How do I Tile Showers in Diamond Patterns?
- 1). Measure the length and width of one wall you will be tiling with a measuring tape. Multiply these two numbers and you will have the area of the wall. Repeat for all walls and add these areas to attain the total area you will need to cover. When purchasing tiles, add 10 percent to account for any damage to the tiles during shipping or installation.
- 2). Use the digital level to snap a chalk line from one side of the wall to the other on a 45-degree angle. Use the T-square to snap another chalk line perpendicular to the first line. You will have an "X" on the wall, which will be used as a guide when you install your first tile.
- 3). Mix the thin-set mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use the smooth edge of the notched trowel to spread a layer of thin-set on the wall, using the chalk lines as a guide. Go over the thin-set again with the notched edge of the trowel, which will make grooves in the mortar, creating suction to help the tiles adhere.
- 4). Press the first tile into the wal, using the intersecting chalk lines as a guide. Place plastic tile spacers on each side of the tile. Continue spreading mortar and laying tiles until you have reached the wall or a fixture, such as a tap or drain.
- 5). Make straight cuts in order to fit the tiles flush against the wall, using a wet tile saw. Mark the tile with a wax crayon and straight edge. Slowly and carefully feed the tile into the rotating blade of the wet tile saw, cutting a clean edge.
- 6). Make curved cuts to fit around fixtures using a tile scriber and tile nippers. Mark the tile with the wax crayon and use the tile scriber to etch the surface of the tile. This line will serve as a guide for the tile nippers. Use the tile nippers to slowly chip off bits of the tile until all that is left is the etched line you've marked.
- 7). Place the cut tiles in their spaces and allow the thin-set to cure according to the instructions on the package. Remove the plastic tile spacers.
- 8). Mix the grout according to the instructions on the package. Use the rubber float to spread the grout into the joints between the tiles. Use a damp cloth to remove any excess grout left on the tiles. Allow grout to cure according to manufacturer's instructions.