We are laying tiles in the kitchen. How to lay tiles in the kitchen correctly: step-by-step instructions. Preparation of bases for mastic and cement glue

Most families consider ceramic tiles the most suitable "clothing" for kitchen walls. After all, the tiles are resistant to high humidity and temperature, durable and beautiful. Manufacturers offer such a variety of this material that choosing tiles for the kitchen is not difficult. But the work of laying tiles is often comparable to the cost of the material itself. Therefore, many people want to learn how to lay tiles in the kitchen in order to cope with this work themselves.

Tile is one of the best finishing materials for the kitchen.

Let's say right away that poorly laid tiles, even if they are very beautiful and expensive, can ruin the entire appearance of your kitchen. Therefore, most people prefer not to save on the services of professional tilers. But if you have information about how to lay tiles in the kitchen, as well as remarkable patience, then high-quality performance of this work will become quite realistic for you. Especially if you have ever witnessed the labor process of laying ceramic tiles. Didn't have a chance? This is also something that can be fixed! You can easily find videos about laying tiles with your own hands on the Internet. The most important thing is patience and desire.

How to lay tiles in the kitchen: a complete guide

Laying tiles on the walls is carried out using special plastic crosses

Each master has his own methods and secrets of laying tiles. You can lay tiles on plastered walls or drywall (depending on the method of finishing the walls). If the walls of your kitchen are painted, it is quite possible that the tiles will not adhere to such a surface. Some craftsmen advise not to completely remove the paint, but simply make notches on it. Professionals are strongly against such methods; they argue that it is necessary to remove all the paint, level the walls with plaster, and then lay the tiles. But practice shows that even on a painted wall with notches, the tiles adhere normally. Whether it is laid evenly is another question. If the walls are not leveled first (and in the case of notches in the paint this is the case), there is no guarantee that the tiles will look on the wall the way you want.

Some people advise soaking the tiles in water for several hours before laying them (this is exactly what Soviet masters did). Supposedly this will improve the adhesion of the base and the material. There is no evidence of the effectiveness of this method. Modern mortars for laying tiles adhere perfectly without any soaking.

There are three ways to lay ceramic tiles. This is laying “diagonally”, “at the seams” and “in a dressing”. Laying diagonally is considered the most difficult, since you have to cut a lot of tiles, the consumption of which, accordingly, increases. When laying “in a bandage”, the higher rows are shifted horizontally by half the tile (the middle of the tile of the next row is above the seam).

Preparation of surface, materials and tools

Tools needed for quality tile laying

Dry plastered walls should be primed with a deep penetration primer. There are many types of primers on sale now, but their composition is almost the same. Remember that if you have poured primer from a canister but have not used it completely, do not pour it back into the canister under any circumstances. After several days of storage, the primer that has already been used emits a very unpleasant odor.

When the primer on the plaster dries, grains of sand will no longer separate from the wall, and the glue will hold the tile more reliably.

There are also quite a lot of types of glue. Many craftsmen use only Ceresit, claiming that there is no better glue. However, there is practically no difference in composition and quality between imported Ceresit glue and any domestic glue. But the difference in price is quite noticeable. Therefore, do not rush to pay extra for the brand, but take the most affordable adhesive for interior work.

To determine the number of tiles, you can simply measure the area of ​​the wall and add 10% for possible damage and trimming. But if your goal is to save money, and you know the size of the tile itself, you can calculate the required quantity accurate to one element. You need to cut out a tile template from cardboard and apply it to the wall. This way you will know exactly how many tiles you will have in each row and how many will need to be trimmed.

By the way, it is better to place cut tiles in places where no one will pay attention to them: for example, on walls covered with furniture or curtains, behind pipes or in dark corners. If you want all the sockets in the switches to be exactly in the center of the tile or in the middle of the seam, then you need to make a detailed layout of the tiles and purchase tiles with a good supply.

What will you need for the job, besides the tile itself and the glue for it? Tile cutter or grinder, hammer, crosses, level, ruler, bucket of water, metal profile for drywall, dowel-nails, spatulas (wide serrated and small rubber), pencil.

