Introduction
Natural stone tile is a perfect choice for a wall as it makes the room beautiful, and the tile is relatively durable. Some of the natural stones that are commonly used in making tiles include Marble tiles, travertine tiles, slate tiles, and granite tiles. Different types of stones vary in properties and how they should be installed. With some preparation and the appropriate tools and materials, laying stone tile on a wall is something most homeowners can easily accomplish on their own.
Choosing the Stone Tile
The first step is choosing the type and size of the natural stone tile that is right for your project and your pocketbook. Reflect on the color differences, surface roughness, and prices for various types of stones. Also decide on the size of the tiles like the 12 x 12 or even smaller mosaics. Make sure the tiles are of equal thickness, and the cutting of the edges is straight to enable equal grout lines. Check on the tiles to be used for flooring to confirm they are not cracked or chipped.
Preparing the Wall Surface
Correct surface preparation of walls is essential to ensure the tiles stick well on the surface. The surface of the wall should be sound, smooth, and free from dirt, grease, soap film, or any other material that could interfere with adhesion. They also have to be treated with sandpaper to remove that gloss and make the surface rougher.
In most of the tiling projects, a cement backerboard is fixed on the studs before the tiling process is carried out. Cement boards give a smooth, water-resistant surface and, therefore, can be used for installing tiles. In case the wall is already prepped with a drywall or plaster, you may not need to add something new but instead go ahead and install the tiles especially for lightweight stone tiles.
Level the wall surface to check whether the wall is plumb or flat. Contractors tend to use a thick bed of mortar on irregular walls since this enables the creation of a flat surface that can support tiles. In do-it-yourself installations, choose the flattest fence to fix the structure.
Gather Tools and Materials
Installing natural stone tile requires specific tools and materials, including:
– Tile stone saw with diamond blade (for cutting)
– Trowel (used to spread the tile adhesive)
– Float grout (for smeared grout between two tile surfaces)
– Rubber grout float as used in leveling and final finishing of the grout.
– Shims and leveling devices
– Tile adhesive mortar
– Grout
– Grout sealer
– Tape measure
– Tile cutter
– Barrow with a spade for preparing mortar
– Grout sponge
– clean cloth and bucket
Installing the Tile
Once you have all supplies ready, follow these general steps:
- The mortar adhesive should be prepared by combining both parts A and B, as stated in the package. Float it over the wall surface using a notched trowel applied in a 45-degree position.
- Lay the first row of tiles right against the wall. Always make sure that you employ proper spacers that will determine the width of the grout line. Position the edge of a level on the tiles to ensure the tiles are horizontal and even. Adjust as needed.
- Trim tiles as required for edges and apertures. A tile saw is best used in making straight cuts, while a tile cutter is more appropriate for notches or curves.
- Press the tiles down to ensure that they are well embedded into the adhesive mortar. Ensure that tiles are correctly aligned and in the correct positions. Permit the mortar to set as per the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding to grout.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to mix the grout according to the content of the packaging. After application of the grout, the latter should be spread evenly over the tiles using a rubber grout float in such a way that it fills up the grout line spaces. Position the float at 45 degrees: move the figure in an eight shape.
- Clean the grout residue from tile faces by wiping the tiles diagonally using a damp sponge. Rinse the sponge frequently. Leave the grout to cure as directed by the manufacturer.
- Seal the grout to minimize the chances of it being stained.
- Apply a flexible caulk around tile and non-tile surfaces such as the ceiling or around corners.
Important Tips
Here are some additional tips to help your natural stone tile installation go smoothly:
– Read all manufacturer’s recommendations for mortars, grouts, and sealers on all packages.
– Lay out the tiles on the floor first as a way of deciding where they should be placed and how the cutting will be done.
– When working with natural stone tiles, especially the thin ones, it is advisable to handle them with a lot of caution to avoid cracking, chipping, or breaking.
– Make sure the wall and the tiles are immaculate during installation to avoid contamination from compromising the bonding process.
– Limit the amount of mortar or grout on the tile faces to minimize cleaning work during installation.
– The adhesive manufacturer may prescribe a range of room temperatures that should be maintained throughout tile cure time.
If well planned and prepared, natural stone tile of your choice can be installed on your wall for decades. Be patient and do not hesitate to consult professionals in case you face a problem while installing your system.
