How to Install Wall Tiles to Transform Your Space? +5 Advantages

Wall tiles are a decorative element that architects and constructors have known and used since the beginning of civilization; the earliest decorative wall tiles were found in Egypt, while other early examples can be found in the Mesopotamian, Greek, and Roman ancient buildings. There are reasons why wall tiles are favored by such great civilizations’ builders—they are strong, durable, versatile, and can be applied in different spaces including both interior and exterior ones. 

Courtesy of Mosa for Ceramic Tiles Production

In our modern-day, wall tiles are a never-ending trend. They are now available in different sizes, shapes, colors, and materials. Their versatility gives them the potential to keep up with all kinds of interior design trends—a Japanese designer actually created self-illuminating wall tiles! More than being versatile, they are also extremely functional. Wall tiles are easy to clean and care for, hence they are a perfect fit for high-traffic areas that attract moisture and dirt. 

Arch2O curated for architects a detailed guide for wall tiles installation and advantages.

Where are wall tiles used?

Wall tiles can be applied in almost all types of spaces, but they are mostly found in the following:

1. Kitchens
2. Bathrooms
3. Parking lots
4. Subway stations

Courtesy of Mandarin Ston

How to install wall tiles? a step-by-step guide:

These three pictures should be in a collage picture

Courtesy of Hanse Ceramic Tiles

Courtesy of Hanse Ceramic Tiles

Courtesy of Hanse Ceramic Tiles

Courtesy of Hanse Ceramic Tiles

• Soak Tiles

All tiles should be soaked before they’re installed. The reason behind this is to make the wall tiles absorb the maximum water they are supposed to, so they will not absorb more water from the cement mortar. This procedure will create seamless connections between the tiles and the cement and help install the tiles properly.

• Treat the Wall

The base layer of the wall for tiles should be treated before installation. The wall surface should be leveled and evened, then it should be cleaned to leave out all dust and stains.

• Use the Elevation Control Line

Before installing wall tiles, it is important to use the elevation control line on the wall to carefully control the size of each tile. To apply all the tiles in one step without encountering problems, it is better to pave in advance. According to Hance Ceramic Tiles, you should look at the overall effect, if there is any inappropriate place that can be adjusted in advance. Especially in the place where the tile needs to be cut.

• Mix the Binder

Add the proper amount of water into the binder and mix evenly. The binder should then be placed for 5 to 10 minutes then stirred again for one to two minutes before applying. Alongside adhesives, you can also mix cement mortar to lay wall tiles.

• Fix the Tiles on the Wall

Wall tiles should be installed from bottom to top and from left to right. When you reach the external corners for doors or windows, start from their sides.

Pave and paste one tile at a time. You should first apply and uniform the adhesive on the back of the tile, then paste it on the wall and use the rubber hammer to tap the tile to make sure the adhesive sticks firmly on the wall. The next tile is fixed after the previous one is leveled.

• Apply Grouting

After installing, wall tiles should be cured for 24 hours and then the grout should be sealed. People actually favor grouting because it can make the wall look more decorative and elegant. Moreover, the grout seam is waterproof and makes the wall tiles easier to clean.

5 Advantages of Wall Tiles

• They come in different sizes and shapes.

  

  copyright Trendenseres 2019

The size of the tile you choose will affect the desired overall look of the wall as much as the design and finish. The good news is there is a wide range of options to choose from. However, common practice follows a series of regular sizes and shapes that are specified; mostly square or rectangular, but other options are available if you look well enough. 

Wall tiles are thinner than floor tiles, and they come in squares from 3 inches by 3 inches up to 6 inches by 6 inches. While mosaic shapes are 2 inches square or smaller. Larger tiles will look more seamless because of the fewer grout lines, hence they make small-sized rooms look larger.

• And different materials!

  

  Courtesy of Nyla Free Designs Inc.

Wall tiles come in a wide range of materials as well, including ceramic and porcelain as the most popular ones, natural and artificial stone, metal, glass, or various types of clay. Wood is an option too, but a less popular one.

• Wall tiles are durable and easy to maintain.

They can be cleaned easily because dirt, dust, and liquids can be wiped away. Smooth and glazed surfaces are easier to clean than unglazed and textured ones. 

Moreover, some tiles can be provided with a water-proof barrier to function perfectly in areas where there is excess moisture like kitchens and bathrooms. Wall tiles are durable and hardwearing and can last for generations.

• Wall tiles are cost-effective.

Courtesy of Mosa for Ceramic Tiles Production

Tiles are as affordable as it gets. You could regulate your budget according to your pocket. Tiles also act as the more affordable substitute for expensive materials. If you love marble, but don’t want to use it as your flooring option for its disadvantages, tiles will come to your rescue. Simply pick the ones that look like marble floors. The same is true of wooden-floor look-alike tiles too.

• They are moisture resistant

Courtesy of Archiproducts

This is possibly the best feature tiles have. They are almost impervious to the effects of water, hence widely used in bathrooms, kitchens, and even floors. No other building material in the same price range and in the same aesthetic category can boast the same. Even marble is porous!