How to lay tiles in the kitchen: step-by-step instructions

Tiles with photo decor create a magnificent visual effect, but they must be laid carefully and carefully

Usually, tiles are not placed behind kitchen tables and wall cabinets, because this is a significant waste of material. If you also decide to tile only the kitchen backsplash (working wall), start by drawing a horizontal line on the wall where the table ends. Along this line, attach a narrow metal profile for drywall (with a margin of 2-3 cm). The bottom row of tiles will rest on it. Cut the required pieces of the profile and secure it to the wall using dowel nails. Don't forget to check the correct fastening by using a level.

Plastic crosspieces and wedges are used to regulate the thickness of the seam and the position of the tiles relative to each other. If you decide to make 2 mm seams, you need to buy crosses 2 mm thick, if 3 mm, respectively, you need crosses of this size.

The sizes of spatulas used for work depend on the size of the tiles. So, if you are laying large tiles (230x350 mm), then you will need a large notched trowel with a tooth height and width of 10 mm. If you have smaller tiles, choose a trowel with an 8 or even 6 mm tooth.

• Mixing the glue

To mix the glue to the desired consistency, carefully study the information on the package. It is mixed by hand, using a powerful drill with a screw attachment or an electric mixer. The latter, as a rule, is available only to professional tilers - it is an expensive pleasure.

The mixed glue should sit for 5-10 minutes, after which it needs to be mixed again. This is done to make the glue softer and more flexible. It is applied to the tiles with a notched trowel. By the way, the spatula must be constantly in water so that the glue does not accumulate on it and does not dry out. This is why we need a bucket of water. Aluminum rules are used to check planes.

Of the existing three methods of laying tiles, you can choose the one you like most

The arrow on the back side will help you determine where the top and where the bottom of the tile is. It is located below. In order not to turn the tile in your hands every time, looking for this arrow, place the tile in a stack so that all the tiles have an arrow on one side, and draw a line along the end with a pencil. This is how we mark the top or bottom of the tile. Now, looking at the end, you can immediately understand which side to attach this tile to the wall.

• Apply glue to the tiles

The adhesive is applied to the tiles with a regular flat spatula. Its excess is removed with a notched spatula. And from it, without effort on your part, they slide into a bucket of glue (our notched trowel is wet, since it is constantly in a bucket of water). There are even grooves of glue left on the back of the tile. Try to hold the spatula without tilting, perpendicularly. The thickness of the resulting layer depends on this.

• Attaching the tiles to the wall

Laying tiles in the most common and simplest way is accessible even to beginners without experience.

Place the tile with glue against the wall and press evenly. Check verticality and horizontality with a level. If the wall is plastered correctly and the profile is fixed horizontally, the tile itself becomes as it should, it is quite problematic to press it in with a large distortion. Glue the second tile next to the first, insert crosses at the top and bottom between the tiles. We check the plane using the rule. There should be no gaps.

Some craftsmen apply glue to the wall rather than to the tiles. This is a different installation method, the result, if all the rules are followed, is no worse. Many people believe that this way the tiles are laid less evenly, although much faster.

• How to cut tiles?

A piece of tile is glued in the corner. The tiles are cut using a special tool - a tile cutter. If you don’t have one, make a cut with an ordinary glass cutter, and then break the tile on the edge of the table or stool. Do this carefully as the sharp ceramic edge can cause you to cut yourself. If you need to make shaped cuts on the tiles (for a socket or switch), it is best to use a grinding machine with a diamond disc (grinder). Of course, it creates a lot of dust, but not every novice master can afford a special machine for cutting tiles with water supply.

Remember that you can only adjust the position of the tiles within 15 minutes after gluing. If more time has passed, it is better to remove the tiles, clean the wall and tiles and reinstall them.

• How to design window slopes and corners?

The original way of designing slopes allows you to maintain the overall style of kitchen design

To neatly decorate a wall corner or window slope, plastic corners are used to hide the ends of the tiles. The corner should be approximately 2 mm larger than the thickness of the tile. If the thickness of the tile is, for example, 7 mm, then the corner should be 9 mm; if it is smaller, the edges of the tile will not fit inside the corner.

The glue dries in about a day. After this, you can remove the metal profile that served as a support for the bottom row of tiles. It won't move down anymore.

