Luke


<p>Let’s face it, mouldy bathroom tiles and cracked kitchen splashbacks are eyesores that are easy to ignore. Tucked away behind the shower curtain or the faucet, tiling is often low on a DIYer’s to-do list. But with the right tools and preparation, any home handyman can spruce up these unsightly spaces, adding value to your home in the process.</p>



<p>Here at Buildiro, we want to help you make the most of your time indoors. That’s why we’ve launched a new blog series, Lockdown DIY. Each week we’ll feature a new DIY hack, from preparing for a paint job to readying your balcony for home gardening. At the end we’ll even offer up a gear list that you can access via Buildiro Direct, our new hardware home-delivery service for London postcodes.</p>



<p>This week on Lockdown DIY: tiling your walls.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2021/12/shutterstock_1961594773-_1_.webp" alt="This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is shutterstock_1961594773-_1_.webp"/></figure>



<p><strong>Tools needed:</strong> </p>



<ul><li>Tile cutter</li><li>Tile spacers</li><li>Tile adhesive </li><li><a href="https://buildiro.com/category/grouts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grout</a></li><li><a href="https://buildiro.com/autocomplete/grinder" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grinder</a> </li><li>Trowel </li><li>Spirit level </li><li>Sponge</li></ul>



<p><strong>Step 1: Wall Preparation</strong></p>



<p>The first order of business to installing fresh tiles is readying the surface. While it’s possible to tile over everything from cement to brick, failing to smooth out imperfections on the base layer will cause your adhesive to fail, reducing the lifespan of your work. So, before you grab your trowel, you need to do the following:</p>



<ul><li>Remove any loose plaster, wallpaper, or hardware.</li><li>Fill dings and cracks with wall filler. For larger cracks, apply filler in layers, allowing each layer to dry in between applications.</li></ul>



<p>Remove dust and dirt; wipe down walls with a damp cloth and allow to dry. To make sure your wall is 100% ready for tiling, we would recommend to paint it with&nbsp;<a href="https://buildiro.com/product/ean/5029347602680/Everbuild_506_Contractors_PVA_5L">PVA</a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="How to tile a floor or wall, A beginner’s Guide" width="1300" height="731" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9usbyWIhQDI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p><strong>Step 2: Levelling</strong></p>



<p>Next, you’ll need to smooth out the surface. If you don’t have a professional level handy, a long piece of flat lumber will do the trick. Slide the lumber over the surface, checking for bumps or rough patches. Anything less than 3 mm is okay, but larger imperfections must be smoothed down with&nbsp;<a href="https://buildiro.com/autocomplete/sand%20paper">sandpaper</a>&nbsp;or a&nbsp;<a href="https://buildiro.com/category/power-tools-sanders">sander</a>. Although this can be time consuming, skipping this step could cause your adhesive to fail.</p>



<p><strong>Step 3: Plan Your Project</strong></p>



<p>Now comes the fun part: piecing your project together. After measuring out your surface area, count how many tiles you’ll need to do the job. Add another 10% to your order to ensure you have enough materials in case some break. It’s also good to store a few more in your closest – especially for tiles that are patterned – for repairs down the road. Like any consumer product, tastes change over time, and it could be difficult to find the same tiles when you need them for replacements.</p>



<p>Now, unbox the tiles and start arranging them on the countertop or floor as they will appear on the wall. Then, with a marker, put a line where the middle tile will go. Move the tiles aside and ready the&nbsp;<a href="https://buildiro.com/autocomplete/trowel">trowel</a>.</p>



<p class="has-background" style="background-color:#f1dc7c"><strong>FYI</strong>: Can I put tile directly on the wall? Ensure that the area you are working with is even and without dust or dirt, as well as being dry. Prior to attaching the tiles, if the surface is properly prepared it will be easy to apply the adhesive and set the new tiles in place.</p>



<p><strong>Step 4: Choose Your Adhesive</strong></p>



<p>Choosing the correct adhesive is essential to a successful tiling job. Generally, adhesives come in two varieties:</p>



<ul><li><a href="https://buildiro.com/category/tile-adhesives/ready-mixed">Ready-mix pastes. A good choice for DIYers, this option is great for smaller interior wall-tiling projects, including bathtubs, kitchen splashbacks, and utility rooms.</a></li><li><a href="https://buildiro.com/category/tile-adhesives/rapid-set">Powdered adhesives.</a> These come in bags and require mixing with water, an extra step that leads to a stronger bond. Pros typically opt for this variety.</li></ul>



