How to Install Slate Tiles on a Bathroom Wall

Slate bathroom tiles can make any bathroom look more elegant. Slate tiling has long been popular amongst builders and homeowners alike because it is relatively easy to install, highly durable and very attractive. There are all sorts of different colors and patterns available as well. The tiles normally come in one foot square dimensions, which is larger than many other tiles meaning that less work is involved in installing them. Be sure to get tiling that is water resistant and suitable for the job.

Step 1-Make Preparations

Before you begin, you will need to have a suitable wall surface upon which to fix the tiles. Cement board is ideal. In some cases, the surface may already be adequate for installing the tiles on. Be sure that this surface is completely level and as smooth as possible.

You should first establish the height of the tiling. Not normally does bathroom tiling extend to the ceiling. On the border, many designs have narrower, patterned tiles. You may want to define the border line so that you do not have to cut any tiles to fit vertically.

It is essential to thoroughly define the tile layout before beginning. You should make a horizontal line around the room. This line should correspond to a grouting joint, or gap between the layers of tiles. You should then mark a vertical line in the center of each wall, extending to the top of the area to be tiled.

Step 2-Installing the Tiles

Mix the slate adhesive as instructed to by the packaging. Do not mix more than you are likely to use in half an hour. 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 one below your horizontal reference line and to one side of the vertical reference line. Install the following tiles in a systematic manner. Be sure to use tile spaces between the tiles as this will help prevent them from slipping down before the adhesive is fully set. There should be two spacers placed in each vertical and horizontal gap between two tiles. Tile spacers also help to keep an even space for grouting as well as keep the lines evenly wide. Once you have complete the bottom rows of tiles, start on the upper section working with one small area at a time. When you need to cut tiles, use a specialized tile cutter.

Step 3-Sealing the Tiles

The tiles will need to be left for at least a day to set before you should 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 is complete, the new installation should be left for a couple of days before using the bathroom.