We are laying tiles in the kitchen. How to lay ceramic tiles on the walls in the kitchen with your own hands: how to lay an apron on flat walls, execution techniques. The correct technology for laying tiles in the kitchen

After making a firm decision to lay tiles in the kitchen, you may get confused and not know what, how and in what order to do.

Let's highlight the main stages this process, no matter where you decide to lay the tiles.

Laying tiles in the kitchen

Laying tiles in the kitchen is no less complex and time-consuming task than preparing the surface for tiles.

At this stage, you have access to only 3 components (tiles, glue, grout) and 3 tools (a spatula for applying glue, a rubber spatula for grouting and crosses for separating the tiles).

The quality of the floor surface will depend solely on your skill, a well-prepared surface and the skillful use of additional equipment (level, tile cutter, grinder, sponge).

Only over time will the shortcomings of the tile or adhesive appear, but they can be avoided by choosing proven and high-quality materials.

How to lay tiles in the kitchen

So, the main stages of how to lay tiles in the kitchen:

Preparatory stage. We choose the color, shape, size and texture of the tile.
We draw an expanded diagram of the tile layout in the kitchen.
We count and purchase the required number of tiles. A reserve of 10% is required.
Preparation the necessary tool and auxiliary building materials.
Removing old coating from the floor/walls and leveling the surface for tiles.
Laying tiles.
Grouting joints.

How to lay tiles in the kitchen correctly

The process of laying tiles itself also consists of a number of sequential actions.

Using a special spatula, apply the adhesive solution to the wall. The application area must be larger than the size of one tile.
Using the same notched trowel, apply the adhesive solution to the tiles.
We attach the tiles to the wall according to the previously applied markings.
Using a level and a long metal ruler, we check whether each subsequent tile is in the same plane as the previously glued array.
At necessary lungs Tap the mallet to level the position of the tiles. Adhesive composition very flexible and will not interfere with indentation. If the tile “sank”, it must be removed and the process of applying glue and laying on the wall repeated.
Between adjacent tiles we install demarcation crosses, the width of which is selected depending on the size of the tile itself.

How to lay tiles in the kitchen

The walls are cleaned to their original condition.
Before leveling the wall or laying tiles, use a deep-penetrating primer.
Stock up on a tile cutter or grinder, even if according to calculations you don’t need to cut anything.
Before laying tiles at a certain height (kitchen splashback), a horizontal stop ( metal profile or rack). This will prevent the bottom row of tiles from slipping. Also, if necessary, you should cut channels for wiring or sockets.
The tiles are laid in the direction from bottom to top and from the center to the sides (if there are openings or areas without tiles in the center).
The first tile is placed most carefully.
Check the flatness and level of the tiles in vertical and horizontal directions as often as possible.
Remains of the adhesive solution from the seams should be removed before grouting.
Remains of grout on the tiles should be removed immediately, as over time, traces of it become difficult to remove.

It’s hard to overestimate the beauty of using ceramic tiles in the kitchen, because it’s really unique material. It is tiles that are best suited for kitchens, as they are moisture resistant, durable, and resistant to high and low temperatures and very beautiful. This facing material presented in construction stores in a huge assortment. That is why, choose a tile for yourself, individual style It’s not at all difficult to create your own kitchen.
And everything seems to be just fine, and performance characteristics and price, but there is one negative point– cost of installation work. Any wasteful owner understands that this is a serious and, in many ways, unjustified blow to family budget. For this reason, those who do not like to throw away money decide to lay it themselves ceramic tiles. This approach is largely justified, because the cost of masons’ services is equal to the cost of materials.
In addition to being an information resource, we are also engaged in the sale of tools that significantly facilitate the work of a tile layer; we will talk about them below. In the meantime, we advise you to study this article, as it will describe the correct technology for laying tiles in the kitchen.

As you understand, any mistakes in repairs spoil the entire aesthetics of the room and, as a rule, this is very noticeable. It is for this reason that many owners of apartments and houses do not dare to do repairs themselves. Very often they are afraid or do not understand some aspects of working technology. If you nevertheless decide to carry out the work yourself, be patient, because if you approach the matter with due diligence, laying tiles will become a completely feasible task for you. It is very good if you have at least once watched how tiles are laid. If not, take a look interesting video, which will give you an idea of how this is done.

