Tiling Walls
Step 1. Find the lowest point on the floor line. Set a tile on its edge 4mm above the floor. Allow the thickness of a grout line. Mark this point (see Diagram 1).
Step 2. Nail a straight batten at this mark and make level. Tack it into position leaving nails not fully hammered in so that they can be removed later.
Step 3. Set out a line of tiles, starting from the centre, to arrive at the best position for edges. Adjust so that equal width cut tiles are on each side or as required. Mark the start point (see Diagram 2).
Step 4. With plumb line or spirit level draw a vertical line up to top of wall. If you didn’t allow for the grout line when fixing the bottom, then fit spacers at the base of the bottom row of tiles
Step 5. Start tiling from the batten at the mark made for the first tile. Apply the tile adhesive by first laying into the wall and spreading with the flat side of the trowel to ensure good contact (see Diagram 3.)
Step 6. Then comb through the adhesive with the notched part of the trowel ensuring even spread. Hold trowel at about 60 degrees off horizontal. Cover no more than a square metre at one time.
Step 7. Start placing tiles by lining up the first one on the mark and bedding it into the adhesive with a firm push and twist. Do not slide them as this forces adhesive into the grout line and this must be cleaned out.
Step 8. Work along the bottom and use spacers to help get the correct layout. Check occasionally with a spirit level to ensure horizontal. Check also that the vertical line is being followed.
Step 9. Once adhesive has set firmly, usually 4 – 6 hours, remove the spacers, remove the batten and finish the bottom row and edges. Apart from the first bottom tile (1) the others will be cut.
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