Wall Tiling – With Premier Porcelain
Starting any tiling project feel daunting – however laying your own tiles can save a lot of money. Whether you’re renovating the kitchen or bathroom, our guide to installing wall tiles will help you to create stunning feature walls.
Let’s begin with considering your substrate! Are tiling on tile? Or are you tiling on a pre-prepared backer board or plaster? The two different applications require different considerations.
The Preparation
Tile on tile – If you are opting to cover existing tiles, then it is vital to ensure that they are clean, and are not loose, it is also worth noting that you may want to consider using a tile primer to provide extra adhesion.
If the existing tiles are glazed or have a high gloss or polished surface it is advisable to make the surface ‘rough’ to help with the adhesion.
Plaster & Backer board : If you are opting to tile on to fresh plaster then make sure that it has fully dried before tiling. Backer boards should be fully secured to the wall before commencing tiling.
Fresh plaster or backer board needs to be primed with an acrylic primer (Not a PVA Primer) it is vital in all application types that the surface is well prepared before commencing tiling.
Let’s Begin Tiling
The process is similar for all installation types of wall tiles with the first stage – positioning your tiles.
Step 1
Once your surface is prepared, then begin by finding the centre of your wall as this should be your starting point. Lay out your tiles alongside a tiling batten and mark the tiles’ position on the wood with a pencil to use as a guide. Attach your battens to the top and bottom of the wall with equal spacing and mark the tiles’ position on the wood to use as a guideline. Attach your battens to the top and bottom of the wall with equal spacing.
Step 2
Dry lay the tiles so that you know there are enough tiles available for your project and to plan where cuts will be achieved.
Step 3
Once you are happy with your positioning, you will need to use a a trowel ( 6 or 8mm size trowel) to apply the adhesive onto the wall. Ensure the back of your tile has good coverage of adhesive before application.
Step 4
Insert spacers between the tiles to provide equal gaps and straight grout lines. Repeat the process until the wall is fully tiled.
Step 5
The adhesive should be fully cured before commencing grouting whilst you’re waiting for the grout to dry remove all the spacers.
Step 6
Before grouting make sure that your adhesive is set (usually 24 hours). Use a high quality powdered grout rather than a ready-mixed grout. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.