How to lay tile in the bathroom: a step by step guide for the correct installation

Tile - the best material for finishing the bathroom. He endures mechanical stress, protects walls and floors from moisture, is easy to clean. The variety of colors and prints to select a decorative coating to suit all tastes. Laying tile is expensive - but you can do without the help of experts if desired. To understand - how to lay tile in the bathroom, you need to study in detail the entire process of preparation of the surface prior to installation pieces and finish planing.

Advantages and disadvantages of laying tiles in the bathroom

Ceramic decoration has many advantages over other materials - wood, wallpaper, plastic.
Advantages of tile:

• moisture - the tile is not afraid of steam and moisture. It is successfully used in the decoration of swimming pools;
• strength and damage resistance and abrasion resistance;
• easy care and hygiene - pollution is not absorbed by the material, its surface is easily washed off with water or using household chemicals;
• long service life - quality laid tiles can be operated for several decades;
• environmental - of the toxic substances are not included;
• Safety - does not burn and does not contribute to the formation of static;
• wide field of design - the market can find materials of various colors, with a variety of prints and textures.

There is only one drawback - the high cost of both the material and its installation. Quality installation is only possible with the careful preparation of walls and specialized knowledge. There are many nuances that must comply with - stacking sequence, right preparation and application of the adhesive, the location of the tiles on the wall, so that it looked harmoniously and effectively. If the costs of specialist services are not included in the budget, carefully study the question, and do the work yourself facing.

The disadvantages include the complexity of the replacement of individual elements. If the tile is left in the reserve, and the store did not sell it, will have to choose an alternative to, or any re-coating completely.

The choice of tiles

Appearance - color scheme, pattern, texture - defining criteria in the selection of tiles. And this is natural - in the first place everyone wants to create an attractive interior. What is important is the size of the individual fragments - large to minimize the number of seams. And most importantly - the quality of the material. Cheap tile is covered with cracks and will become worthless after a couple of years of operation. On this parameter is not worth saving. There are many nuances of proper selection of the material, which will help to create a stylish and modern, and most importantly, durable interior bathroom.

Color, pattern and texture

The trend on the tiles with a variety of patterns, flowers and abstract prints disappearing. Increasingly, designers prefer materials that simulate natural textures - stone, wood, leather or concrete. Placing patterns of the tiles of contrasting colors and looks outdated. Transitions from one shade to another is worth doing in the inner corners, or on surfaces of different levels.

The area around the tub or in the shower is not necessary to lay tiles with a pronounced relief. The projections and the slit is quite difficult to clean, and contaminated in these areas they will be faster.

Bathroom options choose matte tiles. On such a surface not visible fingerprints and traces of water. It will not create annoying reflections. Fans of gloss should be limited to glossy walls. Rough floor tiles gives confidence in their own security - the risk of slipping is virtually zero.

The size, shape and type of tile

To choose the right size tile, consider the size of the room. Owners spacious bathroom can not limit your imagination and choose the tiles of various sizes - from mosaics to large plates. Appropriate variety of compositions and combinations.

To furnish the small bathrooms approached with great caution. Too small with a colorful pattern or the opposite - large tiles with a pronounced décor further narrow the space. The same effect will be large when broken square or rectangular segments contrast fugue. In a small bathroom, use a medium-size tiles - 20x20 or 20x30. Rectangular parts will adjust the space - pushed the ceiling or walls extend. Laying diagonally "breaks" and expands the space visually.

In any room looks perfect large format tiles without bevel. Eaves edge hide the seams and give a uniform surface.

Popular ways to layout the tiles on the floor and on the walls

There are various schemes ceramic coating. They are intended to demonstrate the beauty of the tiles, enhances the environment, neutralize its disadvantages. Consider the most popular ways of stacking.

