Cement Tile Wall Installation

The first step to installing cement tile on your wall is to prepare the wall for the tile.

Cement tile wall installation.

Along each stud but 1 in. However unlike the concrete substrate required for floors your encaustic cement tiles can be installed over drywall plaster cement block and cement backer board for moist areas. Whenever you re laying tile on a wood subfloor you need to first install cement backerboard to prevent leaks and water damage. If using backer board be sure to follow the installation.

Cement board to the back wall. Place special 1 1 4 in. Any cracked surfaces must be scraped smooth and patched. Never install new tiles over existing tiles or onto an unprotected wood or plywood floor.

Drive screws flush with the surface of the board being careful not to break through mesh. Find the center of your wall and use a carpenter s level to mark intersecting plumb vertical and level horizontal lines. Cement board is the best thing to use in a shower installation and even makes sense if you are installing a backsplash close to a sink. According to the installation instructions from riad tile their cement tile can be installed on drywall or cement backer board.

Unlike wood or drywall sub surfaces cement backerboard will not rot warp or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water. You ll want a flat smooth and dry surface completely free of any loose coatings paint. Next draw even and properly spaced horizontal and vertical lines to serve as your guide when placing the tiles. Away from edges to avoid breakage.

Cement board screws every 8 in. Walls require just as much care under your tiles as the floor prep we ve just outlined. Once the cement is dry apply the bonding agent that should give the surface a rough texture. Step 2 lay your tile pattern.