Beautiful ceramic tile
Decorative tile is a way to improve durability and add a lasting aesthetic quality to any household surface. When done correctly, decorative tile can add an elegant and creative design element to your home, but only when the time, patience and practice are applied to get the technique right.
Cutting Tiles and Choosing a Pattern
Score the surface of your tile with a glass cutter and snap the tile over a small dowel. You can also use a wet saw (a stationary circular saw with a carbide-grit blade cooled by water) or snap cutter. Wet saws can be rented from your local home improvement store, or you can purchase one if cost isn't an issue. If you choose to go with vinyl tile, you will not need these tools. Use tile nippers to cut curves or other irregular shapes in your tiles if you would like to deviate from the usual straight edges. It is vastly more time efficient to cut most of your tile before beginning the project. Cutting tile, then laying it, then cutting more tile and so on can be a waste of valuable design time. Some of the most common shapes and patterns are basic 12-inch by 12-inch squares, sheet-mounted individual mosaic tiles, basket-weave patterns with rectangular tiles, hexagon tiles and multi-color or multi-size tiles. Choosing your pattern is arguably the most important step.
Laying the Threshold
Lay a threshold (border between two surfaces) wherever your tile will transition into another surface (such as a wood floor or walls). You can choose to trim the threshold with pieces of tile that come with a molded edge, cultured marble, metal or hardwood. A hardwood threshold is often more flexible and forgiving should you find you need to change the tile borders. Secure the saddle to the floor with adhesive, then screw or nail it in place. Don't forget to allow space between the saddle and tile for a grout joint.
Setting Tiles and Grouting the Joints
Working in one small area at a time so the adhesive doesn't dry prematurely, spread adhesive over a small section of your surface with a trowel and comb out a notched edge (working quickly so the adhesive doesn't set). Press your tiles into the adhesive in the pattern you have chosen. Wiggle any misplaced tiles rather than raising and re-setting them to keep from upsetting the adhesive. Check frequently that you are still following your pattern. Use a wooden 2 by 4 wrapped in carpet to make sure the tiles are flush with each other by placing it across the surface of several tiles and tapping it with a hammer. After the adhesive has dried for at least 12 hours, spread grout over the tiles and press it into the joints with a rubber float. Work diagonally and fill all of the joints. After the surface is covered, wipe the surface down with a sponge and get as much off of the surface of the tiles as you can. Wipe any remaining grout off with a damp cloth, and admire your new tile work.
