Tiles lend surfaces a glossy look that few people can resist desiring to replicate in their own homes or offices. If you are one of these people and want to install tiles, there is some worthy advice for you here. Not only do you get to know what you need for the process, you also understand how to get the installation right.
There are several tools and materials that make your quest for installing tiles a reality. Although there could be some differences depending on the kind of surface that you want to cover, among some of the things you will need include:
- Chalk line
- Tile mastic
- Tiles
- Hammer
- Rubber gloves
- Level
- Paint string stick
- Tile grout sealer
- Tile cutter
- Tile nippers
- Grooved towel
- Rubber Squeegee
- Edging cap
You may need additional equipment if the tiles types that you intend to install require it. These should be placed strategically within the area where you intend to be working. The installation should follow these steps
- Start at the back. You can draw a vertical line using the level for the whole length of the tile.
- Put the starting row at the surface edge. This should be in addition to the cap and may need to be cut to fit. You can then remove it after getting the bearing.
- Mastic should follow along the line with the quantity being what you can manage to cover with tiles in thirty minutes.
- Your first row of tiles should be put into position, use a slight twisting movement. You have to leave some space between the first row and the tub. You can use a spacer for this purpose.
- Your next row of tiles should come after an edge cap and should have only two tiles. You need to follow this with another row having only one tile to establish your step up pattern.
- Follow this pattern putting the tiles as you build up to the top end leaving space for the top tile.
- As you approach the last row place the mastic in the same way you did for your first row.
With your saber saw you can cut out spaces for any fittings. You can also cut tiles to fit any spaces remaining. You should then clear out mastic on the surface as well as cleaning the tools you were using. Your tiles should now ready for grouting.