How to Install Glazed Ceramic Wall Tile

Glazed ceramic tile can make a room look different in appearance when installed. You can find glazed tiles in glossy, matte or abrasive finishes. They are made from different types of clay; the glaze is painted and baked on for the finish. A high-quality glazed tile is scratch-resistant and can be used anywhere, including floors and counter-tops. These tiles may be plain colors or bright and beautiful murals. They are not hard to install, but you most likely need a weekend to complete your project.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tile
• Spacers
• Thin set
• Notched trowel
• Grout
• Grout float
• Bucket
• Grout sponge
• Laser level
• Chalk line
• Grout sealer
• Wet saw
• Measuring tape

Install Glazed Ceramic Wall Tile

1. Use a laser level to give you a straight horizontal and vertical line where you will be installing the tile. Shoot the level across the bottom of your project area and vertically where you will begin. Snap a chalk line on these two laser lines. Note: Do not count on walls or floors being level; they are not in most cases.

2. Mix your thin set according to the manufacturer's directions. Allow it to set up for about 10 to 15 minutes. Using the notched trowel, apply the thin set to the wall in the corner that you have lined out. Only apply enough for a few tiles at once.

3. Set your first tile and then the one next to it. Place a spacer between them; move the second one in to the spacer. Press down on the tiles to make sure you are getting good adhesion. If you are creating a mural with the tiles, they may have a built-in spacer. If not, use the smallest spacer you can. Next, put a tile on top of the bottom one; put a spacer between it and the bottom. Push the top one down to the bottom tile, keeping the bottom tile along the chalk line. Continue across and then up, applying more thin set as you go.

4. Cut your tile to fit in at the top. Measure the space and leave room for your spacer between the last two tiles. Then transfer the measurement to the tile and cut to fit. There are trim tiles that have a rounded edge if the top is going to be exposed. If it is going under a cabinet, regular tiles will do fine. If you are creating a mural with the tiles, there will be no need to cut as they come with border tiles that all fit into your space.

5. Continue to install the tiles until the area is completely finished. Allow the thin set to dry over night before applying the grout.

6. Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's directions. If you are using the tile in a wet area, such as a shower or back splash, use a non-sanded grout. It has a texture more like a silicone caulk and is much more moisture resistant than sanded grout. You can buy the non-sanded grout pre-mixed if you prefer.

7. Apply the grout to the tile with the grout float by putting some on the float and then pushing it between the tiles while holding the float on an angle. Make sure to fill all the area between the tiles fully. Do a section at a time; wipe it with a grout sponge wet with warm water. This will remove excess grout on the tiles. Once you have completed the grout, go back and wipe it down again. Let the grout dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

8. Check to see if the tile needs another coat of grout. The non-sanded grout tends to shrink as it dries. If you notice gaps or cracks in the grout, give it another coat. If the spaces look full with no gaps, you can begin sealing it.

9. Seal the grout with a spray on grout sealer. Walls are done much easier with the spray sealer than the liquid wipe on type. Allow the sealer to dry for an hour between coats and give it two or three coats.

Resources

• Glazed Tile Information