How to lay tiles on a kitchen work wall. Laying tiles on the walls in the kitchen. Joints between tiles

And kitchens. It is moisture and heat resistant, durable and easy to clean, and the variety of textures and shades allows the material to fit into any interior. It is known that the cost of laying tiles with the involvement of professionals can double the cost of repairs, so skilled owners prefer to do it themselves. You can learn how to lay tiles in the kitchen correctly and without extra costs from our article.

Size and calculation of the number of tiles

Kitchen apron

In order not to make a mistake with the size and size, before purchasing you should evaluate the premises and the planned scope of work. For small kitchens, it is recommended to purchase mosaics or tiles 10x10 cm, and for spacious ones, tiles with a side of 20 or 30 cm are more suitable. Regarding color and texture, the choice is limited only by the wishes of the owners, but in order for the room to look harmonious, it is worth choosing a material to match the kitchen unit and other elements registration

Measurements of the room will help you determine the amount of tiles. You need to measure the area of the wall or floor that you plan to tile, add a 10% margin to it for possible damage to the material during installation and trimming, and then divide by the size of one tile. This way you will know the exact quantity needed for repairs.

Note! If there are sockets, switches, pipes and other objects at the installation site that require cutting tiles, it is better to purchase tiles for the kitchen with a good supply.

Calculation of coverage in the "Tile" program

Another way to find out the required amount of material is to use a special online program. Many construction sites have built-in calculators that, when entering initial data (length and width of the surface of interest, tile dimensions), will quickly calculate the need for tiles. The advantage of such services is the ability to choose a laying option, which significantly affects material consumption.

Preparing the surface for installation

Laying tiles in the kitchen begins with preparing the surface. The first priority is to level the walls. If the surface condition is satisfactory or there are minor flaws, it is enough to cover it with plaster (2.5 cm thick), and walls with cracks or differences in height should first be sheathed with plasterboard and only then proceed to cladding. It is also necessary to remove any remaining old paint, if any. Special solutions are used for washing, and the flaking coating is scraped off with a sharp spatula or scraper.

Leveling walls with plaster

For cladding, choose moisture-resistant plasterboard and attach it to wooden slats or a profile nailed to the walls every 40 cm. To ensure a smooth surface, the ends of the material are cut at an angle of 45º before joining. After installation is completed, putty is applied to the seams and fasteners, and then the material is coated with a primer in two layers. If the walls were leveled with plaster, treatment with a deep penetration primer is also required.

When, in addition to wall cladding, it is planned to lay tiles on the kitchen floor, the previous covering is dismantled, and the surface of the concrete screed is checked for horizontalness. If crumbling areas are detected, the damaged material is cleaned. Then the surface is cleared of dust and a mixture for repair is prepared, usually a standard cement-sand mortar or cement-based adhesive.

Priming the coating

Potholes and cracks are filled with the mixture, carefully leveled and left to dry. Then the floor is primed in two layers, using an adhesion-improving composition, for example, “Concrete Contact”. After complete drying, the surface is ready for further work.

How to lay tiles in the kitchen?

Laying tiles in the kitchen is not an easy task. At the same time, wall and floor cladding has its own nuances and differences. In addition to the material you will need:

Any polymer-cement adhesive intended for interior work is suitable for fixing the tiles. The most famous is “Ceresit”, but it can be replaced with a cheaper domestic analogue.

Advice! If there are indelible traces of paint or other defects on the surface, it is better to purchase cementless glue.

Wall covering

Apply markings

Let's look at how to lay tiles on walls correctly. Usually in the kitchen only open surfaces in the work area, the so-called apron, are tiled. If you also choose this option, you should mark with a horizontal line the level at which the kitchen table and sink will end. At this mark, a metal profile is secured with dowels, which will become a support for the bottom row of tiles. Before fixing, you need to check with a level that the profile is placed correctly.

Then you need to prepare an adhesive solution. To do this, the mixture is diluted with water in accordance with the instructions and mixed with a drill with a special attachment. Then the solution is allowed to brew for 10 minutes and stirred again. Laying the tiles begins immediately after mixing the adhesive.

Important! To prevent the glue from hardening on the spatula during pauses in applying the solution, the tool must always be in a bucket of water.

The adhesive mixture is applied to the tiles with a flat spatula, and then the excess is removed with a serrated tool so that even strips of mortar are obtained on the tiles. Spatulas are selected depending on the size of the material. For tiles with a side of 10 cm, use a tool with 6-8 mm teeth, and for larger ones - with 10 mm teeth.

