All the nuances and methods of laying decorative concrete tiles on the walls

A common option for giving walls a dash of elegance and style are decorative concrete tiles. These tiles are a flexible choice for a variety of spaces because they provide both durability and aesthetic appeal. We’ll go over the important details and techniques for installing ornamental concrete tiles on your walls in this post.

We’ll go over everything you need to know to achieve a professional finish, from surface preparation to installation techniques. Being familiar with the ins and outs of working with decorative concrete tiles will help you produce stunning and long-lasting results, whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or organizing a renovation project.

We’ll also go over typical problems and solutions to make sure your wall tiles not only look fantastic but also endure over time. Prepare yourself to transform your walls with assurance as we delve into the installation of decorative concrete tiles.

Bonding materials

Because they are chosen with consideration for the room’s interior or the house’s facade, decorative tiles serve an aesthetic purpose. Moreover, because it is formed in a layer up to 15 (mm) thick on one side, it serves as a sound- and heat-proof material. However, the overall pie of layers doubles (30 mm) if the finishing is done from both the inside and the outside of the building.

Strong concrete grades M400 and M500 serve as the foundation for the production of concrete facing products. Use specialized tile adhesive made for installing tiles if you want your products to fit tightly.

For optimal adhesion and tightness of the products, polymers and elastic additives are added to adhesive compositions that are based on gypsum and cement.

The following are thought to be the top brands of tile adhesive:

• Founds Mastplix T 12;
• Ceresit SM-11 Plus;
• Ivsil mosaik;
• Unis Plus;
• Litokol Litoplus K55;
• for outdoor installation – Ceresit CM-17 or 117.

The glue consumption per square meter ranges from 2,000 to 7,700 (g), contingent upon the product’s shape, surface type, level of absorption, and initial preparation. For 25–30 (kg) of composition, the adhesive mixture typically costs between 220 and 220 rubles. The least expensive compositions start at 155 rubles per 25 kg, while the most expensive ones start at 368 rubles.

When it comes to wall treatments, decorative concrete tiles are a chic and adaptable choice that combine strength and visual appeal. This article examines the essential subtleties and procedures associated with installing decorative concrete tiles, covering everything from tile selection and surface preparation to installation methods and finishing touches. Whether you want a more rustic, textured finish or a modern, industrial appearance, knowing these factors will help you produce a polished and long-lasting product.

Consumables for the dry method

Tile adhesive is not used in the dry installation method. It involves creating a lathing out of either dense wood species that has been treated with polymer and antibacterial compounds, or premium metal that has been coated with a galvanized layer to prevent corrosion. Fasteners are used to secure the final frame around the wall’s perimeter.

The following supplies are needed to lay decorative concrete tiles using the dry method:

1. Construction cord, simple pencil, tape measure, laser level for marking.
2. Formed lathing structure (frame) made of metal (aluminum, stainless steel, steel) or wood.
3. Battery or electric screwdriver.
4. Fasteners (brackets, screws, dowels).
5. Tile cutter for forming the surface in the corners.
6. Clean rags.

Also, you might require in the process:

• construction vacuum cleaner or broom with a dustpan;
• bags for cleaning up construction waste;

Supplies needed to get the surface ready for cladding:

• plaster;
• putty;
• primer (2 layers);
• wide paint brushes;
• thermal insulation materials, over which the lathing is formed.

Tools and auxiliary equipment

There are two methods for installing decorative concrete tiles: dry method and wet method. Similar to the first instance, the surface must be meticulously prepared before beginning the cladding. This includes cleaning, plastering, applying a layer of putty (starting and finishing), leveling the wall to ensure it is flawless, and inevitably applying two layers of primer.

