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Subway tiles are usually selected by house owners in order to introduce a classical touch and elegance to their kitchen and bathroom spaces. The standard 36-inch by 3x 6-inch rectangular tiles will fit in any type of space that you desire to have a classic appearance or a contemporary feel. To switch up your space learning how to install your own subway tiles can help you save on costs and be in total control of the output.
Fea Ceramics has guided many homeowners to achieve the perfect look with quality subway tiles and professional advice. This guide covers all the important steps you need to complete your subway tile project .
Why Pick Subway Tiles to Upgrade Your Home?
It is time to consider why subway tiles remain a popular option before getting down to the installation. The tiles were originally used in the subway stations of New York City in the early twentieth century. After some time they turned out to be an important component of design as they come with numerous benefits:
Strong and Long-lasting: The best quality subway tiles like those of Fea Ceramics can sustain a daily application. They can be used in the busy areas such as kitchen or bathrooms.
Flexible Style Choices: You can like the traditional running bond layout herringbone, or even a vertical stack, but it is simple to cut subway tiles to fit into what might be your style.
Simple Upkeep: Subway tiles are finished smooth hence cleaning up is easy. All you have to do is to wipe them with light cleaners to maintain their appearance as new.
Affordable Option: These tiles provide great value and give a high-end appearance. They can also add to your home’s overall worth without stretching your budget.
Key Tools and Supplies
To install subway tiles , make sure you have all the tools and supplies ready before starting the project.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Spacers for tiles 1/16 inch or 1/8 inch
- A tile cutter or a wet saw
- A notched trowel, sized 1/4 inch by 3/8 inch
- A 24-inch level works best
- Measuring tape
- A pencil to mark lines
- A rubber mallet for tapping
- Grout float
- Big sponges
- Soft cloths for cleaning
- Knee pads and safety glasses
What You’ll Need:
- Buy subway tiles of good quality (buy 10-15% more to allow it to be cut or to repair it later).
- Use tile adhesive or thin-set mortar.
- Pick grout (choose sanded or unsanded based on the joint width).
- Apply grout sealer.
- Include tile trim pieces if required.
- Apply primer to walls that need it.
Fea Ceramics provides full tile installation kits with all necessary materials. Their kits ensure that every component works well together and meets quality standards.
Getting the Surface Ready
To install subway tiles right, you need to prepare the surface . A good surface helps tiles stick better and avoids future issues with your project.
Clean the Area: Get rid of dirt, grease, and anything else on the surface where you’ll install. To clean kitchen backsplashes, use a powerful degreaser to scrub the wall .
Check if it’s Level: Have a level against a wall to identify any high or low points. Small spots that are irregular can be repaired by applying a thin coating of joint compound, although larger issues may require the support of an expert.
Put on Primer: If you’re working on painted walls or fresh drywall, use a good primer to make tiles stick better. Fea Ceramics suggests certain primers that are ideal with their tile systems.
Organize Your Layout: Measure the area and draw guide lines to make sure tiles stay balanced and even. Use a level to create a straight horizontal guide. Mark on the tiles to place your first column of tiles.
Tile Installation Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Adhesive
Mix the amount of tile adhesive you’ll need to use within half an hour by following the instructions from the manufacturer. Fea Ceramics includes specific mixing details to help you get the best results from their products.
Step 2: Spread the Adhesive
With your notched trowel, take some adhesive and spread it over a smaller part of the wall about 3 to 4 square feet. Keep the trowel angled at 45 degrees while creating steady ridges across the surface. This method helps ensure the adhesive covers when you install subway tiles.
Step 3: Lay Down the First Tile
Set your first tile where the reference lines cross. Stamp it and twist a little to achieve good contact with the adhesive. This first tile is significant in that he determines the pattern of the remaining tiles.
Step 4: Keep Building the Pattern
Lay tiles along your guide line working and placing them one at a time. Keep the spacing even by using tile spacers between each piece. The running bond design shifts each row by half a tile giving that well-known subway tile style.
Step 5: Trim Tiles When Needed
Measure tiles and mark spots you need to cut so they fit near outlets, edges, or corners. Use a tile cutter to make straight lines or a wet saw to handle tricky or curved shapes. Always make sure your measurements are accurate when fitting tiles around these areas to achieve a clean polished look.
Step 6: Monitor Your Work
Use a level to test your rows often to make sure everything is straight and that it is lined up. Wipe off all the leftover adhesive on the tile surface with a wet cloth as soon as possible otherwise it will dry on the tiles.
How to Grout Subway Tiles
Wait 24 hours till adhesive is dry, and then begin the grouting process.
Prepare the Grout: Follow the instructions on the package to make the grout. Mix as much as you can finish using in about 15 to 20 minutes.
Spread the Grout: Hold a grout float at a 45-degree angle and move it across the tiles. Press hard enough to pack the grout into all the joints.
Wipe Away Extra Grout: Let the grout sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then wipe the tiles using a moist sponge and remove the excess grout. Clean the sponge as far as possible with clean water.
Final Cleaning: After grout sets within 2 to 4 hours use a clean and damp cloth to wipe away grout haze.
Helpful Tips to Succeed
Begin Small: Choose smaller space like a backsplash when you are just beginning to install tile and then move on to bigger spaces.
Use Good Materials: Fea Ceramics emphasizes the quality of the materials that should be selected. They streamline the process and shorten the permanence of the results.
Pace Yourself: In laying subway tiles, do not rush but work. Pausing can help you stay precise and avoid mistakes from being too tired.
Plan to Expand: Leave space for expansion at the edges and use caulk in corners and spots where tiles connect to other surfaces instead of grout.
Caring and Maintaining
Once you know how to install subway tiles, it’s important to maintain them to keep them in great shape for years:
- Use mild pH-neutral cleaning products often.
- Seal grout lines once a year to stop stains.
- Fix any broken or loose tiles right away.
- Skip harsh cleaners that might harm the tiles.
When You Need Professional Help
Many homeowners can manage to install subway tiles as a DIY project, but there are times when calling in experts makes sense:
- Designs with detailed patterns
- Changes to structure required
- Need to make shower areas waterproof
- Big projects that span across several rooms
Fea Ceramics partners with trained installers who manage intricate jobs while making sure the warranty stays valid.
Conclusion
Being aware of how to install subway tiles can provide you with endless possibilities on how your house could be transformed. Planning good materials available in reliable suppliers such as the Fea Ceramics and concentrating on the details can make you strive up a polished finish to add style and value to your home.
You need to refresh the kitchen backsplash or remodel an entire bathroom, subway tiles will be a mix of style and durable appeal. Ensure you have followed the steps, do it at your pace and be proud of the product a beautiful tile design that you can proudly use over the years.
Thinking about beginning your subway tile project? Reach out to Fea Ceramics now to get advice from experts, quality materials, and help every step of the way during your installation process.