Application of the solution

To ensure that the tiles are securely connected to the wall, the material is applied in the selected place and pressed tightly evenly. The resulting result is controlled by the level and, if necessary, immediately leveled. The process is repeated until all the tiles have been laid. Crosses are installed between the rows to regulate the position of the tiles and the thickness of the seams.

Often it is not possible to cover the entire surface with solid tiles. It is better to do it with a tile cutter, but, as a last resort, you can do without it by making an incision with a glass cutter and carefully breaking the tile along the line. But this must be done carefully and, preferably, with gloves so as not to cut yourself on sharp edges. To cut more complex contours, for example, for a rosette, it is recommended to use a grinder with a diamond blade.

Correct installation will be checked by level

Laying tiles on the floor

Having chosen tiles for the kitchen floor, you first need to practice laying it without glue. By laying out the tiles in several ways, which will be described in more detail below, you can choose a more suitable and easy-to-implement pattern. If you identify places where the material needs to be trimmed, you should not do this in advance. Cutting and laying small pieces is carried out at the end, after completion of work with the main part of the coating.

Distribution of adhesive composition

Having decided on the installation option, the surface is cleared of debris and an adhesive solution is prepared. Floor tiles, unlike wall tiles, are attached with a double layer of glue. The first is evenly distributed over the floor with a notched trowel, and the second (5-6 mm thick) is applied to the material with a regular trowel.

Regardless of the method, laying tiles on the floor always starts from the center of the kitchen. To make it easier to navigate, apply a marking and lay out the first four tiles along it, checking the level. The tiles should be tapped with a rubber hammer to ensure a tight fit and to remove air. Further laying of the material is carried out in a circle, starting from the first row, then the edges are lined. Crosses are installed between the rows in the same way as in the case of wall tiles.

After installation is complete, you should wait at least 3 days before starting to walk on the surface. Then the seams are treated with a grout mixture and the tiled floor is ready.

Grouting joints

After the glue has dried and the dividing crosses have been removed, it is necessary to grout the tile joints. To do this, use a special powdered composition, which is diluted with water to a medium-thick consistency. Grout colors come in different colors, so you can match it to the cladding.

Grouting tile joints

The mixture is evenly distributed over the seams using a rubber spatula or a piece of wire of a suitable diameter. The grout takes 4 hours to set, after which the excess is removed with a damp sponge or rag.

Interestingly, using grout you can further refresh an already worn tile covering. How to update old tiles in the kitchen? Very simple. Seams that have lost their color, and sometimes are affected by mold, are the main reason for the unpresentable appearance of the tiles and, if the material itself is still in good condition, it will be cheaper to update the grout.

The old mortar should be removed using a jointer or an awl, the joints between the tiles should be washed with soapy water and left to dry. Then the seams are treated with a primer and filled with a new grout mixture. Such repairs will not require large expenses, and the tiles can last much longer.

Options for laying tiles in the kitchen

In addition to the technical side of the issue, it is worth dwelling in more detail on the decorative functions of tiles. As already mentioned, there are different methods of laying tiles; the three most popular are the classic (“seam to seam”), “in a run” and “diagonally.”

The classic version uses rectangular or square tiles, laid seam to seam. Variety in the pattern is brought by decorative elements - panels, ornaments, materials of bright colors. This method is suitable for beginner tilers due to its ease of implementation, and it also produces a minimum number of trims.

Classic version

Laying "in a run" forms a pattern that resembles brickwork in appearance, and is more often used for rectangular tiles. It is recommended to choose monochromatic tiles for this pattern in calm shades. This option is more relevant in kitchens decorated in a traditional style.

Staggered laying

Laying tiles diagonally opens up opportunities for implementing complex compositions and looks more interesting. The installation is quite complicated, so before gluing diagonal tiles in the kitchen, you should practice and apply markings to the walls or floor. You also need to take into account that only square material is used for this method.

There is another method, less popular due to its complexity. It combines several styling options and is called combined. The pattern is made up of blocks laid out diagonally, “staggered” and “seam to seam” (all methods are not necessarily used in one pattern). This approach requires careful thought and sketching, but if calculated correctly, the result looks professional and unusual.

In addition to experimenting with installation methods, you can diversify the design by purchasing tiles with different textures or resembling another material. This could be wood-look tiles, imitation natural stone or leather. The main thing is that the color and texture are combined with the interior and the general style direction.

