How to lay kitchen tiles yourself. How to lay tiles on the floor in the kitchen - instructions and practical advice from professionals. Required tools and materials

Most families think ceramic tiles the most suitable "clothes" 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 of 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 primer deep penetration. 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 glue for interior works.

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 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). On back side The tiles are left with even grooves of glue. 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 cuts on the tiles (for a socket or switch), it is best to use a grinding machine with diamond blade(Bulgarian). 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.

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

To neatly decorate a wall corner or window slope, use 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 are installing an exquisite kitchen set in your kitchen, 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 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

The interior of a country style kitchen can be complemented a successful combination tiles of several colors and a bright border

The most popular tiles facing material for the kitchen. It fits everything technical specifications to cope with high humidity and so on. This article will tell you the secrets of how to lay tiles in the kitchen yourself. First, it’s worth discussing the intricacies of creating a design.

Design project

First of all, you need to make a design project that will help you see the end result.

When developing it, it is necessary to take into account several factors:

  1. Surface type. The selected tile should be easy to clean. For example, a glossy surface is very easily soiled. The smallest contaminants, even dried drops, will be visible on it. clean water. The matte surface has its privileges - it does not slip.
  2. Color. It is necessary to take into account the style and design of the future interior, namely color kitchen set and other furniture. There are no strict rules here, follow your own taste.
  3. Shape and size. Thanks to the right choice tiles, kitchen renovation can give the room different effects, for example, visually enlarge or reduce a room. You should immediately decide on the type of tile for the backsplash.
  4. Laying diagram. This is another important nuance that allows you to give the room a special appearance. The laying pattern depends on the shape of the tile. If it is rectangular, then it can be laid horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Vertically, the walls visually stretch upward; horizontally, the area visually increases.

Material calculation

The amount of tiles required is determined by the area of ​​the floor, walls, etc. Knowing the initial area, you will be able to make an accurate calculation of the material. However, there are also some nuances.

The following points need to be taken into account:

  1. It is not always advisable to lay tiles on the walls where furniture, refrigerators and other large stationary objects will be installed. This will save the family budget.
  2. Determine the design and layout of the masonry in advance. Laying ceramic tiles diagonally in the kitchen creates a large number of scraps. Accordingly, material consumption increases. If decor or other patterns are used on the wall/floor, then the number of such tiles is counted individually.
  3. Always buy tiles with a small margin. During the laying process, tiles may accidentally break or deteriorate (by cutting wrong size). It's good to have a small supply.

Instructions for laying tiles in the kitchen

The entire work process consists of several successive stages:

  1. Surface preparation.
  2. Applying primer.
  3. Marking.
  4. Masonry.
  5. Grouting joints.

First, let's collect the necessary tools and materials for work:

Surface preparation

Regardless of the type of surface (floor or wall), the preparation process comes down to the same steps. The old cladding should be completely removed from the wall/floor.

The tiles are laid in a clean and flat surface. To do this, examine it. If there are cracks or obvious unevenness, it is recommended to level the surface and cover the cracks.

In most cases, it is better to remove a layer of old plaster, install beacons and plaster the wall. For plastering, ready-made plaster mixtures. Sometimes plasterboard is mounted on the walls, this is the most quick way leveling the surface.

If we are talking about a field, then a self-leveling mixture is used to level it. A cement-sand screed is also produced and poured along the beacons. In this case, laying tiles on the floor in the kitchen can only be done after the screed has completely dried.

Having leveled the base under the tile, the surface must be primed to increase the quality of adhesion of the tile adhesive to the wall. A deep penetration primer is often used.

To lay the tiles yourself, markings must be done. This will help plan the masonry scheme. The markings are done with a pencil. If we are talking about a field, then you need to find the center of the room.

Make sure that there are no small scraps coming out near the walls. Make markings so that visible side the tiles near the wall were solid, and the trimmings were under the work area.

Laying tiles on drywall is easier. Plus, marking on drywall is easy. You need to secure the second row guide profile to the wall. The profile is set strictly according to the level.

Wall masonry

At this stage, you should already know the location and option for laying tiles in the kitchen.

The laying process is as follows:

  • Markings are applied so that there are solid tiles in the corners. Especially if the corners are visible;
  • tile adhesive is mixed;
  • the glue is applied with a regular spatula to the wall surface in a thin layer;
  • also apply the glue with a comb to the tile;
  • immediately remove any exposed glue with a spatula;
  • Lay subsequent tiles in the same way;
  • plastic crosses are used to form the seam;
  • make sure that no tile adhesive remains in the seams;
  • control the level horizontally and vertically; when the glue on the first rows of tiles has dried, the guide rail is dismantled, and the tiles are cut to size on the first row and placed. In this case, the tiles should already be on the floor.