Variants tiles location:

1. Direct styling - avoiding unnecessary costs for materials and difficulties in the work. The tile is placed in rows parallel to the lines of the floor and walls. For this method is suitable square and rectangular tiles. With the latter you can also adjust the space. Such a method of layout is popular among beginners and is optimally suited for the execution of their own hands.
2. Vrazbezhku - each row is shifted by half a tile. This resembles the brick masonry. It looks advantageous design of rectangular segments, such as "hog". Among the shortcomings can be identified increase in the number and complexity of waste compliance symmetry with respect to the wall center.
3. Diagonal - a spectacular and at the same complex scheme of installation. Tile is located at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the floor line of intersection with the wall. On the downside can also be attributed an increase in the number of scraps, and more expensive repairs. Styling requires serious knowledge and experience.
4. Modular - using tiles of different sizes with multiple parties. This method gives a spectacular and original pattern. Driving often finds its application in the design of the floor. It requires a precise calculation of the amount of material. Circuit layout will help future scale.

Especially in the choice of solution / glue

When selecting an adhesive should give preference to materials:

• moderate plasticity - adhesive must go to a sufficient thickness not to spread excessively;
• sufficient spreadability - should be able to fill existing voids for better adhesion to the wall;
• increased ability to adhere - is especially important when installing large format, heavy tile;
• the lack of an accelerated return of water - makes it possible to adjust the position of incorrectly fixed tiles.

adhesive composition options

1. Cement-based - are affordable, hypoallergenic, sold in the form of dry mixtures. Comprise polymeric components that enhance their flexibility, water resistance and adhesion properties.
2. Dispersion - have an increased bond strength, making them ideal for use with non-standard surfaces - plastic, wood, metal, drywall. Characterized by low consumption, but their cost is much higher.
3. Epoxy - superstoyky composition, which must be handled very carefully - it is virtually impossible to remove. Indispensable in areas with high humidity and is not destroyed by exposure to chemicals.

Often the question arises - what material to prefer - a dry mix or the finished composition.

The first affordable, but the latter offer improved traction. Is it worth it to pay more if the dry mixture have sufficient properties to hold onto the wall, even large-format tiles. When you use the finished polyurethane adhesive must be carefully align the surface, which would entail additional costs. The composition prepared by yourself, can be used as plaster. Increased stability of the finished adhesive has a downside - the dismantling of tiles glued to them is extremely difficult. The process requires several hours and perforating a tile breaking into fragments.

How to calculate the number of tiles

To accurately calculate the number of tiles required is not so simple. Inexperienced builders often come back to rent or purchase a piece of material. It is especially difficult to calculate the right amount of tiles, if the design is planned to use different colors and decorative elements. And if you pass a small surplus problem, purchase a tile is difficult. Identical products from different batches can vary in color. And if the store you do not notice a difference at home immediately rushed into the eyes.

To determine the exact amount of material, make a preliminary measurement of the area of ​​the walls and floor, and find out the store - is there in the presence of a sufficient amount of product. Find out the size of the tiles and start the calculations. Raschertite diagram on a detailed plan of your bathroom. It helps calculate the exact number of whole and trimmed elements, calculate the required number of products in different colors.

How to prepare a bath before laying

The first stage - pre-treatment building. Take your furniture, remove the shelves, towel rails, hangers, hooks and other wall accessories. Remove the faucets, sink, bath, toilet - if the room combined with a toilet.

Materials and tools

At the next stage the removal of old tile, leveling surfaces, installation of waterproofing, marking, stacking new material. These activities require the use of special tools.

You will need:

• building level;
• punch;
• a nozzle for mixing the solutions;
• Tile;
• roulette;
• line;
• pencil;
• a mixing glue;
• trowel;
• microfiber cloth or sponge for removing excess adhesive;
• corundum sharpening stone to align the trimmed edges of the tile;
• rubber mallet;
• mounting crosses;
• adhesive for tiles and ceramics;
• fugue grout.

Quality materials and tools greatly simplify the work process, and is more than justify their cost.

Dismantling of the old tiles

Repeated repair is necessary to remove the old coating. The easiest way to remove the tiles from the wall by a punch. Protect eyes and hands - goggles and gloves will save you from sharp pieces. Pieces of tile may fall on his leg, so wear tough shoes.