Combined pattern

Remember that drawing up a pattern, choosing tiles and its subsequent installation is a creative process. By choosing the right finish for walls or floors and using your imagination, you can highlight all the advantages and features of the room, and be deservedly proud of the result of your labors.

The production and appearance of ceramic tiles have now been refined, but the popularity of ceramics has remained the same over the centuries.

What is so good about ceramic tiles?

versatility of application - from decorating a fireplace to a balcony, kitchen, building facades;
choice of color, size and shape to suit every taste;
resistance to various aggressive substances;
moisture-resistant, heat-resistant;
strength and durability;
it is easy to care for;
made from natural raw materials.

Relevance of tiles on walls

Thanks to the listed positive properties of tiles, using them in the kitchen would be the right decision. A variety of colors, textures and sizes fit this material into the interior of any style - from country to minimalism. The tile will protect from water, hot steam, and oil splashes during cooking. An apron along the work surfaces will be nice and clean, as the tiles are easy to keep clean.

What tiles can be installed in the kitchen?

Any ceramic tile can be used in the kitchen to decorate walls and kitchen backsplashes. To avoid mistakes when choosing, follow the recommendations of professionals:

tiles are chosen after you have decided on the style and color scheme of the kitchen set and other elements of the kitchen interior;
buy tiles with a margin of 10-15% in case of damage during installation or cutting;
The required number of tiles is calculated by the master who will lay them. The salesperson in the showroom does not see the walls and features of the space, the calculation will turn out to be inaccurate;
The size of the tile is selected to match the size of the apron. Large format ceramics look like a loser in a small kitchen.

For an apron, tiles are often used:

Size 10x10. Requires less trimming, easier to install if there are many corners and curves of the surface.
Clinker tiles, or boar. Suitable for any style - loft, classic, country, art deco, minimalism and other styles.
Real mosaic from 1x1 cm to 5x5 cm, or imitation with recesses that create the effect of seams between the mosaic pieces.
Medium format tiles – 15x15, 20x20, 20x30, 25x30 cm.

If the interior features or the size of the room require other options, feel free to choose what suits you.

A bold decision, for example, would be to decorate the walls with photo tiles. This is a ceramic tile, made individually, with a printed photograph.

DIY technique options

Tile is laid on walls in various ways. Most often used:

“seam to seam” - the tiles are laid in rows strictly one above the other, this is a classic method of laying;
“in a running motion” - the second row of tiles is shifted in relation to the first so that the seams between the tiles of the second row are above the center of the tiles of the first row, this is repeated in each subsequent row;
“diagonally” is a labor-intensive method that requires careful marking of diagonals and trimming of tiles;
“chess” - combine tiles of two contrasting colors;
“modular grid” - use three or more tiles of different shapes and sizes, distributing them randomly horizontally and vertically.

The tiles are laid using one of these methods; sometimes a combination of methods is used in one room, highlighting different zones with this design.

A certain method of laying tiles will help you visually adjust the size of the room.

How to glue ceramic tiles to a kitchen wall

Laying ceramic tiles for different rooms and surfaces has general principles:

A laying plan is drawn up. The required number of tiles is calculated, taking into account trimming and breaking.
Prepare the walls for laying.
Remove old coatings. If necessary, the walls are leveled. Then they prime for better adhesion (adhesion) of the tiles to the wall.
Next, we begin laying the tiles.

How to lay an apron

First, determine the height of the apron. This space from the countertop of the kitchen unit to the wall cabinets is 60-70 cm. To avoid unnecessary trimming, the height of the apron is adjusted, and a whole tile looks better than halves.

The first row of tiles is launched 2-3 cm below the level of the working surface. The last row is run under the wall cabinets at the same distance.

Laying technology:

On the prepared wall, using a level, draw a horizontal line for the beginning of the first row. Under this line, a metal profile or wooden block is attached to the wall. This support will not allow the tile to slide down under its own weight.
Laying the tiles begins from the middle of the wall, from the most prominent central place, moving from the center to the edges.
The adhesive solution is mixed immediately before installation. Follow the instructions on the packaging. Pour the dry component into the water and stir until smooth. Leave for 10-15 minutes. Mix again.
Using a notched spatula, apply the adhesive solution to the wall or tile, whichever is more convenient. Place it on the wall, resting the bottom edge on the profile, and press evenly. Tap with a rubber mallet to release excess air.
Mounting crosses are placed at the upper and lower corners of the tiles, which regulate the thickness of the seam.

