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DIY made easy!
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how to
Tile a kitchen splashback
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FROM YOUR TOOLBOX Grinder Clean Rags Tape Measure Paddle pop stick
Tiling a splashback: what you’ll need Adhesives
90054 ABA Abamastic Plus 5kg
Grouts
ABA Easy Grout 750gm bottle White 90574 Black 90575 Slate Grey 90577
Smoothing Agent
Grout sealer
Spacers
508304 Aerosol Sameday Grout Sealer 443mL
Tools 112354 Adhesive Trowel 6mm
115704 Coscut Tile Cutter 500mm
115464 Spacer Lugs 2mm (See in store for options)
90506 Gauging Trowel 200mm
90530 Ardex Rubber Grout Float
90536 Ardex Micro Sponge
90538 Ardex Marking Pencils
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Prepare & clean a kitchen for tiling Any tiling job will only be as good as the surface it’s laid on. It’s important to ensure that, no matter what surface you’re tiling on, the surface is sound, level and clean of dust and debris. Plasterboard is one of the most common indoor wall surfaces, but is not suitable for tiling without waterproofing. Tiling over plasterboard involves adhering tiles to a paper surface, and although this will present little problem in dry areas, if the wallboard is subject to moisture, it may deteriorate causing failure. Plasterboard should be waterproofed before tiling. Information on other types of wall surfaces can be found on the Tiling Wall and Floor Surfaces page on our website.
tip:
Before you begin tiling a kitchen splashback, ensure that the back of the benchtop is siliconed to the wall.
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How to cut kitchen tiles
It’s likely that some of your tiles will need to be cut to fit your kitchen splashback, and there may be some that have to be cut into a different shape as well as size. Cutting tiles is not difficult with access to decent equipment and with a little practice. If you’re cutting your own tiles (and especially if you’re doing this for the very first time), it’s a good idea to allow a couple of extra tiles for practice or in case of any slight mishaps that may happen. In this fact sheet we show you how to make a straight cut, cut a shape, cut small shapes, and to cut away small pieces of tile.
When it comes to cutting tiles, there are a few options If you are planning to do a few tiling projects around your home, or are likely to lend specialist tools to friends, neighbours, or relatives; a tradesman’s tile cutter is an excellent investment (and will make you popular with anyone else starting their own tiling projects!) If this is a once-only tiling project, then the best option will be to hire a tile cutter from your local Beaumont Tiles store. You might also consider buying a cheaper ‘handyman’ tile cutter. While these can be a good option, they are not built to last a long time. They will, however, do a great job for one or two jobs around the home.
To make a straight cut Step 1 Using a pencil, mark where the tile needs to be cut. Make sure that you cut the tile smaller than the space to allow for even grout joints. Step 2 Place the tile in the tile cutter and run the scorer across the tile (once only!). This creates a break point in the tile. Step 3 Push down the breaker. This will deliver a nice clean and evenly cut tile.
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To cut a shape Step 1 Using a pencil, mark where the tile needs to be cut. Make sure that you cut the tile on the inside of the line smaller than the space to allow for even grout joints. Step 2 Cut to the scored lines using an electric grinder. Sides first and then the middle. Cut on the inside of the line.
To cut a small shape for a power-point or switch Step 1 Using a pencil, mark where the tile needs to be cut. Make sure that you cut the tile smaller than the space to allow for even grout joints. Step 2 Use the tile cutter to score each of the lines that will be cut. This creates a break point in the tile. Step 3 Break off little pieces (‘nibbles’) of the tile using a pair of tile nibblers until the mark shape has been achieved. Always break of small amounts at a time: never try to break off the whole shape at once.
Remember:
Always wear safety glasses and a respirator when cutting tiles with an electric grinder.
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Tile a kitchen splashback Tiling a kitchen splashback is really easy and a great project if it’s your first go at DIY tiling. Tiles around 200x300mm or 300x600 are easier to lay, while mosaics are a little more challenging. Step 1 Cover the benchtop with some off-cut sheeting or heavy drop sheets. If there are exposed wires you must turn off all power at the switchboard. Step 2 Decide where you want to start tiling. Think about the pattern you want to lay your tiles in and where you might end up cutting tiles to fit. See our video on Cutting Tiles. Usually if there is an exposed edge, start one tile in from there. Step 3 Spread about one square metre of adhesive. With pre-mixed wall adhesive, we use a 6mm notched trowel (check the instructions on the pack) to apply the adhesive to the wall. Once the tile is bedded into place, these tracks flatten out to give full coverage to the surface. A 6mm notch will leave a bed of adhesive 3mm thick once the tile is in place. When applying wall adhesive, we always suggest that the notches run horizontally. Step 4 For mosaics, you can use a grout float to push the tiles down to give them a nice flat finish. Don’t forget to clen off excess glue as you go.
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It is important to lift a tile every now and then after laying it into the adhesive. This is to check that you are achieving complete coverage of the adhesive to the tile. (Don’t attempt this with mosaics, however.) For all tiles (excluding mosaics), use spacers to set the grout joints and to make small adjustments to the tile placement. When you select your tiles, your Beaumont Tiles consultant will help you select grout joint sizes, but we usually recommend no less than 3mm for wall tiles. Step 5 Mix up some grout, and massage it into the grout lines. After a short while you will see a film over the tiles. Wipe this off with a squeezed out sponge in a circular motion. Step 6 After a primary wash, wipe with a squeezed out sponge on a 45 degree angle to the tiles. Turn it around and repeat. Step 7 Finally, apply some silicone to the internal corners. Use a smoothing agent to spray over it, and then cut it back with a paddle pop stick in one swipe. With a little more smoothing agent, run your finger over it to achieve a nice smooth finish.