How to lay ceramic tiles on the walls in the kitchen with your own hands: how to lay an apron, on even walls, execution techniques

Ceramic tile installation is a satisfying do-it-yourself project that can completely change your kitchen. Even if you’re new to tiling, you can still achieve a polished finish with the appropriate method. Knowing the fundamentals—from priming the walls to selecting the appropriate tools—is crucial.

Making a tile apron—a decorative and protective area behind your stove and sink—is one of the most popular uses. At first, this task might seem overwhelming, but with the right direction, it’s definitely doable. For an easy installation, make sure your walls are level before you begin.

Throughout the process, this guide will walk you through each step and provide you with useful tips and techniques to help you lay tiles like a pro. These steps will help to make the task of tiling a kitchen, no matter how big or small, manageable and enjoyable.

Relevance of tiles on walls

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Using tiles in the kitchen will be the right choice because of their listed benefits. This material fits into any interior design style, from minimalism to country, thanks to its wide range of colors, textures, and sizes. When cooking, tiles will shield against splashes of oil, hot steam, and water. Due to the ease of cleaning of the tiles, the apron surrounding the work surfaces will be elegant and spotless.

What tiles can be laid in the kitchen

Any type of ceramic tile can be used to adorn the walls and kitchen apron in the kitchen. When making a decision, heed the advice of experts to prevent mistakes:

• tiles are chosen after you have decided on the style and color scheme of the kitchen set and other elements of the kitchen interior;
• Buy a tile with a margin of 10-15% in case of battle when laying, circumcision;
• The required amount of tile is calculated by the master who will deal with it. The seller in the cabin does not see the walls and features of the space, the calculation will be inaccurate;
• The size of the tiles is selected for the size of the apron. A large ceramic format in a small kitchen looks losing.

Tiles are used for aprons more frequently:

1. Size 10×10. It requires less trimming, it is easier to lay if there are many angles and bends of the surface.
2. Clinker tiles, or boar. Appropriate in any style-loft, classic, country, art deco, minimalism and other styles.
3. Real mosaic from 1×1 cm to 5×5 cm, or imitation with recesses creating the effect of sutures between slices of mosaics.
4. Medium format tiles – 15×15, 20×20, 20×30, 25×30 cm.

Feel free to choose an alternative that best suits your needs if the room’s dimensions or interior features demand it.

Using picture tiles to adorn the walls would be an audacious choice, for instance. This is a handmade ceramic tile featuring a printed picture.

DIY technique options

There are several ways to lay tiles on walls. Most frequently employed:

• “seam to seam” – the tiles are laid in rows strictly one above the other, this is a classic method of laying;
• “in a run-up” – the second row of tiles is shifted in relation to the first so that the seams between the tiles of the second row are above the center of the tiles of the first row, this is repeated in each subsequent row;
• “diagonally” is a labor-intensive method that requires careful marking of diagonals and cutting of tiles;
• “chess” – combine tiles of two contrasting colors;
• “modular grid” – use three or more tiles of different shapes and sizes, distributing them randomly horizontally and vertically.

One of these methods is used to lay the tiles; occasionally, a room will use more than one method to highlight different zones.

Ceramic tile installation on kitchen walls may appear difficult at first, but anyone can accomplish a polished look with the correct planning and methods. This post will walk you through every step of the process, from choosing the appropriate supplies and equipment to providing detailed instructions for installing tiles on straight walls. It also offers advice on how to make an eye-catching and long-lasting kitchen apron or backsplash. Whether you’re a novice or an avid do-it-yourselfer, you’ll find useful guidance to help you approach this project with assurance.

How to glue ceramic tiles on the wall in the kitchen

There are some general guidelines for laying ceramic tiles in various rooms and surfaces.

1. A laying plan is made. The required number of tiles is calculated, taking into account trimming, breakage.
2. Prepare the walls for laying.
3. Remove old coatings. If necessary, the walls are leveled. Then they are primed for better adhesion (bonding) of the tiles to the wall.
4. Next, they begin laying the tiles.

How to lay an apron

First, ascertain the apron’s height. This is the 60–70 cm gap that exists between the kitchen countertop and the hanging cabinets. The apron height is adjusted to prevent needless trimming, and a complete tile appears better than two halves.