Are tile joints necessary? Yes. When the tiles expand from elevated temperatures, they protect against cracking. They also compensate for inaccuracies in tile sizes.

Apply glue to the next tile. Repeat the steps as with the first. The entire first row is laid out in this way. Don't forget about the crosses between the fragments.
After gluing ten tiles, remove excess glue with a damp cloth. If this is not done, the dried solution will be difficult to remove.
The second row begins after the first has completely dried. This is in a day.
Having finished gluing all the rows, allow the masonry to dry. Then they tap it with a mallet, looking for a dull sound that speaks of emptiness. Such an element is removed and re-glued, carefully applying the adhesive composition to the tile.
The next step is to wipe the tiles from any remaining adhesive and begin grouting the joints with a fugue. Don't forget to remove the crosses.
Use a silicone spatula to fill vertical and horizontal joints with grout. An hour later, after the fugue has dried, the seams are trimmed.
Having completed filling the joints, allow two hours for the grout to dry completely. Remains of the fugue are removed with sweeping movements using a kitchen sponge. Wipe with a dry cloth, only then wash. This will leave fewer grout marks.

Don't forget to unscrew the support profile.

How to stick on a flat wall

If tiling work is to be done on flat walls, then there are no special installation secrets. It is enough to prime the walls and then follow the instructions for laying the tiles.

How to properly glue to concrete without leveling

Concrete surfaces usually do not require leveling. But it has low adhesion. For good adhesion, a metal plaster mesh is attached to the concrete surface.

The second method is when laying ceramics on concrete, the surface is carefully primed with “Betonokontakt”. The product dries in 12-18 hours. Then they begin tiling work.

How to put on drywall

Plasterboard walls are primed before gluing the tiles.

The only difference between laying tiles on a gypsum plasterboard surface is that the layer of adhesive mortar should be as thin as possible. This is to reduce the stress on the drywall.

The second difference is that after gluing, the tile cannot be removed or adjusted. When dismantling, the ceramics will come off along with a piece of drywall. Glue the tiles immediately and carefully.

High-quality tools and the use of a special adhesive solution will speed up the process of laying tiles.

If, when laying ceramics, the adhesive solution is applied to a wall with an area equal to 3-4 tiles, the process will speed up. All that remains is to take the fragments and press them against the wall one by one.

The Raimondi Levelling System special clamps help to fasten several tiles together, while aligning them in the same plane. With these wedges and clamps, the tiles do not need to be leveled.

When decorating your kitchen walls with ceramics, take care to combine them with other finishing materials, furniture, and accessories. Buy material from trusted suppliers, follow installation recommendations, and the result will be a cozy interior that pleases the eye and soul.

Useful video

Laying tiles is a popular solution for finishing a kitchen, so it is important to understand how to properly carry out the preparation and installation of this coating.

Tile is one of the most popular finishing options

Features of the material

Advantages of ceramic tiles for tiling surfaces in the kitchen:

strength;
not afraid of moisture;
environmental friendliness;
hygiene;
durability;
wear resistance;
big choice;
variety of layout methods;
wide range of applications;
easy to care for.

To lay tiles in the kitchen with your own hands you will need:

special glue or sand-cement mortar;
set of spatulas;
grout for seams;
crosses;
level and plumb;
primer and brush;
antiseptic;
rubber mallet;
construction mixer.

Basic Tools

Design options

There are many ways to install kitchen floor and wall tiles. Design is based on the following criteria:

Color. It is selected to match the overall style, it can be either monochromatic or contain drawings, decorative inserts, and photo printing. The universal option for walls is white, and for the floor – with streaks and inclusions so that dirt is not noticeable.
Surface type. The glossy one shows stains and drops, but the matte one is more difficult to clean. Dirt accumulates in embossed and rough tiles, but they do not slip.
Size and shape. The smaller the room, the smaller the tiles. Extend the wall using rectangular elements. Too small a tile is not always appropriate. It is better to use mosaic only for an apron.
Layout diagram. To visually expand the room, use diagonal orientation of floor tiles. Tiles on the walls are usually laid in even rows, but rectangular versions are glued with an offset bandage, vertically, horizontally, etc. on the floor - like parquet, for example, with a herringbone pattern.