• Grouting tile joints

When all the crosses that are inserted between the tiles have been removed, you can begin grouting the joints. You will need a special grout that matches the color of your tiles. This is a powder that must be diluted so that the consistency is not too thick and not too thin. Distribute the material evenly between the tiles using a rubber spatula. After this, wipe the ceramic tiles with a slightly damp cloth or sponge.

If you have started designing a new kitchen, remember that ceramic tiles are not only about protecting walls from moisture and grease, but also an aesthetic element. Clothing for the walls should be chosen so that it is an organic addition to your kitchen. If you are installing an exquisite kitchen set in your kitchen, it is preferable to choose plain tiles. If your furniture is simple, tiles can become the most important part of the kitchen design. Pay attention to the kitchen tile sets, which include basic tone tiles and finishing tiles. Manufacturers offer elements with photo printing, as well as exclusive decorative tiles made according to your individual order.

Photo examples of laying ceramic tiles in the kitchen

Classic tiles with kitchen decor look good in any interior

Combining types of tiles is a common way to decorate kitchen walls because of its effectiveness.

The unusual “apple” design of this tile is perfect for decorating kitchen walls.

Decorate the kitchen with vegetables and fruits - they will enliven the white walls, becoming a bright decorative accent in the interior

Tiles can add zest to a kitchen interior, especially with such an elegant and stylish pattern.

Rectangular tiles can be laid across, thus achieving an unusual visual effect

Kitchen geometry is restrained and simple, but at the same time very attractive

Bright photo decor is increasingly used to decorate modern spacious and bright kitchens

Stone-like tiles look original, allowing you to create the effect of rough naturalness.

Tile tiles of contrasting colors can be used to zone the kitchen space

The cheerful, bright and invigorating combination of tile colors in this kitchen became the basis of the interior

For a greater decorative effect, you can use not only different tiles, but also different ways of laying them

If the kitchen space allows, you can decorate the walls with macro images of fruits, such as apples or oranges.

Cheerful tiles, laid without strict order, will create a cheerful and carefree mood for the whole day

Complex combinations of patterns, laying methods and sizes of tiles will become a real highlight of the kitchen, but it is better to trust them to professionals

The interior of a country-style kitchen can be complemented by a successful combination of tiles of several colors and a bright border

Have you decided to install new tiles in the kitchen, but you have no idea where to start this process and how to do it? Below you will receive all the necessary information that will help you lay tiles in the kitchen with your own hands, following all the technologies.

Today tiles on the construction market are presented in a huge variety of styles:

• classical;
• country;
• minimalism and many others.

It is important to choose not only an aesthetic material, but also to choose one that has excellent technical characteristics.

Ceramic tiles are distinguished by the fact that they have a porous structure. Its top is covered with glaze. It is not suitable for the floor, but it can be glued to the walls.

Ceramic tiles are also glazed. The main disadvantage is low resistance to mechanical damage.

The most durable are porcelain stoneware tiles. Porcelain tiles are most suitable for kitchen flooring, as this material is highly wear-resistant. The main disadvantage is that there are very few color shades.

Surface preparation for installation, tools and materials

In order to lay tiles in the kitchen with your own hands according to all the rules, you will need:

• tile;
• plaster;
• nails;
• rubber spatula;
• construction level;
• metal spatulas;
• deep fill primer;
• plastic crosses and corners;
• tile powder;
• special machine for cutting tiles;
• roulette;
• aluminum rules;
• Bulgarian;
• drywall profile;
• metal ruler;
• special glue.

Let's start choosing a variety of materials. There are many types of primer, but each of them is practically the same from each other. It must be remembered that you cannot pour the primer back into the canister if you have poured it out of it. In addition to its unsuitability, it will emit a disgusting smell.

Glue on the market is also available in huge varieties. Some recommend using only foreign compounds, others – domestic ones. Experts, for the most part, are of the opinion that domestic ones are no worse than foreign ones. The main advantage is the lower price, since there is no overpayment of extra money for the brand.

Preparation of materials and laying tiles (video)

Leveling the kitchen walls with your own hands

This work is carried out in several stages. Besides, There are several options for doing this:

• if the kitchen walls are cracked or uneven, then they are covered with plasterboard and tiled with ceramic tiles;
• when the walls are covered with paint, you will need to remove it and plaster the walls;
• If the walls are smooth, then initially you need to plaster them a little with your own hands.