Starting two to three centimeters below the work surface, the first row of tiles is laid. Launched at the same distance beneath the wall cabinets is the final row.

1. On the prepared wall, using a level, draw a horizontal line for the start of the first row. A metal profile or wooden block is attached to the wall under this line. This support will prevent the tile from sliding down under its own weight.
2. Laying tiles begins from the middle of the wall, from the most visible central place, moving from the center to the edges.
3. Mix the adhesive solution immediately before laying. Follow the instructions on the package. Pour the dry component into the water, stir until smooth. Let stand for 10-15 minutes. Mix again.
4. Use a notched trowel to apply the adhesive solution to the wall or tile, whichever is more convenient. Apply to the wall, resting the lower edge on the profile, press evenly. Tap with a rubber mallet to release excess air.
5. Mounting crosses are placed at the upper and lower corners of the tile, which regulate the thickness of the seam.

Do inter-tile joints have a purpose? Indeed. High temperatures cause tiles to expand, which prevents cracking. They also make up for mismatched tile sizes.

1. Apply glue to the next tile. Repeat the steps as with the first. In this way, lay out the entire first row. Don"t forget about the crosses between the fragments.
2. After gluing ten tiles, remove excess glue with a damp cloth. If this is not done, the dried solution will be difficult to remove.
3. The second row begins after the first one has completely dried. This is in a day.
4. Having finished gluing all the rows, let the masonry dry. Then tap with a mallet in search of a dull sound, which indicates emptiness. Such an element is removed and glued again, carefully applying the adhesive composition to the tile.
5. The next step is to wipe the tile from the remains of glue and begin grouting the seams with fugue. Don"t forget to remove the crosses.
6. Vertical and horizontal joints are filled with grout using a silicone spatula. An hour later, after the grout has dried, the seams are leveled.
7. After filling the seams, give two hours for the grout to dry completely. Remove the remains of the grout with sweeping movements using a kitchen sponge. Wipe with a dry rag, only then wash. This will leave fewer streaks from the grout.

Remember to turn the support profile off.

How to glue on a flat wall

There are no special laying techniques required if you plan to tile a flat wall. It is sufficient to prime the walls before laying the tiles according to the directions.

How to properly glue on concrete without leveling

Generally, concrete surfaces don’t need to be leveled. However, their adhesion is weak. A metal plaster mesh is affixed to the concrete surface to ensure optimal adhesion.

The second method involves carefully priming the concrete surface with "Betonokontakt" before placing ceramics on it. The product takes 12 to 18 hours to dry. They then begin to tile.

How to lay on plasterboard

Tiling up plasterboard walls is done after priming.

When installing tiles on plasterboard surfaces, the only distinction is that the adhesive solution layer needs to be as thin as feasible. By doing this, the plasterboard will be under less stress.

The second distinction is that the tile cannot be altered or removed once it has been adhered. A piece of plasterboard and the ceramics will come off during disassembly. Adhere the tiles carefully and completely right away.

How to lay tiles on the wall in the kitchen: tips on how to lay quickly

Using high-quality instruments and a unique adhesive solution will expedite the tile-laying process.

The ceramic laying process will go more quickly if the adhesive solution is applied to a wall that is the same size as three to four tiles. The pieces just need to be taken and pressed one by one against the wall.

The unique clamping system The Raimondi Levelling System helps level multiple tiles in a single plane and fastens them together. The tiles do not need to be aligned in the plane thanks to these wedges and clamps.

Pay attention to how the ceramics are combined with other finishing touches, furniture, and accessories when you decorate the kitchen walls. Purchase the materials from reliable vendors, adhere to the installation guidelines, and the end result will be a warm and inviting home that speaks to the senses.

Installing ceramic tiles on the walls of your kitchen is a satisfying do-it-yourself project that improves the look and feel of your room. You don’t need to hire a contractor to get a professional-looking result if you take your time and follow the correct procedures.

Paying close attention to detail is essential, from wall preparation to precise tile placement. Throughout the process, be sure to measure precisely, use the right tools, and exercise patience. Your time and effort will be rewarded with a stunning and long-lasting kitchen wall.

Recall that practice makes perfect. Don’t let little errors deter you from laying tiles, even if it’s your first time. With perseverance and meticulous work, you can design a kitchen area that is both aesthetically pleasing and durable for regular use.

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