Map out the Area

 

Depending on whether you need to tile the entire area or whether you are just adding tile for repair purposes, you must first make a careful plan. Tile squares typically come in four-inch by four-inch squares or in one-inch by one-inch squares. One-inch square tiles are more difficult to work with and need exact measurements, so I would not recommend that project for a novice. On the other hand, four inch squares can be measured and adjusted to fit most spaces. A leveler can be used to help keep your tiles in a straight and organized pattern. The tricky part is working around a faucet and knobs. The best way to map out this area is to create a template using paper, and then trace the areas on the actual tiles that need to be cut. You can use a marker to trace the lines on the back of the tile, so you won’t even see the markings once they are installed. If you don’t have the tools to cut the tile, your local hardware store will probably do it for you with their heavy machinery.

 

Apply Mastic

 

This is a simple but very important step in installing bathroom tile. Mastic is basically the glue that secures the tile to the wallboard. Mastic is the consistency of gooey paste and must be spread evenly with a tool like a trowel or with a gloved hand. Mastic has a fast drying time of about twenty to thirty minutes, so don’t spread the mastic on the whole surface area. Otherwise, your mastic will begin to dry before you ever get your tile in place. Using a knife or a trowel, make notches in the mastic in a criss-crossing motion before you begin to lay the tile. The mastic will look as if you have raked through it before you applied the square tiles.

 

Apply the Tiles

 

It is imperative that you begin the tiling process by starting at the top and working your way down. Gravity will cause a slight settling in the tile, so you will want to keep moving downward as you install the tile. You can press your tiles onto the mastic and align them with one another. You will need to press firmly and use a slight rotation of your hand to get the tile into its fitted position. Make sure that your tiles are flush with one another. At the end of each row of tile, place a square tile with a rounded edge to give a more polished look and a better surface for grouting. To ensure proper application and drying time, wait at least twenty-four hours before you begin to use the grout.

 

Apply the Grout

 

Grout is the “cement” that fills in the cracks between the square tiles once they have been secured to the mastic and dried completely. Grout is typically purchased in a sandy/powdery form, so you will have to mix it with water to retain the proper consistency. It is important that the grout mixture is the consistency of thick brownie batter (almost like a pudding). If it is too thick, it will not effectively fill in the gaps, but if it is too runny, it will just slide off the tile. There are rubber tools that can be used for the application, but I found using my hand to be the most effective. Please just make sure to wear some thick rubber gloves, or your hands will start to get sore, and the grout will start to dry on your hands. Apply the grout in a diagonal pattern to make sure all the cracks are filled completely. Don’t worry if you get some on the tiles because it will wash off…just wipe it off rather quickly with a wet sponge or rage so it doesn’t have time to dry and seal in place. After the grout has had about twelve hours of drying time, you can apply caulk to the bottom row of tiling and where the tile meets the wall. This will help to waterproof the entire area.