The work begins with filling all the unevenness and cracks with putty. All protruding parts are also removed. Deep cracks and potholes must be covered with cement mortar. After this, apply the plaster and wait until it is completely dry.

Now you need to apply a deep penetration primer with your own hands. You will also need to wait for it to dry completely. After this, you can begin laying the tiles.

How to lay tiles: secrets

Each master can boast his own way of how best to lay tiles. For example, if the wall is covered with paint, then you don’t have to completely clean it off, but just make notches on it.

Secrets of laying tiles (video)

Basic tile laying work

Initially, ceramic tiles are purchased on the construction market. To find out how much it will be needed, you need to measure the area of ​​the kitchen walls and add about 20%, which will be spent on trimming the ceramics. These leftover materials can be placed behind the cabinets, where they will simply be invisible.

There are three ways to do it yourself lay the tiles correctly:

1. lay the tiles diagonally. You will have to cut a lot of tiles, so you will need the same amount of material.
2. Install tiles along the seams. This method is the most common and simplest.
3. Dressing. The upper rows are shifted relative to the lower ones by half the size of the tile.

Once the method has been found, you can begin laying the tiles. It would be best to place one row of tiles along the kitchen walls so as not to make a mistake with the dimensions. First you need to lay the ceramics next to the windows and doors.

1. A horizontal line is drawn at the height of the kitchen table;
2. The metal profile from the plasterboard is fixed with nails to the wall at the level at which the line was drawn. You will need to leave about 4 centimeters in reserve and check with a level whether the installation is done correctly.
3. The vertical line is drawn in the same way. The tile must be applied to the upper edge of the wall, a plumb line must be placed on it and the places where full plates of the material will be installed are marked. Also measure where the tiles will need to be cut.
4. Using a tool such as a tile cutter, cutting tiles is much easier. If it is not available, you can use a glass cutter. After this, you can break the ceramic on the corner of the stool or table. Since there is a possibility of cutting yourself on sharp corners, this must be done extremely carefully.
5. It is important to choose the right spatula. Its width directly depends on the dimensions of the tile. To prevent the glue from remaining on the spatula, this tool must be constantly immersed in a bucket of water.
6. On one of the corners of the tile you can find an image of a special arrow. Therefore, the tiles must be laid out in such a way that this arrow is located on one side of each tile. After this, a mark is made from the end with a pencil. This method marks the top and bottom of the tile.
7. Now you need to knead the adhesive mass. This can be done by following the instructions on the package. The mixture should be plastic and soft. To carry out this operation, you may need an electric mixer or a drill with a screw attachment. After this, you can apply the glue to the wall yourself using a spatula. You can use aluminum rules to make sure the layer is even.
8. Now take a flat spatula and apply glue to the back of the tile. The spatula is held in your hands only perpendicularly.
9. The tile is applied to the wall and pressed evenly. Using a building level, you will need to check whether everything is done smoothly.
10. The second one is laid next to the first ceramic tile. The aluminum rule checks the laying plane. In the same way, you can lay the rest of the tiles to the end of the wall.
11. The glue sets within 10 minutes. This time should be enough for the tile to be adjusted if necessary.
12. Using a plastic square, slopes and corners of the walls are formed.
13. After all the tiles have been laid, the adhesive should dry completely.

Detailed process of laying tiles (video)

Ceramic tiles are, first of all, an aesthetic element of kitchen design. It needs to be selected in such a way that it organically complements the kitchen.

Plain tiles are more suitable if the room has an exquisite kitchen set. With ordinary furniture, it is best to do the opposite, that is, lay out tiles in a variety of colors.

Kitchen apron finishing options (video)

Conclusion

Tiles add brightness, harmony to the kitchen and organically complement its interior. The methods of laying tiles depend on the size of the kitchen and types of furniture. It is necessary to think through all the little things in order to subsequently enjoy the comfort of this room. You have already learned how to lay tiles with your own hands from this article.

Examples of apron design in the kitchen (photo)

Calling a professional to lay tiles in the kitchen is not a cheap service. Especially if you use natural materials for cladding. Laying tiles in the kitchen does not require special experience or skill in this type of construction work.

You can tile kitchen walls yourself, but it is important to strictly follow the instructions and basic rules.