Beautiful tiles set the mood

Preparing the walls

Before laying tiles in the kitchen, first treat the surface. Remove the old coating not only from the walls, but also from the floor, that is, carry out all the rough work. The second stage is laying the wiring. Then proceed directly to leveling the surface; for this purpose, use starting and finishing putty.

Since the kitchen is a room with high humidity, pre-treat the walls with a special antifungal impregnation and prime them.
First, rough differences are leveled with the starting mixture. Several layers may be needed. After this, a perfectly smooth coating is achieved using finishing putty, since the tiles are laid only on flat surfaces.

Walls

First, decide how to lay tiles in the kitchen: over the entire area or in separate areas. Often they create combinations with other types of coatings: paint, plaster, wallpaper, wall panels.
The quality of cladding and durability directly depend on a properly prepared surface

Laying tiles on the walls is done as follows:
The approximate number of whole elements is calculated, taking into account the seams. Marking is being done.

Installation starts from the corner of the bottom row from the first whole element.

The adhesive is applied to the wall or tile and smoothed with a notched trowel.

The distance between the fragments should be about 2-3 mm. The joints are controlled using plastic crosses.

For sockets, cut a hole of the required shape so that it is 1-2 mm larger than the box itself.

To compact, tap the tiles with a soft mallet.

After each row, check the evenness using a level, plumb lines and control beacons.

At the end, the bottom row is laid, and the tiles are cut to the required size.

After drying, grout the joints.

Apron

Separately consider the installation of the apron. When marking, keep in mind that the coverage area should be a couple of centimeters larger in each direction than the remaining wall after installing the headset. At the hood site, the masonry goes up.

How to lay tiles on a backsplash in the kitchen:

Mark the position of the control tiles and set the level.

Start working from the bottom corner, which is visible first. The solution is applied in a small layer with a notched trowel.

Move in rows from bottom to top.

First, all intact elements are glued.

Holes are made in the tiles for sockets.

The cut pieces and corners are laid last.

After drying, the seams are rubbed with an epoxy mixture.

An apron lined with tiles is a style-forming element of the entire interior design.

Floor preparation

Laying floor tiles in the kitchen is possible only after careful surface treatment and the creation of a project.

There are several nuances to consider here:

Coating load. The kitchen is one of the most visited places in most homes, especially if it combines the functions of a dining room. In addition, the floor must withstand large household appliances and massive furniture filled with dishes and food.

Slip. If water gets on the surface of the tiles, it is easy to slip and fall, so choose a special non-slip coating.

Heating system. When installing a heated floor, it is necessary to make a screed. First, place the electrical mats on a heat-reflective substrate and fill with self-leveling mixture.

Layout method. Using various schemes you can visually expand or reduce the area of the room. First, make an example on the floor to visually evaluate the options and choose the one that suits you.

Tiles in the kitchen, as in any other room, begin from the corner

Laying on the floor

Make markings using beacons. Mark the position of the control tiles.

Treat the surface with an antiseptic and prime. If necessary, install a vapor barrier underlay.

Installation begins from the far corner, which catches the eye the most. Step back about a centimeter from the wall, then cover this space with a plinth.

Apply the adhesive to a small area of the floor using a notched trowel. In case of severe unevenness, the compound is additionally applied to the tiles.

Lay two rows in parallel, moving towards the exit.

Keep an eye on the level and make crosses to align the seams.

To compact the solution, tap the tiles with a rubber mallet.

After a day or two, start grouting the joints. Every other day, clean and arrange furniture.

Installing tiles seems like a daunting task, but follow the basic rules and things will go swimmingly. The kitchen will be transformed, but the main thing is that this will be your fault.

Ceramic tiles are deservedly considered one of the best materials for kitchen decoration. Such “clothes” are beautiful, durable, resistant to moisture and high temperatures. Manufacturers today offer many tempting options for decorating the kitchen space, but the cost of installation work often exceeds the cost of the material, so the question of how to lay tiles in the kitchen remains relevant.

The problem that anyone who decides to tile their kitchen will inevitably face is what tile to choose for the kitchen? The presented assortment is varied: customers are offered matte and glossy, smooth and embossed tiles of various shades. What should you pay attention to when choosing first?

Kitchen tiles must be heat and moisture resistant and not afraid of the aggression of chemical solutions and mechanical stress. Pay attention to the size and weight - the lighter the tile, the easier it will be to glue it to the wall; large tiles are laid twice as fast as small ones.

It is important!
According to standards, when saturated with moisture, the increase in tile weight should not exceed 1%.