<p>When deciding what option to choose, consider the job you’re doing and on what surface. For example, when tiling smaller tiles (less than 30 x 30 cm) to plasterboard, ready-mix adhesives work well. For bigger tiles, or any size of porcelain, a powdered adhesive is necessary. The powdered option is also the only choice when doing floors. And for any project that will get wet, be sure the adhesive is waterproof.</p>



<p><strong>Step 5: Paste down, tile away</strong></p>



<p>With the adhesive selected and the wall prepped, now it’s time to dig out your trowel and lay down the paste. Smooth out the adhesive with the straight edge of the trowel first, and then use the notched edge to score the wet stuff in the direction that the tiles will be placed.</p>



<p>Next, apply the first tile at the bottom of the wall in the position you marked earlier. Once you have it lined up properly, push down on each corner to set it, and then apply a tile spacer to create the gap between the adjacent tile. Once you’ve completed the bottom row, move on to the second. After all your tiles are set, wipe off any excess adhesive with a damp sponge.</p>



<h2>FAQ</h2>



<div class="schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block"><div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1676276478213"><strong class="schema-faq-question">Is it easy to tile a wall yourself?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Tiling a wall is a DIY project that can be tackled by anyone with basic handyman skills and some patience. Whether you&#8217;re a seasoned DIYer or a beginner, tiling a wall is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few steps.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1676276548167"><strong class="schema-faq-question">What are the steps to tiling a wall?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">1. Prepare the wall surface<br/>2. Measure the wall<br/>3. Plan the tile layout<br/>4. Apply the adhesive<br/>5. Install the tiles<br/>6. Cut the tiles as needed<br/>7. Allow the adhesive to dry<br/>8. Grout the tiles<br/>9. Seal the grout</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1676276675522"><strong class="schema-faq-question">Do you need to prime walls before tiling?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">In most cases, it is recommended to prime walls before tiling. Priming helps to prepare the wall surface for tiling, ensuring that the tiles adhere properly and reducing the risk of the tiles separating from the wall over time.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1676276750817"><strong class="schema-faq-question">Can I tile over a painted wall?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Yes, you can tile over a painted wall, but there are a few things to consider before doing so. The surface of the painted wall must be clean, smooth, and in good condition to ensure that the tiles adhere properly.</p> </div> <div class="schema-faq-section" id="faq-question-1676276788366"><strong class="schema-faq-question">Is painting tiles a good idea?</strong> <p class="schema-faq-answer">Painting tiles can be a good idea in some cases, but it&#8217;s important to consider a few factors before doing so. Here are some things to keep in mind:<br/>1. Surface of the tiles<br/>2. Type of paint<br/>3. Preparation<br/>4. Application<br/>5. Maintenance</p> </div> </div>



<p><strong>Proud of your new kitchen? Bathroom got a makeover? Send us an email about it at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:magazine@buildiro.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magazine@buildiro.com</a>, and we’ll write about it in our magazine!</strong></p>
<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author"><div class="saboxplugin-tab"><div class="saboxplugin-gravatar"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/buildiro-web-app.appspot.com/1/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-10-30-at-16.46.22.png" width="100"  height="100" alt="" itemprop="image"></div><div class="saboxplugin-authorname"><a href="https://buildiro.com/magazine/author/luke-p/" class="vcard author" rel="author" itemprop="url"><span class="fn" itemprop="name">Luke</span></a></div><div class="saboxplugin-desc"><div itemprop="description"><p>Luke is the founder of Buildiro.com and he is passionate about construction and building. His mission is to show people how to make things done fast and easy.</p>
</div></div><div class="clearfix"></div><div class="saboxplugin-socials "><a target="_self" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-polach-b863305b/" aria-label="Linkedin" rel="nofollow noopener" class="saboxplugin-icon-grey"><svg aria-hidden="true" class="sab-linkedin" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 448 512"><path fill="currentColor" d="M100.3 480H7.4V180.9h92.9V480zM53.8 140.1C24.1 140.1 0 115.5 0 85.8 0 56.1 24.1 32 53.8 32c29.7 0 53.8 24.1 53.8 53.8 0 29.7-24.1 54.3-53.8 54.3zM448 480h-92.7V334.4c0-34.7-.7-79.2-48.3-79.2-48.3 0-55.7 37.7-55.7 76.7V480h-92.8V180.9h89.1v40.8h1.3c12.4-23.5 42.7-48.3 87.9-48.3 94 0 111.3 61.9 111.3 142.3V480z"></path></svg></span></a></div></div></div>

Let’s face it, mouldy bathroom tiles and cracked kitchen splashbacks are eyesores that are easy to ignore. Tucked away behind the shower curtain or the faucet, tiling is often low on a DIYer’s to-do list. But with the right tools and preparation, any home handyman can spruce up these unsightly spaces, adding value to your home in the process.



