Subway tiles have always been a hit in home decorating, rockin’ a classic style that fits all sorts of rooms, from the kitchen to the loo. If you’re up to redoing your place or just wanna spruce it up a bit, figuring out how to slap those subway tiles up on your own can keep some cash in your pocket and still look like a pro did it. In this how-to, we’re gonna show you each step to nailing those subway tiles like a champ.
Why Go for Subway Tiles?
Subway tiles are the go-to for making your home look slick ’cause they’re tough, simple to keep clean, and fight off water like a boss. They come in a bunch of colors and styles too. Top dogs like Fea Ceramic got these primo subway tiles that make your spot shine.
Gear and Stuff You Gotta Have
Okay so before jumping in, make sure you’ve got all the right gear and stuff to make this go off without a hitch:
- Subway tiles (like Fea Ceramic ones)
- Glue for tiles or thin-set goop
- Tiny gap keepers (tile spacers)
- Tile snipper or a splashy saw
- Zigzaggy scraper (notched trowel)
- Filling paste (grout, smooth or gritty—depends on how far apart your tiles are)
- Grout smoother (grout float)
- Straight-edger thingy (level)
- Measurement ribbon (measuring tape)
- Snap string (chalk line)
- Soaker-upper sponge and pail
- Eye protectors and hand covers (safety goggles and gloves)
Step 1: Make the Wall Ready
Getting the wall all prepped up is key to making the tile stick for good. Here’s how to do it:
- Scrub That Wall – You gotta get all the dust, oil, or sticky leftovers off the wall.
- Get It Straight – Grab a level and make sure everything’s flat. If it’s wonky, slap on some leveling goop.
- Draw the Battle Lines – Take your chalk and snap a line down the middle of the wall. That’s your guide for where those tiles will go.
Step 2: Slap On the Sticky Stuff
- Prep the Sticky Stuff – Do what the thin-set mortar or tile glue maker tells you for getting it ready.
- Lay Down the Sticky Stuff – Grab a trowel with notches and slap on some sticky stuff on the wall.
- Tackle it Bit by Bit – Don’t go slathering a ton of glue all over ’cause it’ll get hard before you even stick those tiles on.
Step 3: Stick those Subway Tiles Up
- Kickoff from the Middle – Start sticking the tiles down from that middle mark and go towards the edges from there.
- Pop in Separators – Slide in some tile separators to make sure all the tile gaps stay even.
- Trim Tiles as Needed – If you need a tile to fit better, use a tile snipper or a wet saw so it’s just right near the borders and corners.
- Ensure It’s Aligned – Keep checking with a level to make things lined up neat and straight.
Step 4: Wait for the Settle
Give the glue at least a whole day, 24 hours, to set before you jump to what’s next.
Step 5: Smear on the Grout
- Grout Prep – Stir up that grout until it’s real smooth.
- Laying on the Grout – Grab a grout float and shove that grout right into those gaps between your tiles.
- Cleaning Up – Before that grout sets, take a wet sponge and swipe off any extra.
- Dry Time – Sit tight and let the grout sit for as long as it says you should.
Step 6: Wrapping It Up
- Apply Sealer to Grout – To stop stains and limit water getting in, slap on some grout sealer.
- Clean Up Tiles – Give the tiles a once-over with a neat wet rag.
- Check Out Your Handiwork! – The subway tiles you put in like a pro are all set to make your area look snazzy.
Smart Moves for Top-Notch Results
- Go for top-shelf subway tiles, think Fea Ceramic for the long haul.
- Look over your sizes again before you start chopping tiles to cut down on scraps.
- Throw in grout with some poppin’ colors to nail that edgy fresh vibe.
- Might wanna use a tool to level your tiles so the whole thing lays down flat.
Wrapping It Up
Setting up subway tiles on your own is a satisfying task that spruces up your place. Grab the proper gear, supplies, and know-how, and you’ll nail a top-notch look. Opt for Fea Ceramic subway tiles or mix it up with a different label, but sticking to this manual will give you the boldness to lay ’em down right.
Take it slow, get your measurements spot on, and you’re on your way to a killer tile job that’ll hold up for ages. Have a blast with those tiles!