Wall tiling - a step by step guide

	Before you start tiling, make sure you have a level base from. Set a batten horizontally one tile above the lowest point of fixing. Use a spirit level to make sure that the batten is level.

	Use an appropriate adhesive to suit the wall background and the service conditions. Start tiling by spreading the tile adhesive with a notched trowel but don't cover more than a square meter at a time. Set the first tile at the middle and work outwards on either side to make sure that the cuts are equal at each end.

	Place the tiles into the adhesive using a firm twisting movement, so that there is a good, even contact between tile, adhesive and the background. To ensure that the tiles are evenly jointed use tile spacer pegs.

	Before fixing the border and profile tiles, check how the joints bond. If they are a different width to the main filed tiles, staggered joints are preferable and will look less obvious.

	If you need a tile to have a curved or irregular edge, for example if it needs to fit around a pipe, mark the shape on the tile and create the shape you need using tile nippers. Finish off with a tile file to smooth any rough edges. When you're cutting, we recommend that you wear goggles to protect your eyes against fragments and dust from the tile.

	Cutting straight edges on tiles can be done accurately and quickly with a tile cutting machine. You can find these at good tile outlets and for hire from tool hire centres.

	When the tile adhesive is dry, fill the joints with grout. This should be worked into the joint flush up to the tile edge. Remove any excess grout with a damp sponge before it dries. You can get tools to help you spread the grout.

	Finally, polish the tiles with a clean dry cloth to clean off the grout residue. Abrasive cleaners and strong chemicals that may harm the decoration should not be used.

To ensure you get the best results, Johnson Tiles recommends using TAL for all your tile laying requirements. Visit Tal at www.tal.co.za for more information about their full range of grouts, sealants, adhesives and cleaners.

		If the tiles you are using are large format extra care should be taken when lifting and handling tiles to avoid injury. Any carton banding used to stabilize the cartons whilst in transit should be removed prior to lifting and opening cartons. The transit banding shouldn't be used to lift the cartons.
		Make sure that the surface you're tiling is dry, flat and free from surface contamination. New backgrounds must have been allowed to dry for the appropriate length of time prior to the commencement of tiling. The background should also be sufficiently strong and rigid to support the weight prior to tiling. If you are unsure, talk to a tiling professional before you start work.






		Large format wall tiles can be cut, shaped and drilled in the same manner as the smaller format wall tiles. Using a heavier gauge floor tile cutting tool will make the process easier. If you need to do any intricate cutting and shaping, we recommend using a wet diamond wheel cutting machine.




		Take care when grouting to avoid scratching the glazed surface. All scored and mosaic products are intended to be fully grouted. It is particularly important for tiling which will be subject to wet applications such as showers for the scoring to be grouted.