Did you know how beautiful it looks? You can check out these wonderful room design options by following the link.
In fact, there aren't any at all general rules and the taboo on laying tiles, each layer at one point or another shows individuality. And that’s right, healthy creativity should be present in any business. In addition, there are even quite a lot of surface types, for each of which there is own technology on installation. For example, the cladding of a plasterboard surface, a painted base, and simply plastered walls is significantly different. Many masons recommend not completely removing the paint, but simply making notches on the surface of the wall. Particularly meticulous master layers are hostile to this technique and believe that the wall must be completely cleared of paint and plastered, and only in this case can tiles be laid. However, as a rule, in reality it turns out that the tiles on the wall with notches are held securely.

But there's another one open question, but how to lay the tiles in the kitchen evenly? This can only be done if the walls have flat surface, so take the trouble to do this to get a good final quality. Soviet methods are also applicable to installation, but their effectiveness is questionable. Previously, the tiles were wetted, supposedly this improved the adhesion of the tiles and the wall. However, whether this is really the case has not been proven. Regular tile adhesive can create a good adhesion, without the use of soaking. Today, there are three ways to lay tiles - “diagonal”, “in a bandage”, “seam in a seam”. The most technical the hard way- This diagonal laying, since it requires many cuts, which significantly increases material consumption. When laying using the “bandage” method, the top rows of tiles are shifted halfway horizontally

We prepare materials and tools. Level the surface.

Having leveled the walls, you should plaster them using a primer deep penetration. At the moment, a large number of different primers are sold, which, in principle, practically do not differ in composition. You can find out which tools are best to use for laying tiles!!
You should know!
After pouring the primer out of a container (for example, a canister), you should not pour it back into the same place if it is not completely used. Otherwise, after a while an unpleasant odor will begin to emanate from the canister. When the primer dries, the wall will take perfect condition, and grains of sand will not fall off from it. This will have a positive effect on the adhesion of the glue and the wall.
Glue in stores is also sold in wide range. Most masons believe that the most ideal adhesive for laying tiles is Ceresit. But import substitution in our country was still developing far before the sanctions, so domestic glue in composition and properties is no worse than the same Ceresit. If you don’t want to overpay for a brand name, choose your own and you won’t feel the difference!

We hope that you will choose the tiles for your design yourself, and to calculate required quantity, you just need to measure the area of the wall and divide by the area of the tile. You must add ten percent to the result obtained, approximately this amount will be spent on fighting and cutting. If you want to purchase tiles more accurately, make a template out of cardboard and apply it to the wall. This way you will know exactly how many tiles you will need. But in order to buy tiles without stock, you need to be absolutely sure that they will be cut without defects. So buy tiles without stock only if you have such abilities.
If you want to end up beautiful kitchen, try to lay the cut tiles in inconspicuous places, where they will not be visible. You can place it on a wall that is covered by furniture, in corners where light does not fall, and so on. If you plan to place tiles in the center of switches and sockets or in places where seams touch, you will have to purchase extra tiles.
In addition to everything that we have described, you will also need for work
Grinder or tile cutter;
Bucket of water;
Pencil with ruler;
Two spatulas (notched and small rubber, for grouting);
Metal profile with dowel nails.

The correct technology for laying tiles in the kitchen

As a rule, tiles are not placed behind the kitchen table and cabinets, since this is not economically profitable and entails waste of material. Now we will tell you about possible way laying tiles on the apron. To do this, you need to draw a horizontal line from the planned starting point of the apron to the end. Further along this line, a metal profile is attached using dowel-nails. The first (bottom) row of tiles will be attached to it. After this, you need to check the horizontalness with a building level. 3D crosses or more are used to regulate seams universal tools —tile leveling systems
If you decide to make 2 mm seams, you need to buy crosses 2 mm thick, if 3 mm, respectively, you need crosses of this size. You should choose a spatula depending on the size of the tile you plan to use. The most popular spatulas have teeth measuring 6,8,10 millimeters.

The next step is mixing the glue

If you don’t know which tile adhesive to choose, you can find out about this!!

The glue must be mixed until the desired consistency is obtained. To obtain it, you must read the instructions for use indicated on the package. Tile adhesive is mixed manually, using a drill with a screw-shaped attachment, you can also use an electric mixer. As a rule, only tilers with good incomes can afford a mixer, unlike a drill.

After mixing the glue, you should let it stand for about five to ten minutes and after that, mix again. Such manipulations with it are carried out in order to give it softness and plasticity. To apply it, use a notched trowel, which must be dipped in water during operation. Otherwise, the glue on it will actively dry out and accumulate. For this reason, you will need a bucket of water, and to check the planes, use the usual aluminum rules.

