Although installing porcelain tiles on bathroom walls may appear difficult, it is entirely possible to accomplish with the appropriate method. In addition to saving money, a lot of homeowners are deciding to take on this project themselves to give their place a unique touch.
This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the entire process, from choosing the appropriate tiles to making sure the finish looks polished. Regardless of your level of experience, you’ll discover useful advice that will simplify and speed up the process.
Let’s explore what you need know to properly install porcelain tiles on the walls of your bathroom, converting the area into a chic and long-lasting haven.
Step | Description |
1. Surface Preparation | Clean and level the wall surface, ensuring it’s free of dust, grease, and any loose material. |
2. Applying Primer | Apply a primer to the wall to improve adhesion of the tiles. |
3. Marking Guidelines | Use a level and pencil to draw horizontal and vertical guidelines on the wall to keep the tiles straight. |
4. Mixing Adhesive | Mix tile adhesive according to the manufacturer"s instructions until it has a smooth consistency. |
5. Applying Adhesive | Spread the adhesive evenly on the wall using a notched trowel. |
6. Laying the Tiles | Start laying the tiles from the bottom center of the wall, pressing them firmly into the adhesive. |
7. Cutting Tiles | Use a tile cutter to cut tiles to fit around edges, corners, and fixtures. |
8. Grouting | Once the adhesive is set, apply grout between the tiles using a rubber float. |
9. Cleaning the Tiles | Wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge before it hardens on the tile surface. |
10. Sealing the Grout | After the grout is completely dry, apply a grout sealer to protect it from moisture and stains. |
- Practical aesthetics: we cover the walls with porcelain tiles
- Practicality and characteristics
- Can it be laid on the wall and on the floor
- Adhesive for porcelain tiles on the wall: what should it be
- How to glue large porcelain tiles to walls
- Decorating walls with porcelain tiles: practical tips
- Video on the topic
- Laying tiles on the bathroom floor Repair in detail We build for ourselves
- How to lay tiles in the bathroom/kitchen YOURSELF without experience? Tips for beginners and answers to important questions
- Laying tiles in the bathroom with your own hands. Useful tips (PART 1)
Practical aesthetics: we cover the walls with porcelain tiles
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Kerogranite, also known as porcelain tiles, is an artificial finishing material that stands out for having a higher strength and resistance to wear. Porcelain tiles are a specially made mixture that includes clay, quartz sand, and other ingredients, as opposed to ceramic tiles, which are just fired clay plates. Although it is more frequently used as a floor covering, contemporary technologies enable the creation of aesthetically pleasing colors for wall cladding.
Practicality and characteristics
With the following qualities, this material is among the most sensible choices for finishing:
- Increased strength, including when bending at kV. m. , which allows laying on an uneven base.
- Wear resistance. Withstands long-term mechanical impact, thereby minimizing the possibility of scratches and chips. Does not lose its shine even with long-term use, resistant to ultraviolet exposure to sunlight. Does not react with chemicals.
- Frost resistance. Resistant to low temperatures.
- Thermal conductivity. Retains heat well when heated.
- Fire resistance. Resistant to high temperatures and exposure to open fire, which allows use in finishing fireplaces and stoves.
- Moisture resistance. The absorption properties of porcelain stoneware are extremely low.
When using porcelain stoneware to face walls
Ceramic granite wall décor is a relatively recent development in interior design. The use of porcelain stoneware for wall cladding is common because of its aesthetic qualities, specifically:
- similarity to eco-materials (marble, polished sandstone);
- resistance and depth of color;
- geometric constancy of the pattern.
When finishing walls with porcelain stoneware, the installer’s expertise, the adhesive mixture, and surface preparation are all called for.
It is possible to install porcelain tiles on bathroom walls yourself, and it is a simple process if you have the correct equipment and know how. This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the entire process, from wall preparation to tile placement and grout application, guaranteeing a long-lasting and polished finish.
Can it be laid on the wall and on the floor
Walls and floors alike can be finished with porcelain stoneware. Selecting the appropriate kind of material is essential for a long-lasting coating. Satin, semi-polished, and polished finishes are typically used on walls. It is best to use technical, structured, or matte for the floor.