Thus, when doing wet installation, the master will require the following in addition to the listed instruments and supplies for dry installation (see the section above):

1. A container for mixing glue, as well as for plastering, puttying and priming work.
2. Clean running water (for diluting glue, plaster, putty).
3. A drill attachment (mixing) or a construction mixer.
4. A standard (construction) or laser level.
5. A rule, a notched trowel and 2-3 regular trowels of different sizes.
6. A wide paint brush (2 pieces are possible), primer.
7. A cord, a tape measure, a pencil for marking.
8. A tile cutter (for forming corners and the end of a line).
9. A rubber hammer (mallet), or beacons.
10. A clean dry rag (several pieces).
11. A composition for grouting seams (sealant).

It is best to leave tile installation to the pros if the building’s owners have never done it before. Using their own tools, a group of skilled artisans will complete the installation in a timely and efficient manner. Reaching out to construction and contracting companies that operate under a contract and offer guarantees for their work is the best course of action.

Official businesses frequently use specialized automatic units, or plastering machines, to quickly finish preparatory work (plastering and leveling the wall surface). These machines mix and supply the plaster or putty solution, which speeds up the process multiple times.

Installation rules

Since the materials themselves are the primary focus of the installation requirements for concrete facing products, they are governed by:

1. GOST 6927-2018;
2. GOST 13996-93.

Additionally, the following details are brought to light:

• In the work, it is necessary to use only high-quality materials from trusted manufacturers who provide guarantees.
• On concrete products (from the inside), as well as adhesive compositions (on packs), fasteners and reinforcement (on the products themselves) there must be markings.
• It is necessary to maintain the layer thickness – not less than 15 (mm).
• Before starting work, the walls are leveled and they are subjected to detailed grinding and priming in two layers for better adhesion.
• It is better to carry out the work in the warm season for the wet method, and all year round – for the dry.
• After installation, the tiles can be painted, or a polymer-cement mortar can be applied to them.
• All materials and the wall surface must be dry at the beginning of the work.
• The adhesive solution is diluted in small portions during the installation process (the viability of the adhesive is 2-4 hours).

The following are detailed instructions for installing concrete tiles beneath stone, brick, or wood on walls:

How to lay using the dry method?

1. The prepared metal or wood material is used to form the frame of the lathing, which will be located along the finished internal wall of the building or along the perimeter of the facade. It is assembled with self-tapping screws screwed in with a screwdriver.
2. Make markings, along which the places for brackets are marked – the lathing of the profile will be attached to them.
3. Tiles are attached to the frame, starting the work from any lower corner, and directing the layers from the bottom up.
4. The dry method is easiest to carry out with those types of tile products that have grooves. Thanks to this feature, the tiles are easily connected and fixed with screws to the lathing.
5. Horizontal and vertical compliance is checked using a laser or construction bubble level, and the line is also compared along a stretched construction cord.

In addition to being regarded as clean, the dry method adds another layer of ventilation. The room will be further insulated if heat-insulating material is positioned beneath the lathing. This is especially recommended in areas where the climate is cold and low temperatures are significant for facade cladding.

Lay using a wet method

The area that will be covered with concrete tiles needs to be ready:

1. clean;
2. dried;
3. insulated;
4. plastered;
5. leveled.

Inside buildings, installation is arranged in a pre-marked area. This can be a hallway, kitchen, area near the TV or fireplace, walls in a bathhouse, bedroom. Facade work is carried out along the perimeter of the building, affecting only the structural walls, base or the entire surface.

Then, dilute the tile adhesive in small amounts so you can finish the work while the solution is still viable, which can take two to four hours, depending on the manufacturer.

The following are the phases of the wet method of work:

1. Make markings on the surface.
2. A brush with water is passed along the marked part to wet the wall.
3. Then apply layers of glue with a notched trowel, and press the products tightly for 15-25 (sec), for high-quality adhesion. Or you can apply glue to the inner surface of the tile itself.
4. Works start from the bottom corner and rise layer by layer, from bottom to top.
5. The glue dries within 24 hours, and adheres well to the surface in 25 minutes. There are universal solutions that bond instantly.
6. A well-bonded solution will show through the edges of the products. The remains can be collected with a spatula, and the surface can be wiped with a clean rag.
7. A tile cutter is used to trim the corners, and a rubber hammer (mallet) is used for better adhesion.
8. After laying the tiles using the wet method, proceed to grouting the seams with a suitable sealant (it is most convenient to work with the material located in a tube with a tip).
9. After drying, the tiles are wiped clean.
10. If desired, the finished surface can be painted in any color (if it is not painted) or treated with a special polymer solution for additional strengthening.