Before you lay the tile, you will need to know where it is down and where it is up. To do this, turn it over - to back side There will be marks in the form of an arrow. For convenience, you can immediately correctly stack the stack of tiles along the arrows. Mark it from the end with a pencil where it is at the top. And after that you can take it from the stack and calmly and comfortably lay it down.

How to properly apply adhesive to tiles

For these purposes, use a flat spatula. Excess glue from the flat trowel should be removed with a notched trowel. After this, the excess is placed in a container with glue, and it slides into it without effort, since the notched trowel was in a bucket of water and is accordingly wet and slippery. The adhesive is located on the back side of the tile in even grooves. In this case, the spatula must be held perpendicularly, without tilting. This determines whether the correct thickness of the adhesive layer will be applied.

How to properly fix tiles to the wall

Take the tile, apply glue to it and gently press it over the entire area. Check its position with a level so that everything is level, both vertically and horizontally. If the wall was evenly plastered, and you secured the profile evenly along the line, then, as a rule, there are no differences horizontally. Following the first, it is necessary to glue the second tile, the top and bottom part fix tile leveling systems or 3D crosses, depending on what you plan to use. To check the plane, a rule is used. Make sure there are no gaps.
Different craftsmen apply glue in different ways, some only on the wall, others only on the tiles, and some here and there. In principle, at the moment they are selling in all respects good glue, so between in various ways application there is no fundamental difference.

It is necessary to cut the tiles correctly. How? We'll tell you

Cut tiles are placed in the corners. To cut it, use a tile cutter. As a rule, a non-professional mason does not have such tools on his farm; in this case, you need to use an ordinary glass cutter. After you make a cut on it, you need to break the tile by placing it edgewise on the table; you can also use a stool for these purposes. Perform these manipulations very carefully, as you can harm yourself if you come into contact with the sharp broken edge of the tile. It happens that in places where plumbing or electrical fixtures are located, it is necessary to make a shaped cut. It will help you do this grinder With diamond blade– Bulgarian. Its disadvantage is that during operation it creates a lot of dust, but the advantage is that the price is much lower than a machine for cutting tiles.
You should know! Adjusting the tiles on the wall can be done for a maximum of fifteen minutes; if more time passes, the panel must be removed, the adhesive must be cleaned from the wall and re-installed.

We design window slopes and corners

In order to decorate window slopes or wall corners as neatly as possible, use plastic corners. The ends of the tiles are hidden in them. The thickness of the corner should be approximately two millimeters larger than the panel.
The approximate drying time for the glue is one day. After this time, you need to dismantle the metal profile supporting the first row of tiles, since after a day it will no longer slide off.

Finishing touches - grouting

After you dismantle tile leveling systems or crosses, depending on what you used, you can start sealing the seams. A fugue will help you do this, which you must choose in accordance with the color of the grout. It is a powder that must be diluted correctly. The kneaded consistency should not be too thick or thin. To evenly distribute the grout over the surface, use a rubber spatula, as it will not damage the glazed layer of the tile. After applying the grout, all you have to do is clean the surface. To do this, use a wet cloth or sponge. We would also like to tell you about the projects we implement construction tools – tile leveling systems and 3D crosses.

Tile leveling systems and 3D crosses will provide you with perfectly even seams and more!

Our online store is pleased to offer you buy tile leveling systems,’which are excellent for carrying out facing work. Their positive properties, is that, unlike ordinary crosses, in addition to creating an even seam, they also create a perfectly smooth surface. For this reason, they are more versatile and functional than the former.
All products we sell are certified, produced in factories according to modern technologies using innovative equipment in Russia. Therefore its cost is much lower foreign analogues, which are no better than SVP, DLS and Litolevel in terms of quality. The systems are made of impact-resistant plastic, which is very important since half of their parts are reusable. If you have any questions about purchasing our leveling systems, call our manager at the number listed on the website, he will be happy to answer them. And then we would like to talk about the advantages tile leveling systems.

Tile leveling systems offer the following advantages

By using them during the installation process, you will not encounter the “landslide” effect;
Leveling systems consist of two parts, one of which is reusable, so when laying tiles in all rooms, starting from the second, you will save half the cost;
Their use guarantees absolutely smooth seams and surfaces;
With the installation process using leveling systems even a beginner who has no skills in this area can handle it;
Usage leveling systems speeds up the finishing work two to four times. Accordingly, a mason can make at least twice as much in a working day more work and, proportionally, earn more;
And many others.