Here at Buildiro, we want to help you make the most of your time indoors. That’s why we’ve launched a new blog series, Lockdown DIY. Each week we’ll feature a new DIY hack, from preparing for a paint job to readying your balcony for home gardening. At the end we’ll even offer up a gear list that you can access via Buildiro Direct, our new hardware home-delivery service for London postcodes.



This week on Lockdown DIY: tiling your walls.







Tools needed: 



Tile cutterTile spacersTile adhesive GroutGrinder Trowel Spirit level Sponge



Step 1: Wall Preparation



The first order of business to installing fresh tiles is readying the surface. While it’s possible to tile over everything from cement to brick, failing to smooth out imperfections on the base layer will cause your adhesive to fail, reducing the lifespan of your work. So, before you grab your trowel, you need to do the following:



Remove any loose plaster, wallpaper, or hardware.Fill dings and cracks with wall filler. For larger cracks, apply filler in layers, allowing each layer to dry in between applications.



Remove dust and dirt; wipe down walls with a damp cloth and allow to dry. To make sure your wall is 100% ready for tiling, we would recommend to paint it with&nbsp;PVA









Step 2: Levelling



Next, you’ll need to smooth out the surface. If you don’t have a professional level handy, a long piece of flat lumber will do the trick. Slide the lumber over the surface, checking for bumps or rough patches. Anything less than 3 mm is okay, but larger imperfections must be smoothed down with&nbsp;sandpaper&nbsp;or a&nbsp;sander. Although this can be time consuming, skipping this step could cause your adhesive to fail.



Step 3: Plan Your Project



Now comes the fun part: piecing your project together. After measuring out your surface area, count how many tiles you’ll need to do the job. Add another 10% to your order to ensure you have enough materials in case some break. It’s also good to store a few more in your closest – especially for tiles that are patterned – for repairs down the road. Like any consumer product, tastes change over time, and it could be difficult to find the same tiles when you need them for replacements.



Now, unbox the tiles and start arranging them on the countertop or floor as they will appear on the wall. Then, with a marker, put a line where the middle tile will go. Move the tiles aside and ready the&nbsp;trowel.



FYI: Can I put tile directly on the wall? Ensure that the area you are working with is even and without dust or dirt, as well as being dry. Prior to attaching the tiles, if the surface is properly prepared it will be easy to apply the adhesive and set the new tiles in place.



Step 4: Choose Your Adhesive



Choosing the correct adhesive is essential to a successful tiling job. Generally, adhesives come in two varieties:



Ready-mix pastes. A good choice for DIYers, this option is great for smaller interior wall-tiling projects, including bathtubs, kitchen splashbacks, and utility rooms.Powdered adhesives. These come in bags and require mixing with water, an extra step that leads to a stronger bond. Pros typically opt for this variety.



When deciding what option to choose, consider the job you’re doing and on what surface. For example, when tiling smaller tiles (less than 30 x 30 cm) to plasterboard, ready-mix adhesives work well. For bigger tiles, or any size of porcelain, a powdered adhesive is necessary. The powdered option is also the only choice when doing floors. And for any project that will get wet, be sure the adhesive is waterproof.



Step 5: Paste down, tile away



With the adhesive selected and the wall prepped, now it’s time to dig out your trowel and lay down the paste. Smooth out the adhesive with the straight edge of the trowel first, and then use the notched edge to score the wet stuff in the direction that the tiles will be placed.



Next, apply the first tile at the bottom of the wall in the position you marked earlier. Once you have it lined up properly, push down on each corner to set it, and then apply a tile spacer to create the gap between the adjacent tile. Once you’ve completed the bottom row, move on to the second. After all your tiles are set, wipe off any excess adhesive with a damp sponge.



