How to Lay 4x12 Marble Kitchen Wall Tiles
One of the new modern sizes of marble tile on the market today is the extended subway tile sized 4x12 inches. 4x12 marble tiles can be installed on kitchen backsplashes to give the kitchen design a sleek and contemporary look.
These elongated tiles can be installed in different patterns over the area to customize the kitchen. Just take care to install these marble tiles, like any others, with white thin set and a sealer before grouting.
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Straight edge
- Pencil
- Tile saw
- White thin set
- Trowel
- Impregnating sealer
- Foam paint brush
- Lint-free cloth
- Grout
- Grout float
- Damp sponge
- Caulk
Instructions
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1
Measure the area of the kitchen to be tiled. If this is a backsplash, most backsplash areas measure 18 inches in height. If there is a 4-inch countertop backsplash already installed, measure the amount of area left.
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2
Lay the tiles to be installed out in a dry layout in an area of equal size to the area to be tiled. A dry layout will help you figure out grout lines, tile placement and cuts. 4x12-inch tiles can be laid horizontally, stacked on top of one another, in a running-bond or off-set pattern, or in multiple vertical patterns. If installing these tiles in a backsplash, you will most likely need to cut one row of tiles in half to fit. Place these cut tiles at the top, beneath the cabinets to hide them.
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3
Mark the tiles to be cut with a straight edge and pencil. Cut the tiles on a tile saw and return them to the dry layout to double check placement and fit before installing.
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Install the tiles in the same pattern determined by the dry-layout by spreading a small amount of white thin set over the area to be tiled with the trowel. Rake the thin set with the teeth end of the trowel until the ridges are uniform in height, and then press each tile into the thin set firmly. Wiggle the tiles together slightly to ensure a good bond with the thin set.
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Allow the thin set to cure for 24 hours and then seal the marble tiles with an impregnating sealer before grouting. Paint the tiles with sealer using a foam paint brush, allow the sealer to penetrate the tiles for an hour and then wipe up the excess with a lint-free cloth.
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Grout the tiles by packing the joints between the tiles with grout using a grout float. Wipe up the excess grout with a damp sponge, taking care not to over-wash the grout, as this can lead to a reduction in color.
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Apply a thin bead of caulk between the bottom row of tile and the countertop to help the backsplash and counter flex and move to prevent house settlement from cracking the tiles. Allow the grout and caulk to cure for an additional 24 hours.
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Tips & Warnings
Remove all the switch plates and outlet covers from the work area before starting the project.
