How to Install Slate Tiles on a Bathroom Wall

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  • 40 hours
  • Advanced
  • 2500
What You'll Need
Slate tiles
Slate adhesive
Slate tile grout
Sponge
Trowel
Tile spacers
Tile cutter
Measuring tape
Chalk line or 4-foot level
Marker pen
Silicone sealant and sealant gun
Slate sealer
What You'll Need
Slate tiles
Slate adhesive
Slate tile grout
Sponge
Trowel
Tile spacers
Tile cutter
Measuring tape
Chalk line or 4-foot level
Marker pen
Silicone sealant and sealant gun
Slate sealer

Slate bathroom tiles can make any bathroom look more elegant. Slate tiling has long been popular among builders and homeowners alike because it is relatively easy to install, highly durable, and very attractive.

There many colors and patterns available. The tiles can come in all shapes and sizes such as the rectangular 12 x 12-inch dimensions, which is larger than many other tiles, meaning that less work is involved to install them. Be sure to get tiling that is water-resistant and suitable for the job.

stone wall surfaces

Step 1 - Make Preparations

Before you begin, you need a suitable wall surface upon which to fix the tiles. The cement boards are ideal for this although in some cases, the surface may already be adequate for installing the tiles. Be sure that this surface is completely flat and as smooth as possible.

You should first establish the height of the tiling. Bathroom tiles do not normally extend to the ceiling. Many designs have narrower, patterned tiles along the border. Define the borderline so that you do not have to cut any tiles to fit vertically.

Thoroughly define the tile layout before beginning. Make a horizontal line around the room. This line should correspond to a grouting joint. Mark a vertical line in the center of each wall, extending to the top of the area to be tiled. Although the installation of slate tile is similar to that of ceramic tile, it is difficult to cut and very brittle like all other natural stones and should be done with special tools.

Step 2 - Installing the Tiles

Make sure you keep safe during the installation and take all the necessary precautions before handling the materials and the tools. Wear your safety glasses, a particle mask, and work gloves.

Mix the slate adhesive according to the packing instructions. Do not mix more than you are likely to use in 30 minutes. Start by tiling the bottom half of the bathroom walls. Apply a layer of adhesive on the underside of each tile and place the first tile below your horizontal reference line to the side of the vertical reference line.

Install the following tiles in a systematic manner. Use tile spacers to create an adequate gap between the tiles to keep them from slipping down before the adhesive is fully set. There should be 2 spacers placed in each vertical and horizontal gap between the tiles.

Tile spacers also help to keep an even space for grouting. Once you have completed the bottom rows of tiles, start on the upper section working with a single small area at a time. Use a specialized tile cutter to make any cuts.

Step 3 - Sealing the Tiles

The tiles will need to be left for 24 hours before you grout them. Purchase an appropriate waterproof sealant and apply it to the gaps between the tiles, removing any excess away from the surfaces of the tiles with a damp sponge. When this step is complete, the new installation should be left for several days before using the bathroom.