FAQ



Is it easy to tile a wall yourself? Tiling a wall is a DIY project that can be tackled by anyone with basic handyman skills and some patience. Whether you&#8217;re a seasoned DIYer or a beginner, tiling a wall is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few steps.  What are the steps to tiling a wall? 1. Prepare the wall surface2. Measure the wall3. Plan the tile layout4. Apply the adhesive5. Install the tiles6. Cut the tiles as needed7. Allow the adhesive to dry8. Grout the tiles9. Seal the grout  Do you need to prime walls before tiling? In most cases, it is recommended to prime walls before tiling. Priming helps to prepare the wall surface for tiling, ensuring that the tiles adhere properly and reducing the risk of the tiles separating from the wall over time.  Can I tile over a painted wall? Yes, you can tile over a painted wall, but there are a few things to consider before doing so. The surface of the painted wall must be clean, smooth, and in good condition to ensure that the tiles adhere properly.  Is painting tiles a good idea? Painting tiles can be a good idea in some cases, but it&#8217;s important to consider a few factors before doing so. Here are some things to keep in mind:1. Surface of the tiles2. Type of paint3. Preparation4. Application5. Maintenance  



Proud of your new kitchen? Bathroom got a makeover? Send us an email about it at&nbsp;magazine@buildiro.com, and we’ll write about it in our magazine!
LukeLuke is the founder of Buildiro.com and he is passionate about construction and building. His mission is to show people how to make things done fast and easy.

Let’s face it, mouldy bathroom tiles and cracked kitchen splashbacks are eyesores that are easy to ignore. Tucked away behind the shower curtain or the faucet, tiling is often low on a DIYer’s to-do list. But with the right tools and preparation, any home handyman can spruce up these unsightly spaces, adding value to your home in the process.

How to Tile a Wall?

tile-adhesives &#8211; Buildiro Magazine

alias

CategoryPageCategoriesQuery

CategoryList_categories

CategoryBar_categories

Categories_categories

productCategoryTree

uuid

depth

name

description

faq_items

parent

L1PageCategory_category

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onlyValid

productCategoryTreeAll

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query CategoryPageCategoriesQuery(
  $alias: String!
) {
  ...CategoryList_categories
  ...CategoryBar_categories
  ...Categories_categories
  productCategoryTree(alias: $alias) {
    uuid
    depth
    name
    description
    alias
    faq_items {
      question
      answer
    }
    parent {
      name
    }
    ...L1PageCategory_category
    ...L2PageCategory_category
  }
}

fragment Categories_categories on Query {
  productCategoryTreeAll(onlyValid: true) {
    alias
    name
    children {
      alias
      name
      children {
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}

fragment CategoryBar_categories on Query {
  productCategoryTreeAll(onlyValid: true) {
    alias
    name
  }
}

fragment CategoryBox_category on ProductCategoryTree {
  name
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  image_url
  children {
    uuid
    alias
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  }
}

fragment CategoryGrid_categories on ProductCategoryTree {
  children {
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  }
}

fragment CategoryList_categories on Query {
  productCategoryTreeAll(onlyValid: true) {
    alias
    name
    uuid
  }
}

fragment CategoryList_category on ProductCategoryTree {
  alias
}

fragment HeroCategoryPageHero_category on ProductCategoryTree {
  name
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}

fragment L1PageCategory_category on ProductCategoryTree {
  name
  description
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  ...HeroCategoryPageHero_category
  ...CategoryGrid_categories
  ...CategoryList_category
}

fragment L2PageCategory_category on ProductCategoryTree {
  uuid
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  additional_html
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  ...HeroCategoryPageHero_category
  ...CategoryGrid_categories
  children {
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EVO-STIK 1L White for Life Wall Tile Adhesive & Grout - White

