Learn How Easy It Is To Install Kitchen Tiles

By Matt Swanson


When redesigning your home, kitchen wall tiles are a fantastic option for giving that room a nice-looking face lift. A large number of styles and colors are available to pick from. Floor tiles usually are four inches square and are available in different price ranges. Take time to choose the right style that will be attractive as well as functional.

There is a wide selection of tiles to select from when doing a search online. Often you can find a much better deal by purchasing from a web business rather than from a physical store. To begin with you can look at the options 24 hours a day without any sales staff hovering over you.

The different kinds of wall tiles for kitchen backsplashes include glass tiles. It may be clear or tinted which will create a lovely twinkling effect when put in. Bubble and frosted glass tiles add a unique personality to the overall style. An additional type, glazed ceramic tiles are made from clay with a baked on glaze which gives them a shiny appearance.

Different kinds of clay are used to make mosaic tiles, and these are dyed with various pigments so the shade passes through the tile. If the tile is cracked, it's difficult to notice due to the continuous color. Vinyl tiles can also be found for those with limited funds, but great care must be taken with installation so that they will not peel and bubble.

It's not uncommon for novice do it yourself tile installers to set up floor tiles instead of kitchen wall tiles. Tiles for a wall are generally smoother than flooring and far slicker when wet. Generally, ceramic tiles are much heavier to resist visitors and furnishings. Wall tiles are more delicate as well as thinner.

The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) created a scale to reflect durability and strength of a particular tile. Floor tiles generally have a PEI rating of 3 (residential floors) to 5 (industrial heavy traffic). Wall tiles are rated from 0 to 2. The PEI rating should be printed on the box or you may contact the tile manufacturer to find out that data.

Setting up kitchen wall tiles is not as challenging as you might think. Start by patching holes and washing the wall down. If doing a mosaic, arrange the tiles without mortar for a desired pattern. You can cut tile with a wet saw to be sure it fits. When placed close to the wall, cut tiles are less noticeable.

Distribute a thin layer of mortar on the wall using a notched trowel for ridges. Place a tile on the wall and gently press it into the mortar. Put spacers between the tiles and be sure the tiles are level. After the mortar dries, take away the spacers and work the grout in between the tiles. After 15 minutes use water and sponge to cleanse the tile. Stand back and admire your work!




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