Intro - Materials - Surface Prep - Layout - Installing - Cut & Trim - Grout
Cutting Tile - Straight cuts
1. As you tile into the corners you'll need to be cutting tile as you go.
2. Measure accurately with a tape measure.
3. Most tile dealers can lend you a simple tile cutter. You can also rent a wet saw from your local equipment rental center.
4. When cutting with a non-power tile cutter, score the tile only once. Multiple scores will only dull the blade and create jagged edges on the tile. Place the breaking wings, located at the bottom of the handle, about 1/2" from either edge of the tile and slowly but firmly press down on the handle until the wings break the tile. If needed, smooth any rough edges with a tile sander.
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Cutting Shapes
Whenever you are cutting any tiles be sure to allow for the 1/8" grout line when getting your measurements.
Note: Cut tiles to fit around pipes and faucets after all the field tiles are laid.
Here are a few different ways to make more complicated cuts:
A) With tile nippers cut tiles to irregular shapes. Scoring cutoff line with a micro cutter helps. You might need to cut a tile in two so that the tile wraps around the plumbing.
B) With a wet tile saw (rented from your local equipment rental center) you can cut the tile with a series of cuts and then go over it with the blade to smooth it out.
If you are making a lot of complicated cuts it may be worth it to rent a diamond cut-off wheel like this at an equipment rental center or your tile dealer.
You can also use a saber saw with a carbide blade or, for small holes for plumbing pipes, you can use a tile cuffing attachment for your drill.
Installing the Trim Tiles
All the edges of the tiled area need to be finished off with quarter round edge and corner pieces. Simply butter the adhesive on the back of the tile and stick onto the wall the correct position.
Final Adjustments
Once you've laid the tiles and are waiting for the adhesive to set make any adjustments needed for correct alignment. Check to see if the tiles are fully set by trying to pull up a tile.
Clean off any adhesive that got left behind on the face of the tile and allow the adhesive to dry for 24 to 48 hours depending on the adhesive you used.
Also, while the adhesive is drying, remove any spacers that you used.
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