Today, many are trying to carry out repairs, decoration or decoration. kitchen area independently, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly. Laying ceramic tiles with your own hands will significantly save your budget, because the cost of the work is equal to the price of the material.

What you need to know before starting work

Laying floor tiles in the kitchen is divided into two stages of work: preparatory and installation itself. Initially we decide on interior design, we extend pipeline communications, select the location of plumbing, calculate the required number of tiles, select the type and color of ceramics.

Preparation ensures the following tasks:

Leveling the surface, which ensures convenient laying of tiles. We get a perfectly smooth floor covering.
Guarantees strong adhesion of ceramics to the base.

Number of steps to complete preparatory work for the floor, depends on the quality of the surface and the materials used.

How to lay tiles in the kitchen? Let's look at the example of laying ceramics at all stages of the work being carried out.

Instructions for preparing to lay tiles

First, let's make a list of the necessary tools:

To dismantle the old coating, you need safety glasses, a hammer, and a chisel;
Level horizontal surface We measure 100 mm using a pencil;
To mix the solution we will need a drill, a hammer drill;
We level the surface with a spatula;
Leveling roller flooring.

We clean the surface from the old coating. We completely remove the remaining paint and elements of previous products. This will allow the new coating to bond securely to the base.

Set the level of the horizontal surface. Perhaps several various options to determine it using a building level. The first option is to lay the level on different sides. Another way is to use a level to mark the vertical wall of the bottom row. By analogy, we put markings on the remaining walls.

We connect the dots with a common line - this is the arrangement of the first row. It will also demonstrate the level of horizontality of the floor covering. The measured distance from the drawn line to the floor is the same on all walls, which means the floor is laid correctly. If there are fluctuations, then alignment is required.

Although there are exceptions. Sometimes the floor covering is specially made at a slight slope to prevent moisture accumulation.

Leveling the floor is carried out partially or completely with a screed. For this purpose, a special cement mortar, which we dilute with water and add plasticizers. Then we apply the resulting substance with a spatula, and then level it. Roll the roller over the leveled surface and remove the remaining air.

We prime the work area for laying ceramic parts. We impregnate the surface layer to increase adhesion and strength. Apply the solution to the base with a brush or roller.

Laying ceramic tiles

Main installation work Laying floor tiles in the kitchen is carried out only on a solid base. Let's prepare materials and tools:

We will need tile adhesive or cement, plastic crosses for evenness of the products;
Drill or hammer drill, don’t forget the attachment;
Containers for mixing the solution and estimating the volume of glue required;
Scales;
Spatula for applying the mixture, spatula large sizes with serrated edges for alignment;
Plumb line for marking the verticality of the surface;
Levels of different lengths to determine the verticality of the walls;
Electric and manual tile cutters with attachments;
A rag for cleaning cement stains.

Laying out the tiles:

Soak the ceramics in water for 10-20 minutes before installation. Then take it out and dry it a little. After this procedure, the tile will not absorb moisture from the mixture, which will ensure better setting.
Take cement and mix it. If the store doesn't have it, you can take glue cement base and additives.
Select the most visible corner and wall. Apply the prepared mixture.
The thickness of the applied solution should be approximately 10 mm.
We run a notched trowel over the adhesive substance, creating grooves. This way we will achieve better grip.
We lay the tile and press it down. The grooves left will fill the entire gap between the mixture and the ceramic.
We take measurements at the building level. If deviations are detected, we level the surface. Either press down or put a little more mixture under the tile.
At further work With a small level we calculate the horizontalness of an individual ceramic part, and with a long level we establish the overall evenness of the floor covering.
Using special crosses we leave gaps between tiled elements. We place them in the middle of four products. They regulate the width of the gap.
After installation is complete, if the last row does not match the dimensions of the kitchen, then a tile cutter is needed. We carefully cut the ceramic products and adjust them to size. If you don’t have a tile cutter, you can replace it with a grinder, but then it’s better to stock up on glasses to protect against chips.
We remove the remaining tiles, glue and other dirt with a damp cloth.
After about 24 hours, when the coating has hardened, remove the plastic crosses and cover the resulting cracks with grout.

The flooring should be in harmony with the surrounding design. Don't overdo it with decoration. This may negatively affect the overall interior. Color range need to be calculated based on the dimensions of the kitchen. If it is small, then it is better to use light shades.