Having laid out the entire wall, all that remains is to grout the joints with a special grouting compound.

Apron laying

By apron we mean work area between the tabletop and shelves. The height of the apron should be slightly higher by 20–30 mm so that the installed set on top overlaps the edge of the top row of tiles.

The hood is usually located above the lower level of the suspended unit. Therefore, in this place the tiles on the apron will extend slightly upward.

The process of laying an apron comes down to the following steps:

  • also exhibit starting profile for the first row;
  • the bottom of the first row of tiles should be slightly lower than the top of the countertop;
  • apply glue to the wall and to the surface of the tile with a comb;
  • apply the tile to the wall and press it moderately;
  • it is necessary to ensure that the glue under the tile completely fills the entire space;
  • also remove any excess glue from the seams between the tiles;
  • usually on working wall there are sockets; therefore, using cutters you make holes in the required tiles;
  • if you plan to decorate the apron, then do not forget about it;
  • After completion of the masonry, all joints should be rubbed.

Laying on the floor

Laying floor tiles in the kitchen it takes place in a similar sequence, but it also has its own characteristics.
The process of laying tiles on the floor in the kitchen is carried out in the following sequence:

  1. Apply markings to the floor, determine its center and the location of the pattern, if any.
  2. Laying tiles on the kitchen floor should start from the farthest corner from the entrance.
  3. Apply tile adhesive to a small area of ​​the surface with a comb. If the floor is level, the layer of glue will be minimal.
  4. Also apply adhesive to the tiles.
  5. Place several tiles on the floor at once, forming a square.
  6. Apply a level and level everything horizontally.
  7. Squeezed glue through the seams should be removed immediately in order to fill them with grout.
  8. Be sure to insert crosses between the facing elements to form an even seam.
  9. When the adhesive has set, you can start grouting the joints.

Design of window slopes

In addition to laying tiles in the kitchen with their own hands on the floor, walls and splashback, many decide to lay tiles on the window slopes.
To do this, you need to purchase a plastic outer corner. The end of the cladding will be hidden in it.

The thickness of the corner is determined by the thickness of the tile. If its thickness is 7 mm, then the corner should have 9 mm. If the thickness of the corner is smaller, then the edge of the end of the tile will be visible.

Conclusion
So, here we are, looking at all the secrets of how to lay tiles in the kitchen. By following these recommendations, you will be able to cope with all the work yourself, without the involvement of a specialist. For greater confidence, we invite you to watch the prepared video material.

Putting the kitchen in order - gluing an apron

You will need

  • Tiles, glue, grout, silicone sealant in a can, nails, spacer crosspieces, wooden slats cross-section 25X25 mm, spatulas, level, pliers, hammer, sponge, file, tile cutter, pencil.

Instructions

Before you start laying tiles on, you need to carefully prepare the walls. They must be even so that the tile lays well and lasts a long time. To do this, you need to eliminate all the irregularities. Level out the protruding areas and cover the recesses with putty or cement mortar. The walls must be prepared as carefully as before applying good plaster.
Then you should very accurately calculate how much you will need. Better number tiles required for facing each wall separately. You'll have to cut somewhere. But even a cut tile must be considered as a whole tile and rounding must always be done upward. You need to count in centimeters.

So, measurements have been taken, tiles have been purchased, and the walls are ready for work. Now we need to figure out how everything will look. To do this, you need to place the first row of tiles horizontally along the wall. If there are openings on the wall - windows, doors, etc., then laying the tiles should begin from the middle of the wall. You have to go right and left. If there are no openings or areas where there will be no tiles, you can start tiling from the corners. However, in this case they must be even, so that later the tiles do not have to be cut again.

To set a horizontal baseline, you need to place a strip on the tiles of the first row leaning against the wall and check its horizontalness using a level. The batten will rest on the topmost tile. At the level of the top edge of the bottom tile, you need to draw a base line using a level, then nail a beacon strip 2 mm from it (taking into account the width of the seam).
The vertical baseline is marked in the same way. You need to attach a tile to the upper left corner of the wall and attach a plumb line to it. Then you can move the tile down along the plumb line. This way you can understand in which places it will stand entirely, and where it needs to be cut.
The glue should be applied with a notched trowel directly to the wall, over an area of ​​about 1 m2. The first tile should be strengthened at the intersection of the horizontal and vertical slats, then the bottom row. The tile must be pressed very tightly against the wall. To ensure that the seams between the tiles are the same, you need to use spacers. Any glue that comes out of the seams should be wiped off immediately with a damp cloth.