As for sizes, for small kitchens in small apartments the best option is 10x10. However, do not forget that small tiles are more difficult to lay and level. Large spaces can be decorated with larger pieces - 20x20 or even 30x30 cm.

Think in advance about the color of the tiles and texture, take into account the overall design of the room. You can calculate the amount of material as follows: determine the area of the wall and add 10% to the resulting number (for trimming and possible damage).

Video instruction

In order for the result to please you for a long time, it is necessary to prepare the tools in advance and strictly adhere to the sequence of work.

Tools

grinder or tile cutter;
hammer;
crosspieces;
glue;
ruler, level;
metal profile for drywall;
bucket with water;
spatulas (small rubber and wide serrated);
dowel-nails;
pencil.

Surface preparation

Beautiful and reliable installation begins, first of all, with preparing the working surface. The walls must be cleaned and treated with a deep penetration primer, and then with sand-cement mortar.

It is important!
Clay, lime and gypsum mixtures are not suitable for surface treatment.

You can prepare the walls in 2 ways: level them using plaster or plasterboard sheets. Let's consider the sequence of actions of the first and second methods.

Leveling with plaster

clean the walls from dust, remove the old coating;
give the surface roughness (fill shingles on a wooden wall, apply notches on a concrete wall with a chisel);
treat the working area with a deep penetration primer or concrete contact, which will help avoid peeling of the plaster;
install beacons, attach corner profiles to the outer corners;
prepare the sand-cement mortar and 20 minutes after mixing, apply it to the walls using throwing or spreading movements;
prime the surface.

Leveling with drywall

if differences exceed 5 cm, you should purchase standard sheets of plasterboard for gluing with mounting adhesive;
make sure there are no crumbling areas;
apply primer;
cut drywall for sockets and ventilation;
take care of hidden installation of wiring (sockets and boxes for switches should protrude 20 mm above the base);
Apply gypsum or mounting adhesive to the cut sheets and glue the drywall to the wall;
Before the glue has hardened, level the sheets using a level and a rubber hammer;
prime the walls and putty the seams.

Important points

Please note that tiles are not placed behind wall cabinets and kitchen tables, because... in this case, material overuse cannot be avoided. If you decide not to deviate from tradition and want to lay out a tiled apron, then draw a horizontal line in the place where the countertop will end. Attach a metal profile for plasterboard sheets along this line with a margin of 3 cm, on which the bottom row of tiles will be based.

Plastic crosses are used to adjust the position of the tiles and the thickness of the joints. Thus, if you need seams 3 mm thick, then the crosses should be selected accordingly.
The size of the spatulas also depends on the size of the selected material. To lay large tiles you will need a trowel with a tooth width of at least 10 mm, for small ones - 6 mm. In addition, there is one that will harmoniously fit into the interior.

Sequencing

The process of laying tiles is simple, even a beginner who is faced with this task for the first time can lay tiles efficiently. However, it still doesn’t hurt to familiarize yourself with some of the nuances.

Mixing the glue

After mixing, the glue is not used immediately - it must gain plasticity. This usually takes 15 minutes. The adhesive is applied with a regular spatula, and the excess is removed with a serrated spatula. To prevent glue from accumulating on the spatula, dip it in a bucket of water from time to time. If possible, try to hold the tool perpendicularly, without tilting.

Glue the tiles

We fasten the tiles to the surface - if the preparatory work is carried out correctly, the tiles will lie as needed. We glue the second tile next to the first one and insert crosses between them from below. Do not forget to check the plane using the rule - there should be no intervals. By the way, after an hour after completing the work, the crosses should be removed - otherwise it will be problematic to do this later.

Some people prefer to apply adhesive to the wall or floor first, and then glue the tiles. Undoubtedly, this way the work will go twice as fast, but achieving perfect masonry will not be easy.

Check the verticality of the rows with a building level. If an obstacle arises, for example, a socket, draw the contours with a pencil and attach the tile to the socket from above and on the side - this way you will accurately determine which of the contours the tile should be cut along. Please note that the cut line should be on the wrong side.

It is important!
Do not glue the tiles immediately after cutting - check that you did everything correctly.

It is easy to increase the adhesion of the material and the surface - just tap the tile with a rubber hammer or mallet. It is most convenient to cut tiles with a tile cutter; curly cutouts can be obtained using a grinder.
To neatly design window slopes or corners, plastic corners are used, which should be 2 mm thicker than the tiles.

