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Selecting the right tile goes far beyond selecting a pretty color. The first choice that needs to be made is the size of ceramic tiles. Areas that are square and flat are ideal for larger 12-inch tiles. These tiles cover more area and require less work to install. Use smaller 1-inch or 2-inch tiles if your working area has curves or an uneven surface.
The other primary factor in choosing the right tile is the amount of water absorption you are willing to accept. Tiles that are referred to as "nonvitreous" absorb the most water and should not be used in showers or other excessively wet areas. "Semivitreous" tiles have a low absorption rate and are good for general use. For showers and areas that will come in contact with a lot of water, it is recommended to use a high-density glazed tiles. -
All surfaces where the ceramic tiles will be installed need to be prepared in advance. For most surfaces this simply means that the area needs to be clean, dry, and free from dust or other loose debris. Shower walls are slightly more complicated because you must first install ¼ inch cement wallboard to install the tiles on. Using the cement board will protect your walls from water damage in the event that moisture should penetrate the grout between your ceramic tiles.
It is also important to prepare your tile layout in advance. If all tiles are identical then this is not important. However, if you have multiple tile colors or designs, and would like to arrange these tiles in a specific pattern, then it is important to lay out the pattern in advance. Pre-determining the order of the tiles will make the installation faster and helps prevent the mortar from drying before the tiles are arranged. -
Begin by using a thinset mortar as an adhesive for the ceramic tiles. This mortar can be purchased from any home improvement or hardware store. Use a quarter inch ridged trowel to spread a layer of mortar in a space approximately 3 feet by 3 feet. This will give you plenty of working space, but without spreading so much mortar that it has time to dry before you get to it.
The pattern of the ridges is unimportant, since they will not be seen. However, many professional tile installers prefer to spread the mortar at a 45-degree angle to provide extra gripping power when the tile is applied to the wall.
Firmly press the tiles into the mortar. Starting at one edge of the wall, apply the tiles one at a time. A firm press is all that is needed to secure the ceramic tiles to the mortar. Use a spacer to keep a uniform distance between each tile. You may need to use a wet saw equipped with a diamond blade to cut some tiles to a smaller size. -
Fill the spaces between each tile, where spacers were used, with a generous amount of tile grout. Standard grout is fine for most applications, but waterproof grout should be used if you are installing wall tiles in a shower.
Once the grout has been added, use a rubber bottom float to sweep across the surface of the tiles. This will compact the grout. It will also make sure the surface is smooth and not sticking out above the surface of the tiles.
The sweeping action will cause a layer of film to be spread across the surface of your ceramic tiles. Use a damp sponge to wash the film away before it has time to harden.