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, 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- place emphasis on some 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 are the owner spacious kitchen, then you Any will do size range, but remember that the more seams, the more work 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 different sizes, colors and designs. Even a novice master can handle the classic layout, since laying out tiles in an even line is not difficult.

For kitchens in traditional style Laying tiles “in a run” 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 quantity required material. 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 peeling 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. This is not recommended 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 subsequent arrangement kitchen apron from 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 ones, because they are more durable due to the inclusion of cellulose fibers in the composition. 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 tabletop, and then fasten it under it. aluminum profile or wooden plank, which will serve as a fixing element when laying tiles with your 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 Not suitable for all types of tiles. Yes, for glass mosaic, which is used to cover the kitchen apron, you need to use special composition white, and porcelain stoneware requires a special glue that will allow it 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 choose optimal thickness 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 before the right size, we use special device– a tile cutter, and if you don’t have one, 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 required. design ideas. In cases where the tiles are intended to be laid out in a specific pattern, we recommend that you initially lay the material on the floor without glue to ensure 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 is the case with wall tiles, the remaining glue must be removed from the tiles 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.

We spend a lot of time in the kitchen, not only preparing food, but also eating and communicating with family and friends. Therefore, increased demands are placed on this room. It should be both beautiful and practical. That's why tiles are great for wall cladding in the kitchen.

photos

Features of the material

By choosing this material for installation in the kitchen, you will not only get beautiful finish, but also a surface that copes well with all aggressive requirements. She is not afraid of elevated temperatures in the area hob, nor high humidity from fumes. The tiles are easy to clean from grease and soot and can easily withstand the use of chemicals. detergents. The tiles are also resistant to sunlight. It is durable and has many different colors and textures, allowing you to make unique panels from it.

Main types

There are a huge number of types of tiles.

Firstly, it differs in the materials from which it is made.

  1. Ceramic tiles. It is made from a mixture of clay and sand, with the addition of minerals, and is covered with glaze on top. Mainly used for installation on walls.
  2. Porcelain tiles. Floor covering. Strong, resistant to abrasion and impact.
  3. Glass tiles. It is made of glass and usually contains leaves and dried flowers inside. Several of these tiles can decorate the interior, especially if the lighting is properly organized.
  4. Self-adhesive PVC tiles . Modern vinyl material. It is manufactured using stone chips, which makes it durable and puts it a step above linoleum.

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Ceramic tiles, in turn, have many varieties.

  • Rectangular. Most often used for finishing aprons.
  • Square. Also popular. Has various sizes.
  • Under the brick. It fits in a spaced pattern and completely imitates a brick wall. Perfect for a kitchen decorated in a loft style.
  • Artificial stone. A tile that has an unusual texture. Perfect for decorating a wall near a bar counter. Due to its texture, it is not suitable for an apron, as it is difficult to wash.
  • Under the skin. Reptile skin will add glamor to your kitchen interior.
  • Under fabric. Modern technologies have helped to transfer the texture of various materials, which correct installation it is almost indistinguishable from scraps of fabric.
  • Metallized. Imitates gold, brass, copper, and other metals. It will fit perfectly into the high-tech style, emphasizing its technology.

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  • With crystals. An excellent option for an exclusive design is tiles with artistic paintings inlaid with crystals. Will add shine and chic to your kitchen.
  • Mosaic– small tiles that will allow you to create a unique panel in your kitchen.
  • Photo tile. It will give a modern look to any interior. Rich colors and realistic paintings will add originality to the design.
  • Figured tiles, usually small in size. Using it you can create an interesting covering that will decorate the wall of your kitchen. It can be trapezoidal, round or polygonal. It's not easy to put it down, so this work It is better to entrust it to a professional master. Also, ceramic tiles have several options for firing and glazing.
  • Unglazed, single fired tiles (clinker). Most often used as flooring, for the most part does not have drawings.
  • Double fired glazed tiles. This method has been used since ancient times. The tiles are shaped, fired, then glazed and fired again. This tile is usually used only for wall cladding, as it is quite fragile.
  • Glazed single fired tiles. This modern technology, which allows the tiles to be fired once along with the glaze. This method makes the tiles stronger, which allows them to be laid on the floor.

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All ceramic tiles have a matte or glossy finish. Everyone will be able to choose something for their interior.

