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We think it’s a shame that some people don’t attach much importance to the design and decoration of their bathroom. They prefer to spend most of their budget on the living room and bedrooms. However, there are ways of considerably reducing the cost of the work. One of these is to lay your own floor covering. To help you, we’re going to describe the steps and the type of installation for wall tiles.
Start by choosing your bathroom tiles
Choosing your bathroom tiles shouldn’t be haphazard. You may choose it for its aesthetic appeal and the look you want, but don’t forget that it also has another function. It protects the walls from splashes and damp. So above all, opt for quality materials.
The porcelain stoneware offered by Novoceram is exceptional and easy to maintain. It is extremely waterproof and highly resistant to various chemical, mechanical and physical agents. Our tiles also offer a wide range of decorative possibilities. You’ll find tiles with a parquet effect, imitation concrete, marble, stone, etc. You can also choose a matt or gloss finish. We also offer these tiles in rectified format.
Then get the right tools for successful installation
Whether you’re a DIY expert or a first-timer, the most important thing you can do to make the job easier is to be well equipped. With the right equipment in your possession, you’ll find the whole operation very simple. Here’s what we think you’ll need:
- Pencil, tape measure and spirit level
- Wooden battens
- Mortar glue
- Notched spatula and trowel
- Self-levelling spacers
- Rubber mallet
- Ready-made joint compound
- A tile cutter, parrot tongs or angle grinder (depending on the cuts you make).
Now it’s time to prepare your surface
Start by protecting the floor, especially if it already has a covering. Next, you’ll need to carry out a very careful analysis of your surface. First, you’ll need to study the humidity in your room to see if it has caused fungi to proliferate. Inspect your bathroom walls. You’ll need to spot any cracks and, of course, seal them if they are present.
Once you’ve freed your surface of all worries, clean it thoroughly to rid it of any roughness or grease that could cause your tiles to fail. At this stage, you can apply a coat of plaster followed by a coat of primer.
There’s also a very useful tip to follow when laying shower tiles: use water-repellent tiles to protect the wall from water and heat.
It’s time for the final decision: horizontal or vertical installation for your bathroom wall tiles?
Wondering which way to lay your bathroom wall tiles? You can lay your rectangles either horizontally or vertically. The choice will depend on what you’re looking for. Just note that if you want to enlarge your bathroom, it’s best to opt for horizontal installation. This gives your space a much larger dimension than it really is.
The same question applies to the installation of the frieze. We suggest that you install it vertically if you’re looking to give your home a modern feel.
At this stage, don’t forget to prepare the installation plan
Have you ever heard of layout planning? It involves drawing up a plan like a jigsaw puzzle to work out where each earthenware or porcelain stoneware tile will be laid. You need to get started if you want to succeed. Otherwise, you risk ending up with a very rough finish. Your study must take into account the size of your tiles, the height of your walls, the layout of the bath, shower and WC…
Once you’ve finished the calculation and you have a very clear idea of the layout of your tiles, you’ll probably have to cut some of them. This will ensure that the wall covering is laid perfectly. Then, using a notched trowel, start to coat the walls with a layer of adhesive mortar.
It’s time to stick the tiles down and take care of the joints
Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived. Now that your tiles are neatly organised according to your layout, all you have to do is lay a cleat on the wall and stick your first tile in place. You can fix it in place with the rubber mallet. Don’t tap too hard to avoid moving the tiles. Place a spacer between each two tiles.
Once the first row is in place, use the spirit level to check that the wall surface is level. Note that you should remove the braces well before the mortar glue dries. This will ensure that the joints are neat and tidy.
FAQ
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about bathroom wall tiles.
How do I prepare the adhesive mortar?
It’s simple: you need to combine the mortar powder with water. Follow the proportions given on the packet. Then use a trowel or electric mixer to avoid lumps. Bear in mind that you’ll need to leave the mortar to stand for a while to benefit from its sticky properties.
What colour wall tiles for a small bathroom?
Given your need to visually enlarge your small bathroom, it’s important to lay the tiles horizontally and decorate the room in light colours. If white is glossy, it will create the illusion of volume and depth.
