Wall Tiles - Different Styles

Today there is a huge choice of wall tiles for the home improver or mover.  In fact the choice has never been so great in size, colour and materials .  There are now many more retailers in the market offering products from the very cheap to the bespoke designer tile.

Wall tiles are no longer just for bathrooms and kitchens.  The fact that we now travel more and appreciate the styles and culture of Mediterranean properties means that many people will now choose to tile other rooms in their homes.  Today’s modern homes also tend to have more bathrooms.  There are many more opportunities for using tiling, such as conservatories and feature walls in rooms.

There is now more choice in terms of the size and shape of wall tiles that you can buy.  From the very large to the small, mosaic effect tiles. You can also now buy motifs to stick onto them to give a 3-D effect. They come in different finishes too and some even with embedded lights or space for your CD covers.
Tiling walls is much easier today and can be achieved by an enthusiastic DIYer.  With many helpful products and advice on the market it need no longer be a specialist job.  To start with remember before tiling a wall you must ensure that it is free from any previously applied tile adhesive or wallpaper. If you intend using something like natural stone on the walls then you must be careful to take into account the weight. Removing old tiles can be a dangerous job. Broken tiles are extremely sharp and tiles can splinter when removing them so it is advisable to wear some goggles and Good quality gloves. If you are using a power drill to remove the tiles then a Dust mask will also be required.

Before you start to put up the tiles, fasten a horizontal batten on the wall and then fix one Vertically, use a spirit level to ensure that both battens are completely level, the Vertical batten should be positioned so that the first tile you position will be in the centre of the wall. Now spread a bed of adhesive using a notched spreader and cover an area of approximately 1 metre. Never Dab adhesive on each corner as this can cause the wall tiles to break.

Next  fix the tiles with a twisting motion, working outwards and upwards. Ensure that you wipe off any excess adhesive from the tiles and don't forget to insert the tile spacers and hey presto your wall tiles are up.  Once you have fixed your tiles they will need grouting, this involves mixing a powdered grout with a liquid (normally water) and pushing it into all of the gaps between the tiles using a rubber bladed squeegee. Avoid ready mixed grouts as they are often too runny and are difficult to use.

If you are grouting in a shower or near anywhere that is likely to get wet you must use a waterproof grout. You can also get a special additive that you can add to grout to prevent it from going discoloured, this must be used when the tiles are used as a splash back over a cooking appliance. Coloured grouts are also available. If you are grouting any wall tiles that are porous such as Natural stone you must ensure that the grout will not stain the tiles, often a grout that is the same colour as the tiles will be used to prevent staining.