Types and characteristics of tiles

Basically, kitchen walls are covered with ceramic tiles - they are sold at an affordable price, and also do not require special skills for installation.

An improved version of ceramic tiles is porcelain tiles, which are more wear-resistant and durable than conventional ceramics.

But ceramics still does not lose its leading position.

You can compare the pros and cons of each material in the table below.

You should choose which tile to put in the kitchen based on the principle of its use. It is better to lay porcelain tiles on the floor, and the kitchen apron looks more aesthetically pleasing if the laying is made of ceramic tiles.

Preparing to lay tiles in the kitchen

The preparatory stage largely determines how the installation on the kitchen walls will proceed. First you need to clean the base and remove the old coating. The paint can be removed with sandpaper or a sanding machine.

To speed up this process, you can use a chemical solution (the main thing is that it does not harm human health).

To remove old tiles, it is better to use a drill or grinder with a special attachment.

The cleaned walls are treated with a soil solution. Make sure that the solution lays down in an even layer. In areas where the primer has not been applied, the glue will adhere less firmly.

Materials, tools and calculation of the number of tiles

In order not to make a mistake with the quantity of tiles, professionals recommend always buying 10-15% of the stock. This is especially true for novice craftsmen, who can make mistakes in calculations or make mistakes when cutting or laying.

The quantity is calculated very simply. First you need to determine the area of ​​​​the room in which the renovation will be carried out.

The area is calculated using the formula “length times width”.

Add up the obtained values ​​for each of the walls on which the cladding will be carried out. Using the same formula, calculate the area of ​​one tile and divide the area of ​​the entire room by it. This will give you an approximate number of tiles.

Another way to calculate the amount of material is to cut out a tile template from durable cardboard and apply it to the wall on which the ceramics will be applied. Thus, calculate the number of tiles in one row and multiply the resulting value by the number of rows.

However, in this case, there is a risk of making a mistake with the size of the kitchen and the tiles themselves.

Required Tools

It is important not only to know how to lay tiles in the kitchen, but also to purchase high-quality tools so that during the installation process they do not damage the tiles and cause problems.

Basic materials for cladding kitchen walls:

• Tiles (10-15% more than the required quantity).
• Ground mortar for leveling walls.
• Glue mass.
• Water for diluting glue and primer.
• Plaster.
• Grouting solution.
• Putty.

Required tools:

• Pencil and ruler for markings.
• Bucket for diluting glue and primer.
• Drill.
• A tile cutter or grinder with a diamond bit for cutting tiles.
• Building level
• Construction mixer.
• Crosses for tiles.
• Rubber spatula.
• Trowel.
• Comb.

Preparation of glue

There are several types of glue. To place it in the kitchen, a standard cement-based adhesive is sufficient. It is diluted with water and mixed using a construction mixer. If you don’t have one, you can take a drill with a special screw attachment.

The glue must be mixed thoroughly so that there are no lumps. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then stir again. It is important to comply with all proportions and dosage indicated on the packaging, otherwise there is a possibility of damaging the material or making it insufficiently durable for fastening.

To prevent the glue from sticking to the spatula, the spatula must be regularly moistened with water.

The glue is applied not only to the tiles, but also to the wall itself. After application, let it dry for a few minutes. After this, you can begin installation.

Preparing the surface of walls and floors

The preparation of the walls largely determines how the tiles will lay and how durable the surface will be. Main stages of wall preparation:

• The old coating is removed.
• The wall must be leveled and all cracks and irregularities removed. The easiest way is to cover the wall with plasterboard. The second option is to fill the uneven areas with putty. The process will take longer, but as a result the wall will become much smoother, which is important when tiling.
• If the wall was initially flat and the old coating was not removed from it, applying regular plaster will be sufficient.
• The next stage of preparation is applying a deep penetration primer. It must dry thoroughly so that the glue does not “move off” upon contact.

Marking

Before applying the glue, the wall is marked. Laying tiles should begin from the bottom. Using a level, pencil and tape measure, draw a horizontal line from wall to wall at the bottom of the wall. The height of the line should be measured using the tile itself.

Start laying along the marked line. This will form the first row. Place the remaining materials along the first row. The distance between them is adjusted using tiled crosses, which are installed at the site of future seams.

