Granite tile makes a beautiful wall treatment.
Installing granite tile as a backsplash, on shower walls or as a tub surround can add beauty, elegance and value to your home. Granite tile is a natural stone available in many colors and patterns that is waterproof and very durable. Granite is somewhat expensive, but you can save money by installing it yourself. With the right tools, attention to detail and some helpful tips you can add a beautiful, high-quality decorative and functional surface in your home.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Remove existing gypsum board and tile from work area.
2. Check for crooked studs and add additional framing if necessary to make installing the cement board or new gypsum board easier. Add or replace insulation between studs if needed.
3. Measure length and width of the entire area where you will be placing the tile. Write down the measurements.
4. Measure and mark a piece of cement board or gypsum board to fit if a full sheet is too big, using a straight edge as a guide. Use a circular saw with a diamond masonry blade to cut cement board.
5. Place 1/4-inch shims under the wallboard to leave room for expansion and movement. Screw the board into studs at 6-inch intervals, rough side out. Sink the screws just below the surface of the cement board. If screws are set too deep strength will be compromised, too shallow and the tile will not sit properly on the surface.
6. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the surface is covered.
7. Cover seams and corners with tape. Mix mortar according to package directions and cover tape with a thin layer of mortar.
Installation
8. Decide on a layout and measure the tile. Most granite tile used for large projects like bathroom applications is 12 inches square. Tile for a backsplash or border can be much smaller and vary in size. If you are using a specific design or pattern, use a measuring tape and pencil to mark the dimensions on the wall. Add 1/8-inch to measurements to allow for grout. Use a chalk line to snap a grid for use as a guide. Write specific color or tile types into the proper boxes on the grid.
9. Spread mortar on a small portion of the wall with smooth trowel, enough to cover the area of a tile plus a few inches. Run the notched trowel lightly over the mortar at a 45-degree angle to create texture.
10. Apply a tile to the wall, twisting it slightly to encourage adhesion. Make sure the tile is straight and level. Tap the top of the tile with a rubber mallet or grout float to ensure full contact with the mortar.
11. Repeat Steps Two and Three, placing spacers between the tiles. Measure, mark and cut tile with the wet saw if needed. Allow the mortar to set for at least 24 hours.
12. Mix the grout according to package instructions and transfer it to the grout bag. Twist the top of the bag closed, and squeeze from the top while slowly moving the tip of the bag along the grout line between tiles, as if you were icing a cake. Remove excess grout with a damp sponge. Allow it to cure for 24 hours, then clean with soap and water and let dry before spraying it with adhesive.
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