Grouting joints

Grout powder, selected to match the color of the tiles, is diluted with water and applied with a rubber spatula between the tiles. To simplify the work, you can use a squeezing gun or an empty sealant pipe.

Excess grout is removed with a damp sponge. Act carefully so as not to completely remove the fruits of your painstaking work. After a few hours, wipe the tiles with a cloth and admire the result.

The work has been completed, the tiles have been laid and are pleasingly smooth. As you can see, laying tiles in the kitchen with your own hands is quite simple if you have the desire. The main thing is to follow simple rules that will help transform your kitchen space and bring beauty to your home.

Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular finishing methods in the kitchen. The fact is that it is not exposed to water or temperature changes, it is easy to care for, and its service life can be counted in decades. Today, manufacturers offer tiles in various colors and structures, so it will not be difficult to choose an option that will look great both on the floor and on the walls. We invite you to figure out together which tiles are best suited for the kitchen, as well as how to lay them according to all the rules.

Before laying tiles, you need to choose the option that best suits the interior of your kitchen and operating conditions. The service life and user properties of ceramics depend on how high-quality the material is. The first thing you should pay attention to is, of course, the color scheme and texture. Textured tiles are not always appropriate in the kitchen, especially around the stove, since the tiles can become very dirty during cooking. And it will take much more time to clean a structured surface than a smooth and glossy one.

As for color, the main thing here is your desire, however, there are certain rules that allow you to visually either enlarge or reduce the room, as well as highlight separate areas, for example, cooking or eating. Light colors allow you to visually expand the boundaries, and bright colors allow you to emphasize a particular place. When solving the issue of laying tiles, you need to start from the size of the kitchen. For small rooms, tiles measuring 10x10, 15x15 cm or classic mosaic are suitable. For an apron this will be the best option.

For a small kitchen it is better to choose large tiles

You can (and should) choose something larger for the floor. If you have a spacious kitchen, then any size range will suit you, but remember that the more seams, the more work there will be during cleaning. Be sure to check the geometry of the tiles. Very often, if production or storage technology is not followed, tiles become curved. If on a large tile differences of 1 mm are not very noticeable and practically do not affect the installation, then for a small tile this can become a big problem.

The front side of the tile should be smooth and its corners straight. Thickness discrepancies of up to 2 mm are allowed, but try to choose minimal deviations. The height and width of all pieces in the batch must completely match, otherwise it will not be possible to obtain even tile seams. Advice. Choose tiles from the same batch, especially if it comes to colored tiles, as there may be differences in tone.

It is clear that most tiles have a practical function - they protect the walls. However, the aesthetic component of the cladding is also important for the home owner. In addition to color and texture, you also need to choose how (pattern) it will be laid out on the walls or floor. Everyone has the right to experiment with styling methods, but we will consider the main options that remain relevant at all times. The first and most common is the classical method. It is successfully used for tiles of different sizes, colors and patterns. Even a novice master can handle the classic layout, since laying out tiles in an even line is not difficult.

For kitchens in a traditional style, laying tiles "in a staggered manner" is perfect. The method is that each subsequent row is glued with a certain offset, and the offset does not have to start from the middle of the previous tile - you can always experiment with the pattern. Most often, rectangular tiles are used for this layout, since the resulting result resembles brickwork, although square tiles in this version look very interesting.

The classic method involves laying in a straight line

Diagonal tiling is a more complex, but nevertheless quite effective way to transform the interior. Before laying the tiles diagonally, you need to apply markings to the surface where the tiles will be attached, and if there is an opportunity to practice, then you should definitely do this. Very often, masters combine methods with each other. In this way, you can achieve truly interesting results, but before implementing this idea, you must definitely make a sketch of the future finish.

When the layout issue is resolved, proceed to calculating the required amount of material. To do this, find out the surface area to be tiled and divide it by the area of one tile. This will give you the amount of material you need. In addition, you need to add about 5-15% to the total amount in case of damage to the tiles during work, as well as cutting them to the required size. When purchasing tiles, you can always ask the seller to calculate the required quantity, as well as make a sketch of the room, which can be easily created in a special program.

Before laying a tile backsplash or tiling the floor, prepare the kitchen surface. The service life of the tile will depend on the coherence and correctness of actions. The first thing to do is to examine the surface for the presence of flaking elements of the old finish. All this needs to be removed, and large depressions and cracks should be covered with mortar. Afterwards we prime the surface. Now you can start plastering the wall or pouring the screed if we are talking about a field.

