Things You'll Need
Tiles
Thin-set mortar
Notched trowel
Ditra
Spacers
Level
Grout
Rubber float
Installing different shapes and tile material to your walls can often result in the smaller tiles, likely made of glass, to be a different thickness than ceramic tile. The average do-it-yourselfer can correct this problem with the proper tools and by following a few simple instructions.
Step 1
Lay out the tiles to set up a dry run to get a better picture of where certain tiles will go. This allows you to see exactly where the tiles of lesser thickness need to be placed.
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Step 2
Spread the thin-set mortar with a notched trowel to a small area that will allow you to install only a handful of tiles. Thin-set can dry quickly and lose its adhesiveness.
Step 3
Apply larger tiles to the thin-set first, by twisting them into place to make sure they adhere to the thin-set. Place you desired width of plastic spacers between the tiles.
Step 4
Cut a waterproof membrane, like Ditra for example, into small sections to fit exactly under the smaller tiles to compensate for their lesser thickness.
Step 5
Install a few strips of Ditra to your wall or substrate area, depending on where you are installing the tiles. Add a layer of thin-set onto the Ditra, and apply the smaller tiles to the thin-set like your first batch of tiles.
Step 6
Use a level to make sure your tiles of different thickness are completely level on the wall or on the floor.
Step 7
Repeat Steps 2-5 until your working area is complete, remove the plastic spacers and allow 24 hours for the mortar to set.
Step 8
Apply grout with a rubber float in between each tile to fill every nook and cranny. Use a damp sponge to remove excess grout, rinsing the sponge thoroughly from time to time.