What Do I Use Behind Ceramic Wall Tile

Step 1 prepare the wall.

What do i use behind ceramic wall 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. Standard drill bits don t work on tile but not to worry. It cannot cure too fast. Cut tile is best hidden under cabinets but you may have to cut from the bottom if your countertop isn t level.

Mark the wall at the top of the tile. Tile adhesive is expected to hold the tile in place not just for years but for decades without fail. 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.

First use a level to find the lowest point of the countertop. Otherwise you do. It must be easy to work with and it must adequately fill in gaps between the tile and the substrate. Ceramic and porcelain tile more than almost any other surface material needs a stable flat flex free substrate.

Use long sweeping motions to apply mortar to the wall and start placing your tiles in the marked locations. This is done to help prevent water from damaging the structure of the wall. Porcelain tile looks a lot like regular ceramic tile but it s much harder. 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.

Even the slightest amount of movement in a building structure can telegraph to the tile and crack it. Hold a tile at this spot accounting for a 1 8 inch expansion gap. Green drywall is specifically designed for use in bathrooms. Check the wall behind the stove for any oil or grease stains.

Then use a level to extend the line along the work area. Ceramic tile can be drilled with a carbide bit while glass and porcelain call for a diamond tipped bit. 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. These should be cleaned with a degreaser or primer if you have tough stains.

When using ceramic tile try to find boxes with the same dye lot number. Measure each wall area calculating the width times height. Have the right bit for ceramic tile. 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.

Next mix your grout and spread it into the gaps between the tiles using. 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. To install ceramic wall tile use a level and measuring tape to mark the tile locations on the wall with chalk. Determine how much tile you ll need.

Wipe the wall with a soft cloth or damp sponge to ensure a clean dry surface. It s as easy to work with as ordinary drywall but it s specially formulated to resist moisture. Add up the wall areas and add 10 so you have extra tile for mistakes or future repairs.