When plastering walls, we recommend using fiberglass mesh, which will prevent the surface from cracking in the future. Some craftsmen do not stretch the walls “to zero” before tiling the surface, but prefer to level the wall or floor using tile adhesive directly while laying the tiles. It is not recommended to do this under any circumstances, since there is a high risk of the material peeling off from the surface due to a violation of the technology and an excessive layer of glue. Upon completion of plastering or screeding, re-treat the surface with primer compounds.

Before installation, you need to prepare the surface

In addition to plaster, you can line the walls with plasterboard for the subsequent installation of a kitchen apron made of tiles. Some people prefer to use this method because it is simpler - there is no need to repair small cracks and chips. We make a sheathing on the wall from wooden blocks or aluminum profiles, and then we attach sheets of plasterboard to it. It is important to use moisture-resistant gypsum board, as it retains moisture from the glue, preventing it from penetrating into the sheet and destroying it. Alternatively, plasterboard sheets can be replaced with gypsum fiber sheets, because they are more durable due to the inclusion of cellulose fibers. The seams between the sheets are reinforced with a special mesh or paper and carefully puttied.

Preparing the surface with drywall is especially important in houses built of wood, since it is almost impossible to lay a tile apron on wood (the exception is plywood). If the surface intended for cladding is flat, then there is no need to plaster it or level it with plasterboard. It is enough to treat the wall with Betonokontakt solution for better adhesion.

Wall cladding - becoming real masters

Nowadays, it is rare that anyone completely tiles their walls. As a rule, all you need to do is make an apron in the kitchen. If this approach is chosen, then the first thing you need to do is draw a strictly horizontal line, for which we use a bubble level or a laser axis builder. We draw a line at the level of the countertop, after which we attach an aluminum profile or a wooden plank under it, which will serve as a fixing element when laying the tiles with our own hands. We secure the support with dowels, which are inserted into the holes drilled with a hammer drill.

At the next stage, we prepare the solution with which the tiles will be laid. Here you can choose from two options: make the mixture yourself from sand and cement, or buy a dry mixture in the store and knead it by adding a certain amount of water. It is worth noting that cement mortar is not suitable for all types of tiles. So, for glass mosaic, which is used to cover a kitchen backsplash, you need to use a special white composition, and for porcelain tiles you need a special glue that will allow you to hold a lot of weight on the surface.

Apply tile adhesive with a spatula directly to the tile itself (when laying mosaics - on the wall), after which we remove the excess using a comb. It is not difficult to choose the correct width of the teeth - the larger the tile, the greater the distance should be between the rows. We attach the prepared tile to the wall and press it, making small movements left and right. Next, we take a level to check the horizontalness and, if necessary, correct it immediately, without allowing the material to harden.

By adjusting the inclination of the notched trowel, you can select the optimal thickness of the tile adhesive.

We repeat the process in a similar way for each subsequent tile. To position the tiles evenly relative to each other, we use special crosses that we place in the corners. We remove excess glue immediately from the surface of the tile, and remove the mortar and plastic crosses remaining in the space between the tiles after a few hours, when the glue has set. If necessary, to the required size, we use a special device - a tile cutter, and if it is not available, then you can try to do it with a glass cutter. You need to understand that not all tiles can be cut in this way; for example, porcelain tiles are cut exclusively with a grinder, since they are very durable.

Laying tiles on the floor - step-by-step instructions

Laying tiles on the floor, as a rule, begins from the center of the room, but in some cases you can deviate from this norm if design ideas require it. If you plan to lay out the tiles in a certain pattern, we recommend that you initially lay the material on the floor without glue to make sure that the elements have been selected correctly.

Using painter's thread, we beat off a straight line in the center of the kitchen, from which the tiles will be laid.
Using a spatula, apply glue to the tiles and floor, the excess of which is removed with a comb.
Place the tile on the floor and press it tightly, moving it slightly from side to side.
We measure the evenness with a level, and if necessary, use a mallet to knock down the tiles in order to achieve a perfectly even result.
We repeat similar actions with each subsequent element, laying them in a circle.

As in the case of wall tiles, the remaining adhesive must be removed from the tile immediately, and the crosspieces and mortar between the tiles must be removed as the glue sets. Grout the joints no sooner than every other day, using moisture-resistant compounds for the kitchen.