Choosing quality tiles:

Purchase products only from specialized stores having confirming quality certificates.
Read the documentation and make sure that the company cooperates directly with manufacturers.
Recognize tile markings. With a foot icon – floor-mounted, with a palm marker – wall-mounted.
At first glance, the ceramics will not be different, but technical specifications are different. Floor tiles are several times thicker, and its surface is slip-resistant.
The degree of abrasion resistance depends on the class of the product. From the first to the fourth marked REI. The most resistant ceramics of the fifth class. Products starting from the third level are suitable for flooring.

Photos of finished works

Now you know how to lay tiles in the kitchen with your own hands quickly and accurately. Still, it is worth adding some details when choosing ceramic products. The selection of floor tiles is influenced by many factors, including the height of the ceilings, the dimensions of the kitchen space, and the level of lighting in it. The tile is very practical, durable, and it is also a hygienically clean product. It makes every kitchen special and comfortable.

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The most common method of finishing a kitchen is ceramic cladding. If, in order to save money or, wanting to try yourself as a decorator, you decide to tile the kitchen walls with your own hands, you need to know that laying tiles in the kitchen has its own technology and rules.

Let's break the entire installation process into separate stages:

Making a sketch of the location of tiles on the walls.
Choice of ceramics.
Calculation of the need for tiles.
Removing old coating from walls and preparing the surface for installation.
Laying tiles.
Grouting joints.

Let's look at each stage separately to lay out the tiles in the kitchen correctly.

Kitchen wall design sketch

When renovating a kitchen with your own hands, you need to take into account that ceramic tiles are not only a protective wall covering from moisture and grease, but also an aesthetic element. Tiles for wall cladding should be an organic addition to the overall interior of the kitchen.

Whether to put tiles on the walls behind furniture is up to everyone to decide for themselves. Refusal of installation will provide savings, but will tie the existing furniture and its location to exactly this finishing option. When rearranging furniture or replacing it, the aesthetics of the room will be compromised. Decorating the walls with a uniform but original pattern or ornament will allow you to manipulate the furniture painlessly for the aesthetics of the room.

To lay tiles in the kitchen, you can use the simplest methods of uniform installation:

Traditional - provides for the arrangement of rows of ceramics parallel to the floor.
Diagonal - variety traditional styling, important correct marking diagonals along which installation is carried out.
With an offset (staggered) - reminds brickwork, does not create a feeling of monotony in design and hides surface defects.

If the kitchen area is large, tiles can be laid on the walls using combinations of these installation options, especially when dividing the room into zones.

Tile selection

The tiles on the kitchen walls must be moisture-resistant, durable and resistant to chemical influences. Any glazed tile has the moisture resistance necessary for covering kitchen walls.

To indicate strength characteristics, there is a strength classification, denoted by the abbreviation PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute). According to this classification, kitchen wall tiles are labeled PEI-1, which means “for walls only.” If the selected material does not contain the marking with the abbreviation PEI, then there should be an icon in the form of a shaded image of a palm, which also indicates the characteristic “for walls”.

Based on the degree of resistance of the tile to chemicals, it is correct to use material marked A - high resistance to chemicals and AA - resistance to chemicals.

The format of the tile must correspond to the dimensions of the kitchen. In kitchens with a small area, it is advisable to lay tiles with a combination of sizes of 10, 15, 20 cm. If the room is spacious, then you can lay tiles in a larger format in the kitchen.

Calculation of tile needs

When finishing a kitchen using one of the traditional installation methods, the consumption of tiles is equal to the area of the surfaces being tiled with the addition of 10% for waste and waste.

For more complex combinations, decorative options design, the calculation of the need for material must be done for each type of tile used separately, making preliminary marking on the walls.

Removing old finishes from walls

Old finishes are removed from the walls. If it is tile, then to save time and effort, it is better to do it yourself with a hammer drill, choosing a chisel from its attachments. After working with a hammer drill, clean it manually with a paint spatula. Then, using a plumb line, measure the deviation of the walls from the vertical and, if necessary, level them by plastering. After plastering, the walls are allowed to dry for two to three weeks, and then their surface is primed.

If the walls are painted with oil paint, then the best way out- delete it. Removing paint from the walls is done with a grinder (grinder) with a disk designed for cutting stone. A layer of paint along with thin layer old plaster is cut off, holding the disc at an angle of 15-20% to the wall surface.

Work with the grinder is carried out in protective glasses, a respirator and gloves.