Repel the first tile with a hammer or chisel. Then move the perforating drill in a drill mode and slide under the bottom edge of one of the fragments. The coating can fly off with the old mortar and plaster, but they are in any case have to get rid of.

Preliminary alignment of walls and floors

After complete purification wall is necessary to make measurements and to find out - whether the alignment of the surfaces is required. Measure the angles using gon - they should be 90 degrees. Using a plumb reveal irregularities of the walls and their deviation from vertical. It is not enough solid wall is recommended to be primed. Next fasten beacons using adhesive and put them on a level. Fill the solution gaps between the beacons and the wall. Avoid sagging.

Prepare solution - can use conventional cement mixture, adding a strength and flowability to one part of tile adhesive. We spread a trowel and distribute the solution using a rule short zigzag movements. Excess solution in the container ship.

After drying remove irregularities formed via spreader and complete forward grasping material.

The floor can also be in need of correction. Make its beacons or via a self-leveling mix.

Determine the presence of unevenness in the floor. Best assistant in this case - the laser level. In the event of up to 5 mm can be dispensed without equalization. If the performance exceeds that number - set to work. Install beacons in accordance with the line on the wall and check their level with the rules. Fill the solution and leave to dry.

Waterproofing - water-resistant surface treatment

Bath - room, where there is always the risk of leaks. Therefore it is necessary to provide reliable waterproofing. Layered protection is best to cope with this task.

Surface waterproofing the most reliable. This technology makes it possible to avoid the formation of joints. For this purpose, bituminous mastics. Suit special mixtures for waterproofing pools. The composition is applied in several layers using a brush. It is necessary to distribute it not only on the surface of the floor, but also to capture at least 30 cm area of ​​the wall. After drying lubricative material formed durable waterproof film, fixed in the walls and floor. It is recommended to reinforce the corners of waterproofing roll bands. This must be done after the first layer of coating. If this measure seems safe enough for you, take an extra layer before laying the screed. Take the roll waterproofing and attach it to paste. The sheets should overlap by 15 cm, with access to the wall at a height of 30 cm. All compounds are coated using a liquid waterproofing.

Primer

Before you begin tiling, prime the substrate. This procedure will improve the quality of glue adhesion to the surface of the walls and floor. Selection of primer solution depends on the surface material. Compositions vary the depth of penetration and the availability of additional properties - fire, anti-bacterial. The antiseptic properties are highly relevant for the bath, as protection against mold and mildew, which often occur in wet areas.

The walls and floor staff treat with a brush 2-3 times. Before applying the next layer must wait for complete drying of the previous one.

Partitioning rows

Markup - the final stage of preparation of a surface. It is as follows:

• developed scheme of laying tiles. Particular attention is paid to the corners, and with which the work begins. When the diagonal layout is the most important point. The scheme allows to evaluate different options and calculate the amount of material required;
• choose the angle at which the process will begin. Left or right does not matter - the main thing that it was farthest from the door. If the door is located in the center, you can start from any angle;
• Measure out the height of the first row and set to hold the second rail;
• on the floor are determined by the possible differences are established plumb lines, rough layout is performed taking into account the position of the joints and planned tile.

Preparation of the solution

Proper preparation of the adhesive composition - the key to reliable fastening of the tiles and the durability of the ceramic coating.

Pour into a suitable container the required amounts of water. To determine the dose, read the instructions with detailed description of the preparation of the packaging solution. Small portions enter into the fluid dry mixture and kneaded using a mixer or a special construction for the nozzle drill. Gradually falling asleep powder will prevent the formation of lumps. The mixture was added until the solution begins to resemble in consistency of thick cream. This adhesive is well distributed over the surface of the tiles, and at the same time to drain from it. Prepare small portions of the composition, as it quickly hardens.

Laying tiles and grouting

Arm with a serrated trowel and apply the adhesive on the tile. We begin laying the second row, which "backs" rake. Gently press fragment facing the wall, the composition evenly distributed. Check the side edge by means of level. We make the same manipulations with the next tile. At intervals insert mounting crosses, which will prevent the displacement of the elements and make the seams smooth and uniform. The gaps are necessary in order to prevent cracking of the tiles during thermal expansion.

