Click Here
How To

How to Install Ceramic Tile on Drywall

Contributor
By Laura Gyre
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Drywall isn't generally recommended as a backing for tile. This is mostly because the drywall can flex somewhat and put stress on the tiled area. However, if you're planning to install ceramic tile on drywall in a relatively small area, such as a kitchen backsplash, you can probably get away with it with a few extra considerations.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Choose a small or medium-sized tile, since larger tiles can put too much strain on drywall.

  2. Step 2

    Make sure that the drywall is completely dry.

  3. Step 3

    Glue tiles to the drywall using tile adhesive, and leaving about 1/4 inch of space between every two tiles. Wait for the adhesive to set completely.

  4. Step 4

    Apply grout thickly in the gaps between the tiles. Don't worry about neatness at this point.

  5. Step 5

    Use a dry sponge to wipe across the tiles' surface, removing as much extra grout as possible.

  6. Step 6

    Dampen the sponge and wipe the surface of the tiled area repeatedly, smoothing the grout lines and removing any stray grout from the tiles. Allow to dry completely.

Tips & Warnings
  • It's important to finish the sponging process before the grout sets too much, so if you're installing ceramic tile on drywall over a large area, you may want to do the project in several sections.
  • It's much more difficult to remove grout from ceramic tile once the grout is dry, so double-check to make sure the tile is clean before allowing it to dry.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Home & Garden
Ruby Bayan,

Meet Ruby Bayan eHow's Home & Garden Expert.

Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden