Tile is a great material to use for bathroom and kitchen surfaces. It’s durable, easy to clean and comes in many different shapes and sizes. However, there are some important factors you need to consider before installing tile for your shower surround.
The first step when considering tiles for your shower surround is to decide on the size of the area you want to cover. Do you have a small area or an expansive one? If it’s a large area, it will be more cost effective to install a pre-made shower surround than it would be if you were covering a smaller area. A pre-made surround can be purchased from any home improvement store or online outlet. The most common sizes are either 4′ x 8′, 4′ x 10′, or 6′ x 12′.
The next consideration you’ll need to make is whether or not you’re going to lay down ceramic or porcelain tile. Ceramic tiles tend to hold up better than porcelain tiles; however, they do require more maintenance. You should also keep these points in mind when choosing which type of tile you want to use:
- Porcelain tiles tend to absorb odors more efficiently than ceramics. Therefore, they may be preferred when you’re dealing with a lot of moisture, like in a shower.
- While ceramics are easier to maintain and are made out of natural materials like clay, they tend to be more expensive than porcelains.
- Because porcelain tiles come in so many different colors, they look amazing and can add character to your space.
Now that you’ve decided on the size of the area you want covered and the type of tile you want installed, you’ll need to determine how you intend to install your new tile. There are two main types of installation methods: hand troweling and power troweling. Hand troweling is used for small areas, such as a bathtub or kitchen countertop. Power troweling is typically used for larger projects like a shower surround.
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When using hand troweling, you’ll have to work carefully and slowly to avoid creating a pattern, since the surface of the tile is uneven. This method is recommended for use on smaller projects because the grout lines between each piece of tile can become visible and detract from the tile’s appearance.
Power troweling involves a machine that forces water through a nozzle onto the surface of the tiles. Since the nozzle is moving at high speeds, the tile gets smooth and even without having to worry about the grout lines becoming visible. Also, this method allows you to apply multiple coats of adhesive to the tile, making it possible to achieve a much smoother finish. However, this process does take longer than hand troweling, so it isn’t recommended for smaller jobs.
After determining how you plan to install the tile, you’ll need to gather all of the supplies you’ll need. The first thing you’ll need to get is a grout cleaner. Grouting involves applying a thin layer of grout to the joints between the pieces of tile. Grout cleaners are made specifically for cleaning away the excess grout after it has been applied. They also help you get rid of stubborn stains like soap scum and mineral deposits.
Next, you’ll need a good quality mortar mix. Mortar mixes are available in premixed bags or powder form. In order to get the best results, you should use a mortar mix that contains sand and cement as well as additives designed to increase the strength of the joint. You should always use mortar mixes that contain at least 50% cement. Sand is generally added at 25%, while the rest is made up of additives like lime, gypsum, and starch.
You’ll also need to buy a grout sealer. Sealing keeps the grout from drying prematurely. Before applying the final coat of grout, you should give it time to dry completely. Sealing helps prevent discoloration and makes it easier to remove dirt and debris. When selecting a grout sealer, you should choose one that is oil free and water soluble.
Finally, you’ll need a mop and a squeegee to clean the walls after your project is complete. A mop is ideal for wiping off dirt and dust from the wall, floor, and ceiling. Squeegees are similar to mops, but they offer an additional advantage by allowing you to wipe the entire wall instead of just the part directly in front of you.
Once you’ve gathered everything you’ll need, you can move onto the actual installation process. Before you begin, you should measure the area where you intend to place each tile. Make sure you measure out every quarter inch or less so that you don’t end up wasting any tiles.
Once you’ve determined the placement of each tile, you’ll need to prepare the surface. Remove any existing wallpaper or paint and then thoroughly clean the surface. Next, you should fill any cracks or crevices in the surface with putty or joint compound. Once the surface is fully prepared, you can start applying the tile.
There are several types of tile that you can use for your project, including ceramic and marble. Marble tiles are highly decorative and can also be used for floors. However, they are very difficult to cut into custom shapes. Ceramic tiles are more flexible and therefore easier to shape. Depending on what kind of look you’re trying to create, you might prefer one over the other.
To attach the tile, you should use a grout knife. Grout knives come in various sizes, depending on the width of the tile. Start by cutting the edge of the tile along its length. Then, slide the blade underneath the tile and push it towards the back until you hear a satisfying “snap”. Next, you should flip the tile over and repeat the process on the other side.
Once you’ve attached all of the tiles, you can move on to the finishing process. First, you’ll need to use a sponge to remove any remaining grout residue left behind from the installation process. Then, you should brush any remaining grout residue into the corners of the room. Finally, you can use a damp towel to wipe away any excess water.
In addition to the steps listed above, you should also consider how you are going to protect your newly installed tile. Most people choose to use a waterproofing product like silicone caulk or polyurethane to ensure their tile stays looking brand new for years to come.
If you’d rather not spend extra money on something unnecessary, you can also opt for a self-adhesive backer board. Backer boards are essentially sheets of plywood that have been coated with a special adhesive. After you’ve placed the tile on top of the board, you can simply peel off the backing paper, leaving the adhesive in place. This allows you to save money without sacrificing on functionality.