Installing Kitchen Tile

A kitchen tile has three basic locations it is usually placed in a kitchen: floors, countertops and backsplashes.

There are two basic types of kitchen tile: ceramic tile (this includes stone) and vinyl tile. Vinyl tile comes in squares and sheets and is used on the floor. Ceramic tile can be used on the floor, countertops, backsplash areas, by the pool, on the patio and sidewalks. The list is almost endless.

Tile For Floors: There are MANY books on how to lay floor tiles, so I will not waste you time going into the intricate details, but here are a few tips.

Use a measuring tape to find the exact center of the room. The center lines should be the same distance from each of the walls. Hopefully the room is close to being square. Lay the kitchen tiles out in the pattern you are looking for, minus the last row that goes next to a wall. Is the space equal on both sides? If so, you are in good shape. If not, adjust the starting point so that you will have reasonable size pieces of tile to work with.

If one side of your kitchen tile winds up under cabinets, don’t worry about the spacing. Start with a whole tile on the opposite side. You may be placing a diamond pattern, or perhaps something with an interesting design. When you do it yourself, the sky is the limit.

Always use plastic spacers to keep the separation between each kitchen tile exactly the same. If you choose to eyeball the spacing, your lines may appear to wobble when you stand back and observe the final product.

I have never had good luck with large ceramic tiles (10 inches and up) on wooden sub-flooring. They tend to crack with time and usage, even using ¾” plywood, or the specially designed flooring. Even backer boards, the concrete type, do not provide absolute support to keep the tile from flexing just enough to crack. Smaller tiles (4 inches and smaller) work great. If you are on concrete flooring, there are no problems with either size of tile as long as the concrete floor is smooth and level.

Always use thin-set on flooring. NEVER use mastic, as it flexes. Always plan how large an area you can work comfortably before the thin-set starts to set up. The tile should settle in the mud without the mud being hard.

Use a 2x4 covered with carpet to persuade the tile to set level. If the mud is hard, the kitchen tile floor will not be even and that makes the work look shoddy. Don’t you want the floor to look GREAT? I thought so. Remember that you can place a floor warming system down before placing the tiles!

Kitchen Tile For Countertops: Ceramic tile countertops can be really interesting, and make a statement about you. The only drawback is it is very unforgiving. I have broken more glasses than I care to remember.

Use glazed tiles as they are very durable. Remember to add latex to the grout mix as this will help seal the material and keep stains at bay. Also seal the grout after you are finished. It’s amazing how fast a spilled cup of coffee can stain that white grout a nice brown color. Bathroom cleaner can turn the grout a really pretty shade of blue.

Don’t forget the choices you have for the edges of the countertop: square; rounded (bull nose); and rolled with a raised edge to keep spills contained (V-cap). Make sure you have ALL the pieces before setting the first kitchen tile. The manufactures make everything. However, the distributor may not carry those pieces. Countertops should always have rounded corners. Remember no sharp corners on a countertop edge because the tile will chip.

Kitchen Tile For Backsplashes: This is the area behind the countertop. The height of the kitchen tile is determined by you. I have seen everything from one tile in height, up to the bottom of the cabinets, in areas around the sink and all the way to the ceiling. It all depends on what look you are going for.

If you do something and do not like it, you can always tear it down. This area is one that you can get really be creative in. Draw out the plans and see if you like the look. If you do like it, go for it.

This goes for also installing any bathroom tile.


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