Laying options

There are several ways to lay tiles in the kitchen. They all have their own characteristics.

  1. Classic option. This installation method is the simplest and most economical. There is practically no need to cut it. Square or rectangular tiles are used, which are laid out in even horizontal rows, parallel to the floor. To make the wall look unusual, you can glue borders, lay out panels, and use other decorative elements.
  2. Laying diagonally. For this method It is necessary to lay the tiles diagonally. Only square tiles will do here. The diagonal laying method looks much more interesting than conventional horizontal rows, but it increases material consumption, since you have to cut off the edges at the end of the laying area. This fact must be taken into account when calculating required quantity tiles
  3. Mixed. Very interesting compositions can be created using various types installation on the wall. Of course, in this case, the consumption of tiles will be increased, but if you want to stick the tiles this way, you will get an unusual, unique view walls in the kitchen.
  4. Take a running start. In this way, tiles that imitate brick or stone are usually laid. But you can do the same with a regular rectangular or square tiles.

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Required tools and surface preparation

Before laying the tiles, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory work.

First, let's determine the tool you will need to lay tiles with your own hands:

  • metal ruler;
  • building level;
  • pencil;
  • rubber hammer;
  • spatula with teeth;
  • a small spatula with a smooth edge;
  • tile cutter;
  • beacons for setting the same gap between tiles.

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Leveling the surface

Initially, it is necessary to level the surface on which the tiles will be laid. This is necessary so that the tiles lie as evenly as possible, without bumps or sagging.

Before leveling, it is necessary to prime the wall, wait until the composition dries, then use putty to smooth over all unevenness and apply the finishing layer of plaster. When everything has set well, prime again. It is very important to align the corners, especially if they are on open spaces of the wall, since uneven corners will lead to the fact that the tiles will have to be cut at an angle, and this will be very noticeable against the background of even rows of space between the tiles.

Marking

After the wall has become perfectly level, it is necessary to mark for laying the tiles.

If you are laying only the apron, then initially draw a horizontal line that marks the bottom of your masonry. We check this line using a building level. This must be done since the floor and ceiling may be far from horizontal. Then we lay the tile in the lower corner and draw a line from it up and to the side.

If the tiles are laid on the entire wall, then you need to start from the bottom corner. We glue the tile to it, and then draw lines from it, just like when laying the apron.

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Preparation of glue

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Laying

Remember that when laying tiles, it is necessary to strictly observe the horizontal and vertical, as well as strictly observe the pattern of the space between the tiles.

We lay out the first layer of tiles, completely respecting the horizontal; if your floor is uneven, we trim the tiles; later, this difference can be covered with a plinth.

Laying tiles is done as follows.

Apply a layer to the wall over an area larger than the size of the tile, using a carved spatula. Using a small spatula, apply a small amount of mortar to the tiles. We strictly adhere to the marked marking lines. We check that all the tiles are in the same plane using a building level, and if this condition broken, use a rubber hammer to correct the situation

Walls

If you choose tiles for the wall, you can choose any material with any texture. It is not necessary for the tile to be resistant to high temperatures and humidity. You need to select it for the interior. The tiles should be in harmony with the curtains and the rest of the interior in the room.

As we have already said, you need to glue the tiles from the bottom corner, gradually rising to the very top.

The masonry must be neat, since, especially in dim light, all the flaws become visible. Therefore, if you doubt that you can glue the tiles perfectly evenly, invite specialists.

Apron

On the contrary, increased demands are placed on the apron. Here the tiles must withstand both elevated temperatures and changes in humidity. Good modern tiles copes with these nuances perfectly. The design here can be varied. A tile backsplash can be both the central accent of the kitchen and soften the brightness of the interior. Options can be from boiling white - a classic in design, to mosaic different colors, photo tiles. Lay out the apron beautifully with medium-sized square tiles, and grout the seams with a compound that is contrasting in color to the main tone of the tile.

Floor

For the floor you need to choose ceramic tiles, unglazed and baked once. Such tiles are much stronger and will withstand the functions assigned to them. Porcelain stoneware is also an ideal floor covering. It will perfectly withstand even walking on it in high-heeled shoes.

It is considered classic to lay tiles stylized as wood on the floor, but other designs are quite appropriate.

The layout of the tiles on the floor begins from the corner, marking a parallel relative to the wall.

It is also very popular to lay tiles diagonally on the floor. This will help visually expand the room. You can also lay the tiles in a herringbone pattern, especially if it creates an imitation of wood. This will make the flooring even more reminiscent of parquet.