertop with matching replacement tiles becomes prohibitive, it is advisable to consult a bath fixture refinisher. They can often repair chipped and cracked tiles as long as the tile is still structurally sound by using a special porcelain filler, then refinish the tile and grout into a solid surface afterwards in whatever color you prefer.

Tiles have a wide variety of uses in any home or building, like covering roofs, floors, walls or decorating objects such as tabletops. Tiles are often used by builders not only for their beauty, but for their durability as well. You do not always need to hire a professional tile fixer to install ceramic tile, as it can be quite easy to do.

While a wide selection of different tiles are available for specific needs and purposes, the process for installing virtually the same, whether it is roof tiles, wall tiles or floor tiles. Just take any necessary precautions and heed the following steps when installing ceramic tiles:

1. Choose a tile that will suit your floor, roof or wall before beginning the project.

2. Have all tools and safety equipment ready prior to starting the installation.

3. Ensure that the area to be tiled has been cleared of furniture and removed of moldings, fittings or fixtures that might get in the way of the installation.

4. The surface to be tiled should be firm, flat, level and clean. When weight is applied, it should not cause the surface to flex.

5. Always use the right type of adhesive or mortar for the installation. The mortar should be smooth, and lumps can be minimized by mixing it with an electric drill and paddle.

6. Take the time to carefully grout the tiles in order to give a professional look to your installation.

7. When the installation is complete, allow a few minutes for the tiles to set before putting on the finishing touches like caulking and sealing.

Care and Maintenance

They will remain durable if they are taken care of properly. In general, they can be cleaned with a soft wet cloth or washed with soap and water. As much as possible, avoid using abrasive cleaners, spirits, alcohol or acetone for cleaning the ceramic tile surface. Try to prevent the ceramic tiles from coming into contact with scratching materials or tools in order to maintain a glossy finish. In areas where the weather is chilly, the tiles might crack if wet or cold, so they should be installed in areas that are protected from rain or snow.