Evo-Stik-1l-White-For-Life-Wall-Tile-Adhesive-Grout-White

Evo-stik Tile A Wall Tile Adhesive and Grout - 500ml

Evo-Stik-Tile-A-Wall-Tile-Adhesive-And-Grout-500ml

UniBond Grout & adhesive additive  2L Jerry can

Unibond-Grout-Adhesive-Additive-2l-Jerry-Can

UniBond Ready mixed White Tile Adhesive & grout, 12.8kg

UniBond+Ready+mixed+White+Tile+Adhesive+%26+grout%2C+12.8kg

UniBond Tile On Walls Anti-Mould Ready Mix Adhesive &amp; Grout Large

Unibond-Tile-On-Walls-Anti-Mould-Ready-Mix-Adhesive-Amp-Grout-Large

Unibond Ready Mixed Ice White Tile Adhesive & Grout, 0.3Kg

Unibond-Ready-Mixed-Ice-White-Tile-Adhesive-Grout-0-3kg

UniBond Ready mixed Beige Tile Adhesive  7.4kg

Unibond-Ready-Mixed-Beige-Tile-Adhesive-7-4kg

UniBond UltraForce Ready mixed Beige Tile Adhesive, 6.9kg

UniBond+UltraForce+Ready+mixed+Beige+Tile+Adhesive%2C+6.9kg

UniBond UltraForce Ready mixed Beige Tile Adhesive, 13.8kg

UniBond+UltraForce+Ready+mixed+Beige+Tile+Adhesive%2C+13.8kg

UniBond UltraForce Ready mixed Ice white Tile Adhesive & grout, 1.38kg

UniBond+UltraForce+Ready+mixed+Ice+white+Tile+Adhesive+%26+grout%2C+1.38kg

UniBond UltraForce Ready mixed Ice white Tile Adhesive & grout, 12.8kg

UniBond+UltraForce+Ready+mixed+Ice+white+Tile+Adhesive+%26+grout%2C+12.8kg

UniBond UltraForce Ready mixed Grey Tile Adhesive & grout, 1.38kg

UniBond+UltraForce+Ready+mixed+Grey+Tile+Adhesive+%26+grout%2C+1.38kg

UniBond UltraForce Ready mixed Grey Tile Adhesive & grout, 12.8kg

UniBond+UltraForce+Ready+mixed+Grey+Tile+Adhesive+%26+grout%2C+12.8kg

A100 Original Showerproof Non Slip Wall Tile Adhesive 15ltr White

A100-Original-Showerproof-Non-Slip-Wall-Tile-Adhesive-15ltr-White

Everbuild Non Slip Tile Adhesive - 2.5l

Everbuild-Non-Slip-Tile-Adhesive-2-5l

Everbuild Non Slip Tile Adhesive - 5l

Everbuild-Non-Slip-Tile-Adhesive-5l

Everbuild Non Slip Tile Adhesive - 10l

Everbuild-Non-Slip-Tile-Adhesive-10l

Everbuild Water Resistant Tile Adhesive - 10l

Everbuild-Water-Resistant-Tile-Adhesive-10l

Everbuild Water Resistant Tile Adhesive - 5l

Everbuild-Water-Resistant-Tile-Adhesive-5l

Everbuild Mould Reistant Fix and Grout Tile Adhesive - 1l

Everbuild-Mould-Reistant-Fix-And-Grout-Tile-Adhesive-1l

Everbuild Mould Reistant Fix and Grout Tile Adhesive - 2.5l

Everbuild-Mould-Reistant-Fix-And-Grout-Tile-Adhesive-2-5l

Everbuild Mould Reistant Fix and Grout Tile Adhesive - 5l

Everbuild-Mould-Reistant-Fix-And-Grout-Tile-Adhesive-5l

Everbuild Rapid Set Flexiplus Tile Adhesive - 20kg

Everbuild-Rapid-Set-Flexiplus-Tile-Adhesive-20kg

Everbuild Mould Reistant Fix and Grout Tile Adhesive - 500ml

Everbuild-Mould-Reistant-Fix-And-Grout-Tile-Adhesive-500ml

Make sure your floor and wall tiles stick to the surface properly with top-quality tile adhesives. Designed specifically for surfaces on the wall, floor and the back of the tiles, a tile adhesive, or mortar, is a special type of mixture which enables you to arrange and glue your tiles to the surface. Wall and floor tile adhesive is usually made of thinset, mastic or epoxy. Thinset tile adhesive is heat- and moisture-resistant, which means that it prevents the creation of mold. It is available in either powdered or pre-mixed form, depending on whichever suits you best. Mastic tile adhesive is water-based acrylic glue suitable for dry areas. Epoxy tile adhesive is the strongest of the three, offering excellent grease, waterproof and chemical resistance.
You can also take a look at our offer of self adhesive tiles. Available in various shapes, colours and patterns, self adhesive floor tiles are made of metal, glass, vinyl, or stone. They work very easily - just peel off the back part of the tiles and stick it on the floor. However, be careful - the adhesive is extremely strong, so you should pre-plan the sticking of self adhesive floor tiles very carefully.

Tile Adhesives

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