How to Lay Ceramic Tile on a Jacuzzi Tub
A built-in Jacuzzi tub generally is a totally self-contained unit, with the plumbing fixtures found within the tub itself. One relatively easy way to tie in the tub to the rest of the bathroom is to tile the surrounding walls in a complementary color and style, linking the tub to the tiles via a line of caulk. Ceramic tile is a popular choice because it's durable, easy to cut and comes in a very wide range of colors and styles. Plan on being without use of the Jacuzzi for a few days, however, when you take on this type of tiling project. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Level
- Pencil
- Ceramic wall tiles
- 1/8th inch tile spacers
- Pre-mixed thinset tile mortar
- Tiling trowel
- Tile saw
- Pre-mixed tile grout
- Rubber grout trowel
- Sponge
- Tube of silicone caulk
Instructions
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1
Mark a line vertically up the middle of the main wall over the Jacuzzi, using your tape measure, level and pencil. This will be the starting point for each row of tiles as you build up the wall in a grid pattern.
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2
Spread pre-mixed tile mortar along the bottom part of the wall with a tiling trowel, bringing the mortar up a foot or two from the rim of the Jacuzzi. It should be layered about 1/8th inch thick on the wall.
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3
Set tiles along the rim of the Jacuzzi, starting at the center line. Press each tile firmly into the mortar and twist it slightly to get a tight seal, then straighten it. Put 1/8th-inch spacers between the tiles and the Jacuzzi---and between the tiles themselves. Hang as many full tiles as will fit in the row. Measure any remaining space at the ends of the row, and use your tile saw to cut tiles to fit, marking the tiles with a pencil and feeding them slowly through the blade of the saw.
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4
Proceed up the wall with the next rows of tiles, building from the bottom and starting each row in the middle of the wall. Tile the whole wall. Repeat on the other walls around the Jacuzzi.
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5
Let the mortar set overnight. Take out the spacers.
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6
Grout all the lines between the tiles, but not the line along the top rim of the Jacuzzi (leave that line open). Press the pre-mixed grout into the spaces with a rubber grout trowel. Use a dampened sponge to wipe away the excess grout.
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7
Let the grout set overnight. Run a bead of silicone caulk in the space along the top of the Jacuzzi, connecting it with the bottom row of tiles. Use just enough caulk to fill the line without bunching up out of it. Let the caulk and grout set another two days before using the Jacuzzi.
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