How to Porcelain Tile a Bath
Porcelain tile in a bathroom is highly sought after and lends a look of elegance than can’t be achieved with any other material. Ceramic is also very well liked but not quite as hard or fine as porcelain. Most people have their tile installed due to fear that they cannot do it correctly. But you can do it easily and inexpensively.
Items required to complete:
- Caulk
- Notched trowel
- Sponge
- Grout float
- Pre-mixed grout
- Construction adhesive
- Saw with ceramic blade to cut tile
- Porcelain tile with self spacing nubs & rim tiles
- Pre-mixed mortar
- Backer board
- ¼ inch spacers
- 1 ½ inch drywall screws
- Strip walls being tiled of all nails, screws, glue and other elements.
- Place the backer board against the studs and screw securely to the wall so movement is virtually impossible.
- Use caulk to fill between the backer boards. This reduces the ability to transfer moisture between the products being used.
- Start at the lowest part of the wall and using the notched trowel spread the mortar in sections not exceeding 12 inches by 12 inches (an 1/8-inch trowel should be used for smaller tiles and a ¼ inch for larger ones).
- Put the rim tiles on first, which will go along the floor and top of the tub. Be sure to put spacers in each joint.
- Place field tiles so that vertical joints are lined up with a half of a tile off center. While installing all joints should have a spacer to ensure a consistent look.
- Place bull-nosed tiles along the entire outer edge of the area being tiled. They should go over existing wallboard by half and inch. Allow drying overnight.
- Remover all spacers at this time. Use the grout float and fill all joints with grout until they are packed tight. Use the sponge and remove excess grout from all the tiles and joints. Repeat as needed until tiles are clean,
- Once grouting is completed and dry, caulk around the tub and make certain it is watertight.