Tiling a Kitchen

A tiled kitchen should look clean and beautiful. Kitchen tiling can be the difference between having a kitchen that is ordinary and one that is exceptional. If you are looking for a beautiful new kitchen, then tiling will give you the kitchen of your dreams.
 
Before You Start
There are a few things to consider before you start with your kitchen tile project.
 
The first is what type of tiles will look best in the area you have selected for the new kitchen. There are many different styles and colours available, so you should be able to find a style that will fit into your existing design theme. If you don't have a theme, then start one and build as the kitchen is being tiled.
 
Another thing to consider is whether or not it would be beneficial to have floor tiles rather than wall tiles. Floor tiles are sometimes easier to install, but they are also more expensive. You should decide which option will work for your budget. If you are not planning on having carpet in the kitchen, then floor tiles are probably the best option.
 
The last thing you need to consider is how much grout you will need. Before purchasing any tiles, you should first see if they come with enough grout for your project. If it turns out that you will need more than what came with the tiles, then you should purchase that as well.
 
Careful consideration of any one or more of these factors can make all the difference to your tiling project. Just remember to keep an eye out for small details so you do not run into problems during installation.
 
Where should you start when tiling a kitchen?  
First, decide if you want to tile the floor or the walls. Tile floors are easier because they can be tiled directly onto concrete or plywood, whereas tiles on walls need to be attached to the wall studs before installation.
 
Once you've decided which to do, consider how much work it will take and what kind of grout you need to get. Most people will do the walls, and grout used for walls is much easier to clean than that used on floors.
 
You might take a while making your decision but it's worth spending some time here because what you choose at this stage will affect your entire project.
 
How should you prepare a kitchen wall for tile?
To tile a kitchen wall, the first thing you have to do is remove all wallpaper, which should be simple enough. Then, if necessary, fill in any cracks or holes so that the surface is even and smooth.
 
Make sure it's completely dry before tiling because water might damage your walls later on. This could give you trouble with your tiles, and not only might they come loose, but mould growth is also a possibility.
 
Another important step is to wipe down the walls with an oil-free solution to ensure your kitchen tiles will stick properly.
 
After that, you must first attach a mastic layer on the wall that's about a quarter of an inch deep. You should aim for a uniform layer across the entire wall.
 
This will bind all the tiles to the wall and keep them from falling off. Once your mastic is done, it's time to start tiling.
 
Where should you start when tiling a wall?
It's usually easiest to start on the side of the room that's adjacent to a door or window. You can then work your way into the middle of the room, knowing that if you need to cut some tiles along the way, you can always do it in an unobtrusive space like near a corner.
 
Should you put adhesive on tile or wall?
You only want the adhesive on the wall. If you were to put it on the tile, it wouldn't stick together or to the wall.
 
Also, make sure you don't mix up your tiles when putting them in boxes for storage. It can seem like a bit of an undertaking at first but tiling is actually fairly easy once you get the hang of it. It's nice to be able to say you did some tiling on your own.
 
Should you tile before or after fitting a kitchen?
You should tile after constructing your kitchen. You need to have cabinets in place so you know where there are no electrical wires or pipes. Remember to buy more tiles than you think you'll need, just in case some break during installation.
 
How do I prepare the bottom of my tiles for sticking?
It's important that the base of the tile is smooth and flat. Use a nail file to make sure there are no bumps or ridges, as these will show through your tiles.
 
Tiling the floor of the kitchen first will make it much easier, as now you can stand on your tiled floor while sticking each new row of tiles.
 
How do you finish kitchen tile edges?
If your tiles don't have a finished edge, you need to make sure it's cut off perfectly straight and at a 90-degree angle.
 
Get some tile adhesive and apply it around the edge of the kitchen where you're finishing off the tiling.
 
How do you stick down bathroom tiles?
Apply grout to your bathroom floor with a grout spreader, then lay your tiles. You can use spacers to make sure the tiles are evenly spaced as you lay them.
 
You can remove all traces of dust from your tiles with a dry brush as you're laying them down.
 
Once all the tiles are laid, leave things for an hour or 2 so that the adhesive can set.
 
Once it has, sweep away any excess from the tiles and give them a good wipe over with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue from the adhesive.
 
Finally, once all that's done, apply the grout to your bathroom floor with a grout spreader, then lay your tiles. You can use spacers to make sure the tiles are evenly spaced as you lay them.
 
You can remove all traces of dust from your tiles with a dry brush as you're laying them down. Once all the tiles are laid, leave things for an hour or 2 so that the adhesive can set.
 
Can you start tiling in a corner?
No. Tiles need to be laid from a corner and cannot overlap into the next wall.
 
This means that corners need to be cut away before you start tiling, either with a tile cutter or grinder depending on what's required at your house.
 
Once it has, sweep away any excess adhesive from the tiles and give everything 2 days to dry.
 
Very important to note that If you walk or stand on the tiles immediately after laying them, it will push all the dust out from underneath them and leave marks across your floor.
 
Is it hard to tile a kitchen?
No. While anyone can tile a kitchen with enough time, patience and hard work it is definitely worth hiring a professional if you are not confident in your abilities.