Set on either side of the bottom row of vertical slats. We stretch between the thread at the height of the tiles. It will act as a guide for the next series.
If you want to trim the tiles, use a tile cutter. For cutting holes pipe take grinders. Cut parts are located in the corners - there they are less noticeable.

Sex is better to lay up facing walls. Wall tiles rest on the floor tiles, and give a neat and smooth the joint line. In this case, do not need and rail for support of the second row. The gap between the floors and wall tiles should be 2-3 mm. The joint sealant is placed or fugue.
floor laying starts from the far wall by the door. Tile height is adjusted by a rubber hammer. If the fragment is "went" too far, you need to remove it and add glue.

The final stage of the lining - jointing seams. It is carried out after the complete drying of the solution, which requires several days. Pre-clean the residues from tiles and adhesive drops. Grout is applied using a small rubber spatula and immediately wipe any excess.

For more tips and tricks the professionals

If you do not have the knowledge and skills tiling, follow the advice of experienced craftsmen.

Where better to start laying tile

Facing the bathroom can start from:

• visible corner farthest from the door;
• from the threshold - if a bath or shower closed the far corner, this method would be suitable anymore;
• from the center - method is suitable for parking bathrooms. If in the middle of the bathroom with a walk-in ladder - laid tiles need of this item. The cut pieces will be located along the walls, where they will be successfully hidden furniture and fixtures.

How to cut tile

From the quality of the cut depends on ceramic tiles and quality of the facings. For cutting tiles used:

• glaziers;
• manual or electric tile cutters;
• grinders.

The choice of instrument depends on the scope of work and required functionality.
When working with glass cutter mark the line with a pencil or marker nevodostoykim. Attach a strip of metal ruler, draw steklorezom once in the direction from the farthest point to itself. Then put the tiles on the table so that the cut line and the edge of the countertop match, and gently press on the tiles. Tiles crack, forming a smooth edge, which can be sanded with emery cloth.

For this operation, use a roller Tile - it is more convenient to use.

Handmade Tile - a special device to work with tiles. Marking applied on the tile, after which it is placed on the base, with tubular runners. According to him goes the carriage fitted with a cutting roller of durable alloy. The roller is induced on a tile, and using the handle performed incision. For the fracture using a T-shaped heel.

Electric Tile - professional, able to cope even with a thick tiles. By design, reminiscent of a modern circular saw. Devices different saw blades and the presence of water baths set. On such machines, you can perform a decorative cut with an inclination that allows docking tiles 45 degrees without the use of mounting brackets.

Bulgarian - can be cut not only in a straight line, but also to do wavy and round cut-outs. Spoiled cutter may leave a lot of sloppy chips on gloss. For the same reason, it is recommended to carry out the cut on the back side.

How to join corners

There are various ways of docking tiles in the corners.

1. Perpendicular - when the edge of one of tiles hiding behind the next element. Cut edges to hide will not be difficult. This option is ideal for outside corners.
2. Compound tile at 45 degrees. It takes a special device - an electric tile cutter. The implementation of this work requires the possession of special skills - sections must be flawless. The fine irregularities can be hidden by means of tile adhesive and grout.

The use of parts of the tile

There are special places - profiles made of plastic, aluminum or brass for laying tile in the corners - Trim. They may have a U-shaped, T-shaped or may be a concave arc. The first draw up external corners, the second -internal. Allow the most carefully and aesthetically combine fragments of the coating, and can easily put the tiles on the uneven corners, completely hide visible defects. Trim fixed to the tile adhesive, which does not contain cement, sealant, liquid nails. If the corner of the edge is hidden under the tiles, it allowed laying on cementitious composition. Trim guarantee accurate transitions from one wall to the other, do not absorb moisture inside the joint and prevent them the formation of fungus and mold.

conclusion

Proper selection and calculation of the amount of materials, compliance with the rules and regulations to help you work quickly and efficiently oblitsevat bathroom tiles.