It is preferable to use glue with strong frost resistance for outdoor projects. Most tile manufacturers list the recommended brand to use with their products on the packaging.

Differences in technologies

Concrete tile installation technology for both exterior and interior applications differs slightly from one another. One way to display distinctive features is as a table:

Common features and differences	Interior work	Exterior work
Require complete preparation and surface grinding	+	+
Can be carried out all year round	+	Only dry method
Installation by dry and wet methods	+	+
Use of frost-resistant adhesive compositions	Inappropriate	+
Installation rules and requirements for adhesive compositions	+	+

There are no appreciable practical distinctions between installing concrete tiles indoors and outdoors, as demonstrated by the example table. The main distinguishing factors between the two types of installation methods—dry and wet—are their directly opposing stages of installation and their shared preparatory and grouting tasks.

Possible difficulties and errors

Errors made during the installation process can cause the tile surface to fail quickly. It will come off and need to be restored frequently.

This can be influenced by the following factors:

1. Purchased poor-quality construction and consumable materials, without warranties, markings and quality certificates.
2. Poorly prepared surface, with cracks and other defects.
3. Lack of priming on the external facade (poor adhesion to the surface).
4. Violation of installation rules (not from bottom to top, and from the corner, but vice versa).
5. Lack of sealing of seams (air penetration, debris, lack of tightness will lead to rapid peeling).

The cladding of internal and external wall surfaces with products will satisfy building owners for many years if you follow a clear sequence in the work, execute markings, and measure the laying line on a regular basis with a laser level or range finder.

Average prices for work

It is preferable to order tile installation services from professionals. Craftspeople offer assurances regarding:

• completed work;
• have consumables and their own tools;
• do installation quickly and professionally;
• almost always work under a contract.

On their official website, construction companies provide a price list that includes the cost of all services.

In the Russian Federation, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, and several northern regions are the cities with the highest tile installation costs, including wall surface preparation. Their work will set you back 2,000 (rubles/m2).

In other regions, tile installation averages from 1,200-1,500 (rubles./m2). Contractors and self-employed citizens charge 500-700 rubles./m2 for their work, but do not provide a guarantee.

Aspect	Details
Preparation	Ensure the wall surface is clean, dry, and smooth. Repair any imperfections before starting.
Tile Selection	Choose tiles with the right size and style for your design. Consider texture and color to match your aesthetic.
Layout	Plan the layout carefully. Use a level and chalk lines to guide the placement of tiles.
Adhesive	Use a suitable adhesive for concrete tiles. Apply it evenly to both the wall and the back of the tiles.
Installation	Press the tiles firmly into the adhesive. Use spacers to maintain consistent grout lines.
Grouting	After the adhesive has set, apply grout between the tiles. Wipe off excess grout with a damp sponge.
Sealing	Seal the tiles with a concrete sealer to protect them from moisture and staining.

With its distinctive textures and patterns, decorative concrete tiles can completely change a room when arranged on the walls. For an installation to go smoothly, preparation and material selection are crucial. Making sure your wall surface is ready will improve the adhesion and extend the life of the tiles.

Depending on the look you want to achieve, you can use different methods and techniques. Whether you go with a more conventional design or experiment with unique patterns, the outcome will differ noticeably depending on small details like tile alignment and grout lines.

In the end, both skill and imagination are needed for a successful tile installation. Gaining an understanding of the subtleties involved in working with decorative concrete tiles will help you create a space that is both long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing for your walls.

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