However, if the paint is oil-based and adheres firmly to the walls, then the tiles can be laid on such a surface, having previously prepared it with your own hands. You need to make frequent cuts on the wall with an ax and prime it with a layer of any oil paint or oil varnish mixed with sifted sand. For a liter of paint you need half a glass of sand. When this primer dries a little, you can lay the tiles on tile adhesive or thickly rubbed oil paint with the addition of cement.

Laying tiles

After leveling and priming the surfaces, begin laying the tiles. For laying tiles on walls there are various types mixtures. The most popular and quality brands are Knauf, Unis and Ceresit. Ceresit is suitable for various interior works for laying ceramics, including on walls. The manufacturer positions its product as a high-quality waterproof adhesive that is resistant to the “sliding” effect.

The tiles are laid in the direction from bottom to top. Before laying, at a height of 3-5 cm from the floor surface, a metal profile or rail is attached strictly horizontally to the wall to support the first row. There is an arrow on the back of the tile indicating how it should be positioned correctly when laying. At the end of the tile, you need to make a mark with a pencil opposite this arrow with your own hands so that it is not covered by the mortar.

A layer of glue is applied with a flat spatula to the entire back surface of the tile, and then the excess glue is removed with a notched trowel (comb). A notched trowel is chosen with rectangular teeth measuring 8 or 10 mm. When the spatula is released from your hands, place it in a bucket of water; this will prevent glue residues from drying on its surface.

The first tile and the first row are placed especially carefully. The masonry is leveled using a level and tapping it with a mallet with a rubber tip. If the tile “failed”, then it is removed from the row, glue is added and reinstalled. Between the tiles, demarcation crosses are installed for a fixed width of the joints, which is selected depending on the size of the tile.

Using seams of different widths and grouts different colors allows you to create decorative patterns from plain tiles with your own hands. The seams must be periodically cleaned of excess glue in order to ensure proper grouting in the future.

The characteristics of modern adhesives allow you to lay out a wall from floor to ceiling in one day, if a stop is secured under the first row. The support of the first row is removed the next day after the start of installation.

To facilitate the formation of ceramic joints on external and internal corners walls, decorative plastic or metal corners (trims) of different colors are used, which are numbered from 6 to 12.

To choose the trim correctly, you need to know that its number must be one greater than the thickness of the tile in millimeters; for ceramics 6 mm thick, trim No. 7 is needed.

The tiles are cut when fitting manual tile cutter, which is easy to use and does not require special skills. Holes in the tiles are drilled with core drills or a tool called a “ballerina”.

Grouting joints

After laying the tiles, the seams between the tiles are grouted with special grouts. Manufacturers Unis and Ceresit produce grouts that meet the requirements in each specific case. For kitchen walls the right choice will grout CERESIT CE 40 Aquastatic.

Before you start, you need to make sure that the tiles are already dry.

Method for preparing a grout solution from ready mixture described on the packaging and is not difficult. The grout is mixed in small portions, the seams are filled with grout with a soft rubber spatula, and after an hour, excess glue is removed from the surface with a damp rag. After a day, the grout will completely harden.

Most families consider ceramic tiles the most suitable “clothing” for kitchen walls. After all, the tiles are resistant to high humidity and temperature, durable and beautiful. Manufacturers offer such a variety of this material that choosing tiles for the kitchen is not difficult. But the work of laying tiles is often comparable to the cost of the material itself. Therefore, many people want to learn how to lay tiles in the kitchen in order to cope with this work themselves.

Tile is one of the best finishing materials for the kitchen

Let's say right away that poorly laid tiles, even if they are very beautiful and expensive, can ruin the entire appearance your kitchen. Therefore, most people prefer not to save on the services of professional tilers. But if you have information about how tiles are laid in the kitchen, as well as remarkable patience, then high-quality execution this work will become a very real thing for you. Especially if you have ever watched labor process for laying ceramic tiles. Didn't have a chance? This is also something that can be fixed! You can easily find videos about laying tiles with your own hands on the Internet. The most important thing is patience and desire.

How to lay tiles in the kitchen: a complete guide

Laying tiles on the walls is carried out using special plastic crosses

Each master has his own methods and secrets of laying tiles. You can lay tiles on plastered walls or drywall (depending on the method of finishing the walls). If the walls of your kitchen are painted, it is quite possible that the tiles will not adhere to such a surface. Some craftsmen advise not to completely remove the paint, but simply make notches on it. Professionals are strongly against such methods; they argue that it is necessary to remove all the paint, level the walls with plaster, and then lay the tiles. But practice shows that even on a painted wall with notches, the tiles adhere normally. Whether it is laid evenly is another question. If the walls are not leveled first (and in the case of notches in the paint this is the case), there is no guarantee that the tiles will look on the wall the way you want.

