How To Apply Stone Tile To Wall

Make sure you use an adhesive that is suitable for natural stone installation.

How to apply stone tile to wall.

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. Apply a 1 2 inch layer of mortar to the wall where the first stone is being installed. Let the mixture stand for 5 to 10 minutes then mix it again without adding more water.

It just takes time. The preferred method for tile installations is to use a sheet of underlayment. Mark the wall at the top of the tile. Begin in one of the lower corners of the wall place the stone against the wall twisting it slightly as you.

Then use the mixer attachment to your drill to get the right consistency. Hold a tile at this spot accounting for a 1 8 inch expansion gap. This line serves as your cutting guide to fit tile along the counter. You start by spreading your adhesive on the wall.

Gradually add the thin set powder mixing it thoroughly. For the average small wall tiles which are currently popular you will want to use a 1x4 square notch trowel. 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. If you find a dip in a wall flatten it by screeding a layer of setting type joint compound over it as shown here.

For wall installations plywood is overkill beneath the concrete or fiber board which is designed in five eighths inch material for wall settings. Draw a plumb line at the center of the back wall then measure over to the side to see how many tiles will fit. Then use a level to extend the line along the work area. Let the joint compound or thin set harden and you re ready to set tile.

For floors or walls in wet areas use thin set instead of joint compound. 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. To see where the tile will end at the top of the installation make a jury stick. Test a tile to make sure the mortar is mixed and spread correctly.

Clean the metal surface to get rid of any dirt oil grease or other contaminates. If possible you should always use concrete board underlayments rather than plywood. Mortar a small spot and then place a tile. Tiling itself is actually quite an easy process especially with this tile.

Before you begin tiling check the surface with a straightedge.