How To Apply Stone Tile To Wall
Draw a plumb line at the center of the back wall then measure over to the side to see how many tiles will fit.
How to apply stone tile to wall. You start by spreading your adhesive on the wall. The preferred method for tile installations is to use a sheet of underlayment. If possible you should always use concrete board underlayments rather than plywood. Make sure you use an adhesive that is suitable for natural stone installation.
Hold a tile at this spot accounting for a 1 8 inch expansion gap. For floors or walls in wet areas use thin set instead of joint compound. To see where the tile will end at the top of the installation make a jury stick. The tile will not adhere correctly if any of these are present.
Fill in the general size of the tile on the wall i ve learned over the years that it doesn t have to be caked on. You need to pour some water in the bucket pour the adhesive powder and let it soak for 5 minutes. For wall installations plywood is overkill beneath the concrete or fiber board which is designed in five eighths inch material for wall settings. For the average small wall tiles which are currently popular you will want to use a 1x4 square notch trowel.
You want to end up with at least half a tile at each corner so depending on the size of your tile either place the edge of your first tile at the center line or center a tile over it as we did photo 5. Clean the metal surface to get rid of any dirt oil grease or other contaminates. This line serves as your cutting guide to fit tile along the counter. Mortar a small spot and then place a tile.
Tiling itself is actually quite an easy process especially with this tile. It just takes time. Gradually add the thin set powder mixing it thoroughly. Begin in one of the lower corners of the wall place the stone against the wall twisting it slightly as you.
To prepare powdered thin set mortar for natural stone and mosaic tile fill your bucket with water in the amount listed on the package. Test a tile to make sure the mortar is mixed and spread correctly. Then use the mixer attachment to your drill to get the right consistency. Then use a level to extend the line along the work area.
Pull the tile up and look at the pattern that is create on the back. Before you begin tiling check the surface with a straightedge. Let the joint compound or thin set harden and you re ready to set tile. If you find a dip in a wall flatten it by screeding a layer of setting type joint compound over it as shown here.
Step 2 apply the appropriate adhesive to the metal with the appropriate trowel see tips spreading enough adhesive to cover an area that you are comfortable finishing in less than 10 minutes.