MTO's Guide to Mosaic Wall Tile | Mosaic Tile Outlet
How To Tile A Wall: An Expert Guide To Wall Tiling

How To Tile A Wall: An Expert Guide To Wall Tiling

Looking for the perfect way to spruce up your home? Wall tiling is a cost-effective and practical way to decorate your walls. In addition, the titling activity creates a feature-rich interior space without the need for masonry.

While traditional brick and stone are undoubtedly the most commonly used, there are many other options as well. You might just find that your existing walls are getting a facelift! If you're feeling traditional, give this article a go by masking the edges of your walls with painter's tape and sticking with plain white paint. Either way, it's guaranteed to keep your imagination busy.

In this article, we'll discuss everything from choosing suitable tiles to layering and planning your wall. If you've ever been curious about wall tiling, read on to bring the style cult with a home makeover!

What is Wall Tiling?

Wall tiling is the installation of decorative tiles on a wall. Many different decorative tiles are available, and each has its own advantages. Certain most popular types of wall tiling include patterned, repeating tiles, stippled tiles, medallion-like designs, and more.

It is a creative way to integrate various materials into one wall. These materials can range from decorative wallpaper to ceramic tiles to stone. With a few simple changes in the design of your walls, you can create a decorative, themed room, a calming color scheme in a kitchen, or a breezeway between rooms.

What Are The Best Materials For Wall Tiles?

The best type of tile for the wall depends on the intended use of the tile and the style of your wall design. Tile can be used in a diversity of ways, including as a flooring option, as a feature on a wall, or as an accent piece.

 

  • Glass Tile

glass wall tile

 

MTO0089 CLASSIC 1X2 BRICK BLUE GRAY FROSTED GLOSSY GLASS MOSAIC TILE

 

Glass tile is an attractive option for use as a wall tile. Glass tiles are easy to clean, and Maintenance-free compared to other materials used for wall coverings. They have a neutral appearance that complements all kinds of wall decor and is available in a variety of patterns and colors.

There are a vast array of kinds of glass tiles, from the clear to the stained with infinite colors. They may be glass or crystal, and they come in a range of colors. Glass tiles with varying colors are more expensive. More expensive glass tiles use a mixture of colors that blend seamlessly together. Some colors blend seamlessly into each other, whilst other color chunks interlace together throughout.

 

  • Porcelain Tile

 porcelain mosaic wall tile

 

MTO0456 MODERN 4X12 LARGE DIAMOND GRAY SUBWAY GLOSSY PORCELAIN TILE

 

Porcelain tile is an option for use as wall coverings because it is high quality and easy to care for. Porcelain tiles are stain-resistant and water-resistant, so they can be used in wet areas such as bathrooms or kitchens.

 

  • Ceramic Tiles

 

ceramic wall tile

 

MTO0208 CONTEMPORARY PENNY ROUND BUBBLES GRAY WHITE GLAZED CERAMIC MOSAIC TILE

 

Ceramic tiles are less expensive than vinyl but more expensive than vinyl. They can be more complex in design due to their handmade nature. They are more durable than vinyl but have a lower lifespan than ceramic tiles. The downside is that ceramic tiles require more maintenance and are more expensive than vinyl tiles. Ceramic tiles can be painted to create unique designs and colors. 

 

  • Stone Tile

stone wall tile

 

MTO0213 PEEL AND STICK CLASSIC LINEAR WHITE GRAY CARRARA MARBLE MOSAIC TILE

 

Natural stone cannot be matched with any other material for its durability, beauty, aesthetic appeal, and affordability. It is the most expensive option but the most attractive option due to its color variations and complexity of design options. Natural stone tiles are not as easy to clean as ceramic or vinyl tiles; they need regular re-polishing to maintain their aesthetic appeal.

 

  • Glazed Tiles

marble wall tile

MTO0254 MODERN HERRINGBONE BLUE TURQUOISE GLAZED HANDCRAFTED CERAMIC MOSAIC TILE

 

Glazed tiles are porcelain or ceramic with a glazed finish applied, usually intended for wall tile applications, that have been killed at a high temperature to produce incredibly durable and dense tiles. This creates a tile that is very resistant to moisture and resistant to water damage. Tiles that are glazed with a glazing process allow for a range of colorings which result in a glass-like colored surface. A broad range of sizes is available for subway tiles, so it's crucial to learn about available choices. Check your local retail store or ask your neighborhood grocer for suggestions.

 

  • Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tiles are decorative pieces composed of more minor chips in a variety of designs. They have the potential to be made of nearly any material and any design, as well as combining previously mentioned materials such as glass, natural stone, ceramic, porcelain, and even metal!

 

  • Clay Tiles

Clay tiles are the most traditional choice for wall decorations. They are easy to install, maintenance-free, and durable. As they are natural, they do not require any painting or preparation. The only downside to clay tiles is that they are heavy and difficult to handle.

The best type of tile for wall decoration is the one that complements your décor. For example, if you have a very plain wall with a lot of neutral colors, then ceramic or mosaic tiles are best as they have a unique and dramatic look that complements the rest of your décor. If, however, you have a more colorful or patterned décor, then you can use porcelain tiles as they have a more vibrant and decorative look.Satin finish texture wall tiles are also a soothing addition to any room, and they have a soft satin finish that will look great in any space. They are durable and easy to clean.