Some people advise soaking the tiles in water for several hours before laying them (this is exactly what Soviet masters did). Supposedly this will improve the adhesion of the base and the material. There is no evidence of the effectiveness of this method. Modern mortars for laying tiles adhere perfectly without any soaking.

There are three ways to lay ceramic tiles. This is laying “diagonally”, “at the seams” and “in a dressing”. Laying diagonally is considered the most difficult, since you have to cut a lot of tiles, the consumption of which, accordingly, increases. When laying “in a bandage”, the higher rows are shifted horizontally by half the tile (the middle of the tile of the next row is above the seam).

Preparation of surface, materials and tools

Tools needed for quality tile laying

Dry plastered walls should be primed with a deep penetration primer. Now there are many types of primers on sale, but their composition is almost the same. Remember that if you have poured primer from a canister but have not used it completely, do not pour it back into the canister under any circumstances. After several days of storage, the primer that has already been used emits a very bad smell.

When the primer on the plaster dries, grains of sand will no longer separate from the wall, and the glue will hold the tile more reliably.

There are also quite a lot of types of glue. Many craftsmen use only Ceresit, claiming that there is no better glue. However, there is practically no difference in composition and quality between imported Ceresit glue and any domestic glue. But the difference in price is quite noticeable. Therefore, do not rush to pay extra for the brand, but take the most affordable adhesive for interior work.

To determine the number of tiles, you can simply measure the area of the wall and add 10% for possible damage and trimming. But if your goal is to save money, and you know the size of the tile itself, you can calculate the required quantity accurate to one element. You need to cut out a tile template from cardboard and apply it to the wall. This way you will know exactly how many tiles you will have in each row, and how many will need to be trimmed.

By the way, it is better to place cut tiles in places where no one will pay attention to them: for example, on walls covered with furniture or curtains, behind pipes or in dark corners. If you want all the sockets in the switches to be exactly in the center of the tile or in the middle of the seam, then you need to make a detailed layout of the tiles and purchase tiles with a good supply.

What will you need for the job, besides the tile itself and the glue for it? Tile cutter or grinder, hammer, crosses, level, ruler, bucket of water, metal profile for drywall, dowel-nails, spatulas (wide serrated and small rubber), pencil.

How to lay tiles in the kitchen: step-by-step instructions

Tiles with photo decor create a magnificent visual effect, but they must be laid carefully and carefully

Usually tiles for kitchen tables And wall cabinets They don’t put it in because it’s a significant waste of material. If you also decide to tile only the kitchen backsplash (working wall), start by drawing a horizontal line on the wall where the table ends. Along this line, attach a narrow metal profile for drywall (with a margin of 2-3 cm). The bottom row of tiles will rest on it. Cut the required pieces of the profile and secure it to the wall using dowel nails. Don't forget to check the correct fastening by using a level.

Plastic crosspieces and wedges are used to regulate the thickness of the seam and the position of the tiles relative to each other. If you decide to make 2 mm seams, you need to buy crosses 2 mm thick, if 3 mm, respectively, you need crosses of this size.

The sizes of spatulas used for work depend on the size of the tiles. So if you put large tile(230x350 mm), then you will need a large notched trowel with a tooth height and width of 10 mm. If you have smaller tiles, choose a trowel with an 8 or even 6 mm tooth.

Mixing the glue

To mix the glue to the desired consistency, carefully study the information on the package. It is mixed manually using powerful drill with a screw attachment or an electric mixer. The latter, as a rule, is available only to professional tilers - it is an expensive pleasure.

The mixed glue should sit for 5-10 minutes, after which it needs to be mixed again. This is done to make the glue softer and more flexible. It is applied to the tiles with a notched trowel. By the way, the spatula must be constantly in water so that the glue does not accumulate on it and does not dry out. This is why we need a bucket of water. Aluminum rules are used to check planes.

Of the existing three methods of laying tiles, you can choose the one you like most

The arrow on the back side will help you determine where the top and where the bottom of the tile is. It is located below. In order not to turn the tile in your hands every time, looking for this arrow, place the tile in a stack so that all the tiles have an arrow on one side, and draw a line along the end with a pencil. This is how we mark the top or bottom of the tile. Now, looking at the end, you can immediately understand which side to attach this tile to the wall.