Installing porcelain stoneware on the wall by yourself
More challenges arise when using porcelain stoneware for finishing works than when using tiles, so new artisans should thoroughly educate themselves on the subtleties and complexities of the procedure.
For non-professional finishers, material measuring 25 to 45 cm in width and up to 75 to 80 cm in length is preferable. It is hard to adjust smaller tiles, and special tools are needed for larger tiles to be temporarily fastened and gripped.
Not all surfaces are good candidates for cladding. The base needs to have extra load-bearing capacity equal to the material’s overall weight plus the adhesive mass layer, as well as a high degree of stability and resistance to shifting under the influence of outside influences. While the surface’s adhesive qualities are also significant, priming can address this issue.
Adhesive for porcelain tiles on the wall: what should it be
Porcelain tile adhesive mass has better elasticity and adherence. Choosing a glue for a job is dependent upon:
- type and properties of the base;
- operating conditions.
When finishing an external wall, the glue needs to be more resilient to temperature fluctuations and frost. Adhesion indicators are crucial, especially when working on smooth surfaces, given the weight of the material.
The following brands of adhesive mixture are suggested by experts:
- Vetonit Granit Fix French company Weber (manufactured in Russia). Used for fastening the material to horizontal and vertical surfaces, has increased frost resistance, which allows it to be used for external cladding. Has increased adhesion to materials with low absorbency: brick and concrete. In case of internal work, laying on plasterboard and plaster is possible.
- CeresitCM14Extra has German quality and durability indicators. Has a cement-mineral base with the inclusion of polymer modifying components. Suitable for working with kerosene granite of any weight. Has increased frost and heat resistance.
- HerculesGM-55 specialized adhesive mixture for porcelain stoneware. Suitable for external and internal finishing works. It has high adhesion rates.
How to glue large porcelain tiles to walls
The principles are the same for laying tiles of any size. However, the demands on the surface increase when dealing with large tiles; any irregularities must be absolutely level, as they will be highly visible and detract from the overall quality of the masonry.
When working with tiles larger than 600 by 600, the surface needs to be primed thoroughly, the wall needs to be measured, and any protruding irregularities need to be ground off.
Using a specialized spatula, the adhesive mixture is applied to the tiles, but you shouldn’t count on it because there is still only a 2-3 mm layer of glue underneath each tile. Thus, when doing work, the flatness of the base receives the most attention. The material’s protruding portions are tapped with a hammer to further distribute the adhesive mixture underneath the slabs.
When working with large porcelain tiles, glue is applied to both the tile and the base for added strength.
Decorating walls with porcelain tiles: practical tips
Working with porcelain tiles follows the same fundamental ideas as working with other types of tiles. However, there are a few distinctions that you should become acquainted with before beginning work.
- When buying, you need to pay attention to the end part of the material. An indicator of quality is the case when it does not differ from the front surface of the tile, except for structured and satin varieties.
- Porcelain tiles are difficult to cut. At home, a grinder is often used. If the finishing involves a large volume of cut tiles, it is better to order this service from specialists with the necessary equipment. This will save time, effort and nerves, and also protect against possible damage to the material.
- To temporarily secure the laid rows, you can use masking tape.
- Some craftsmen in exceptional cases attach porcelain stoneware with self-tapping screws – in the case when the caps are hidden, for example, behind furniture. This option is justified as an alternative to laying large tiles on an adhesive mixture, but from the point of view of aesthetics and quality, this option loses.
Porcelain tiles are less common than regular ceramic tiles for wall decoration. Simultaneously, the only more difficult step is positioning the large plates. Furthermore, porcelain stoneware can be used to execute exquisite and unique design projects due to its resemblance to noble finishing materials of natural origin.
It is totally feasible to install porcelain tiles on the walls of your bathroom, and if done properly, it can be a very satisfying project. You can achieve a polished finish that gives your bathroom durability and style with meticulous planning, attention to detail, and the appropriate tools.
You can manage this project on your own, saving money on labor expenses and getting the satisfaction of finishing a home improvement project yourself, by following the step-by-step instructions. Just keep in mind to measure carefully, take your time, and make sure every tile is firmly in place.
Porcelain tiles are a great option for both functional and aesthetic upgrades to bathrooms because of their strength and visual appeal. All it will take is a little perseverance and effort to have a stunning bathroom wall that looks great for years to come.