How to Tile a wall: A Guide to Wall Tiling

There are many advantages to wall tiling: it's very charming, a variety of decorative options are available, and it can be used in a variety of designs. The most popular types of wall tiling for interiors are patterned, repeating, stippled, medallion-like designs, and more. Popular uses for wall tiling include kitchen backsplash, bathroom surround, bedroom corners, and more.

Before you get into the nitty-gritty of tiling a wall, look at what you are trying to accomplish. Remember, the walls in your home are there to enclose your furnishings, so it's essential to make sure they're not just sitting in space but being contained as well. To achieve this, you'll usually want to line the inside of the walls with some sort of material to create a frame.

Whether you're seeking ways to brighten up an area of the house or want to give a facelift to an old bathroom, wall tiling is something you need to know about. So, the following are some great tips on how to tile a wall:

How To DIY Wall Tiling?

You can start tiling any wall using the following method as part of your preparation:

  • Measure the length & width of the wall that you want to tile.
  • Then, use your chalkboard or painter's tape to mark the length and width of the wall.
  • Use a long-bladed knife or a trowel to mark each line on the wall.
  • After marking each line on the wall, use your chalk or painter's tape to make smooth marks in the middle of each line.
  • Using your chalk or painter's tape, mark each section of each line on the wall, making sure that all three sections are marked equally on both sides of the wall.

Ensure to choose a pattern that is appropriate for your wall design. Before starting the installation, you must seal the grout joints with water-based paint or caulking. After grouting, prepare the wall with a dry rope product or fabric glue and apply the mortar mix. 

The process of tiling a wall can seem daunting, but with a little pre-planning, it's not too difficult. Check out a few tips to get you started: 

  • Determine if you want a pattern or a solid wall tiling. A patterned wall will require you to purchase pieces with a matching pattern and will likely cost more than a solid wall. If you're unsure which style of tiling you want, a solid wall is a great place to start.
  • Decide where you want to anchor your wall. Most tile stores will have anchors available for purchase, or you can purchase an anchor box at a hardware or home improvement store. Make sure the anchor fits the thickness of your wall and is long enough to span the distance between studs.
  • Choose the correct tile for the job. Traditional masonry construction uses gray and black bricks, but many other options are available.
  • Choose the proper thickness for your project. There is no set specific rule when it comes to wall thickness, so use your best judgment. However, note a good rule of thumb is that thicker walls demand a denser tile.
  • Use a steeper slope when tiling a wall than when building a masonry wall. The reason for as the mortar used for brick, stone, or other masonry walls is thicker in mountainous areas. In these areas, thicker walls call for thicker mortar. 
  • Let your imagination run wild with design. Your wall can be a rainbow of colors, a decorative scroll, or a curving line.
  • Don't be afraid to play with the color combinations. You can get plenty of options when it comes to color, and you can create a flamboyant room just by choosing different colors for your walls.

How To Tile The External Corner?

The tiling of external corners is usually done in two steps. First, the area to be tiled must be prepared by leveling, cutting, and/or sanding the surrounding area. The second step is the tiling itself which involves laying the tiles, cutting and/or nailing the tiles to their anchors, and then applying the final coat of paint or flooring adhesive. 

The process of preparing the surrounding area is called surface preparation and involves:

  • Removing any debris.
  • Leveling and sloping the surface so that it's level and flat.
  • Removing any obstructions that may have been placed there during construction.

What Tools do You Require For Wall Tiling?

Among the tools that can be used for wall tiling, here are some of the best tools for wall tiling:

  • Tile Adhesive: This is the glue that is used to glue the tiles to the wall. It is crucial to opt for a suitable adhesive that will hold the tiles in place while they are being cleaned and installed.
  • Tile Saw: This tool is used to cut the tiles into smaller pieces. It allows you to cut the tiles into different sizes, which will make it easier to fit them into spaces that are difficult to reach.
  • Tile Saw Guide: This guide allows you to sew along a template to cut the tile exactly where you want it to be. It can be helpful when cutting the tile into smaller pieces so that you follow a straight line along with the template and don't have to shuffle the tile around in your saw blade as it cuts.
  • Tile Spacer: This spacer is used to space out the tiles so that they do not overlap with one another when they are being installed in a space. It is vital to use long-spacers so that there is enough space between them for the tiles to fit together properly as they are being installed.

Besides, you can leverage the tile calculation from the Mosaic Tile Outlet for the required tile amount. It can get the exact idea of the tile paint you need for the installation process based on the application area. In addition, also keep a backer board, mortar, grout, trowels, measuring tape, knee pads, bucket, utility knife, straight edge, sponges, and level handy. 

Final Thought

When planning your wall tiling, keep in mind that it's not just the color and design of the tile that will affect the look of your wall. It's also the spacing, the thickness, and the quality of the tile itself that plays a role in bringing the decor royalty. When planning your tile selection, look for a tile that is easy to clean, will not damage the finish of your walls, and will allow light to shine through your wall decor.

Using the techniques covered in this article, you can easily create an attractive wall tiling scheme that works best with your decorative style and budget. From starting with simple tiles or medallions to installing elaborate wall coverings, there are many options for wall tiling. Remember that wall tiling is not just for walls but can be a fun addition to any room! If you've ever been curious about wall tiling, explore your tiles from Mosaic Tile Outlet.


Author

Leonardo Villalobos

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