Apply glue to the tiles

The adhesive is applied to the tiles with a regular flat spatula. Its excess is removed with a notched spatula. And from it, without effort on your part, they slide into a bucket of glue (after all, our notched trowel is wet, since it is constantly in a bucket of water). There are even grooves of glue left on the back of the tile. Try to hold the spatula without tilting, perpendicularly. The thickness of the resulting layer depends on this.

Attaching the tiles to the wall

Laying tiles is the most common and in a simple way accessible even to beginners without work experience

Place the tile with glue against the wall and press evenly. Check verticality and horizontality with a level. If the wall is plastered correctly and the profile is fixed horizontally, the tile itself becomes as it should, it is quite problematic to press it in with a large distortion. Glue the second tile next to the first, insert crosses at the top and bottom between the tiles. We check the plane using the rule. There should be no gaps.

Some craftsmen apply glue to the wall rather than to the tiles. This is a different installation method, the result, if all the rules are followed, is no worse. Many people believe that this way the tiles are laid less evenly, although much faster.

How to cut tiles?

A piece of tile is glued in the corner. The tiles are cut using special tool– tile cutter. If you don’t have one, make a cut with an ordinary glass cutter, and then break the tile on the edge of the table or stool. Do this carefully as the sharp ceramic edge can cause you to cut yourself. If you need to make shaped cutouts on the tiles (for a socket or switch), it is best to use grinding machine with a diamond disc (grinder). Of course, it creates a lot of dust, but not every novice master can afford special machine for cutting tiles with water supply.

Remember that you can only adjust the position of the tiles within 15 minutes after gluing. If more time has passed, it is better to remove the tiles, clean the wall and tiles and reinstall them.

How to design window slopes and corners?

The original way of designing slopes allows you to save general style kitchen decoration

To neatly decorate a corner of a wall or window slope apply plastic corners, in which the ends of the tiles are hidden. The corner should be approximately 2 mm larger than the thickness of the tile. If the thickness of the tile is, for example, 7 mm, then the corner should be 9 mm; if it is smaller, the edges of the tile will not fit inside the corner.

The glue dries in about a day. After this, you can remove the metal profile that served as a support for the bottom row of tiles. It won't move down anymore.

Grouting tile joints

When all the crosses that are inserted between the tiles have been removed, you can begin grouting the joints. You will need a special grout that matches the color of your tiles. This is a powder that must be diluted so that the consistency is not too thick and not too thin. Distribute the material evenly between the tiles using a rubber spatula. After this, wipe the ceramic tiles with a slightly damp cloth or sponge.

If you have started designing new kitchen, remember that ceramic tiles are not only protection of walls from moisture and grease, but also an aesthetic element. Clothing for the walls should be chosen so that it is an organic addition to your kitchen. If you put in a refined kitchen kitchen set, it is preferable to choose plain tiles. If your furniture is simple, tiles can become the most important part. kitchen design. Pay attention to the kitchen tile sets, which include basic tone tiles and finishing tiles. Manufacturers offer elements with photo printing, as well as exclusive decorative tiles, made according to your individual order.

Photo examples of laying ceramic tiles in the kitchen

Classic tiles with kitchen decor look good in any interior

Combining types of tiles is a common way to decorate kitchen walls because of its effectiveness.

The unusual “apple” design of this tile is perfect for decorating kitchen walls.

Decorate the kitchen with vegetables and fruits - they will enliven the white walls, becoming a bright decorative accent in the interior

Tiles can add zest to a kitchen interior, especially with such an elegant and stylish pattern.

Rectangular tiles can be laid across, thus achieving an unusual visual effect

Kitchen geometry is restrained and simple, but at the same time very attractive

Bright photo decor is increasingly used to decorate modern spacious and light kitchens

Stone-like tiles look original, allowing you to create the effect of rough naturalness.

Tile tiles of contrasting colors can be used to zone the kitchen space

The cheerful, bright and invigorating combination of tile colors in this kitchen became the basis of the interior

For more decorative effect you can use not only different tiles, but also different ways styling it

If the kitchen space allows, you can decorate the walls with macro images of fruits, such as apples or oranges.

Cheerful tiles, laid without strict order, will create a cheerful and carefree mood for the whole day

Complex combinations of patterns, laying methods and sizes of tiles will become a real highlight of the kitchen, but trust them better for professionals