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How to Hang Tile on a Blue Board

Sal Marco

Blue board is a type of wall covering usually used as a base for plaster. It has a moisture-resistant core, prevents mold and mildew growth, and is lighter than cement backer board and more durable than traditional drywall. Blue board provides a good surface to hang ceramic tile, especially if the area is usually damp, such as a bathroom, shower stall or backsplash.

Blue board provides a good surface for hanging tile.
  1. Draw a chalk line from a corner to the opposite corner of the wall. Grasp the center of the chalk line, pull back and let it snap, leaving behind a line. Repeat on the opposite corners. A large "X" is now on the wall. A chalk line is a small plastic case that has string wound inside with powdered chalk. Use a chalk line to make guidelines and find the center of a wall.

  2. Apply a 1/4-inch coat of tile adhesive to the wall with a trowel. Do not cover the chalk guidelines. Apply the adhesive as close as possible to the lines.

  3. Drag the notched side of the trowel through the adhesive to create lines.

  4. Apply a very thin coat of adhesive to the back of the tile, called a skim coat.

  5. Apply a 1/4-inch layer of adhesive over the skim coat.

  6. Set the first tile directly in the center of the "X" and press in place.

  7. Place a level on the tile. If the bubble on the level is not in the center, move the edge of the tile in the appropriate direction until the bubble centers.

  8. Place tile spacers on the corners of the tile to ensure an even border around each tile.

  9. Apply a skim coat and a second coat to the next tile and place it to the right of the first tile. Place the next tile to the left of the first, then above and below the center tile. Continue to expand this pattern until tile covers the entire wall. Ensure each tile is centered with your level.

  10. Make cuts to the tile with a wet saw as needed.