Methods for proper installation of tiles and sequence of actions

There are several features on how to properly lay tiles in the kitchen. Laying should begin from the middle and the most visible areas that are not hidden under furniture and decorative elements. Trims should be placed closer to the corners and the floor and ceiling.

Seal the corners with plastic corners so that the edges of the tiles are not visible and the style is not spoiled.

Apron laying

The apron is the main part of the kitchen that marks the work area. The bottom line of the apron should go under the tabletop by at least 1-2 cm, and the top line should reach the hood. The side boundaries can be marked by cabinets or a stove or sink. The tiles for the apron should be resistant to moisture, dirt and grease, and easy to clean.

To make the side border smooth, you should make a marking: attach a cord with a weight to the ceiling. Under the influence of gravity, the cord will fall down and form a perfectly straight line.

Laying tiles on the floor

The floor is more often exposed to mechanical stress, so it must be durable to cover it. It is better to use porcelain stoneware for this purpose, or, in extreme cases, standard ceramic tiles.

You should choose a moisture-resistant and heat-resistant adhesive, since heated floors are becoming increasingly common.

It should not crack from high temperature.

Laying tiles on kitchen walls

The main task is to correctly lay the first row of tiles. Constantly monitor it using a building level. In order for it to lie flat, its boundaries should be marked in advance. The horizontal boundary is marked with a level, the vertical boundary with a cord with a weight attached to it.

At the bottom you need to place a metal profile that will keep it from sliding.

How to put on drywall?

Drywall is a fairly fragile material, so before laying it should be properly processed and coated with a special primer. You can prepare drywall as follows:

• Seal all seams and joints with putty.
• Go over the surface with a roller twice to coat the drywall with an even layer of primer.
• Finish the holes for the pipes with silicone sealant.

Design of corners and slopes near windows

Particular attention should be paid to the design of corners and slopes so that they look aesthetically pleasing. To do this, you need to prepare plastic corners in advance that will hide the ends of the tiles.

The corner should be 2 mm larger than the thickness of the tile so that the tiles fit inside without any problems.

How to properly glue it to concrete without leveling?

Concrete is a smooth material itself, so it can be laid on it without prior leveling. Apply a few drops of glue to each piece, placing them in the corners and in the center.

You should not glue more than 2-3 rows in one approach, since the tiles are quite difficult to attach to concrete. The glue also needs to be selected appropriately, which will ensure reliable fixation on the concrete base.

Grouting joints

The final stage is grouting the joints. Before starting, you need to remove all the crosses and then apply a special solution to the tiles. It is worth choosing a transparent grout or one close in color to ceramics.

The consistency should not be too thick, otherwise it will be difficult to apply. For convenience, use a rubber spatula or sponge.

Surface treatment

After grouting it should dry out. It will be possible to move furniture towards it and hang decorative elements in at least a day - it depends on the glue and the speed of its drying. After installation, it is necessary to wipe with a damp sponge or a special solution to remove all dirt, traces of glue, and grout.

You can see how to lay tiles on a kitchen wall with your own hands in the video. Some practical tips:

• It should not only be durable, but also beautiful, suitable for the interior of the kitchen.
• It is better to avoid bright colors and massive patterns in the kitchen.
• To make it fit more tightly to the concrete, you can attach a reinforced mesh underneath it.
• To ensure better adhesion to the wall, the adhesive should be applied in different directions.

These helpful tips will help you lay tiles yourself and make your kitchen beautiful.

Overview of methods

Today, many are trying to repair, decorate or decorate the kitchen space on their own, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly. Laying ceramic tiles with your own hands will significantly save your budget, because the cost of the work is equal to the price of the material.

What you need to know before starting work

Laying floor tiles in the kitchen is divided into two stages of work: preparatory and laying itself. Initially, we decide on the interior, install pipeline communications, select the location of the plumbing, calculate the required number of tiles, and select the type and color of the ceramics.

Preparation ensures the following tasks:

1. Leveling the surface, which ensures convenient laying of tiles. We get a perfectly smooth floor covering.
2. Guarantees strong adhesion of ceramics to the base.

The number of steps to perform preparatory work for the floor depends on the quality of the surface and the materials used.

How to lay tiles in the kitchen? Let's look at the example of laying ceramics at all stages of the work being carried out.

Instructions for preparing for laying tiles

First, let's make a list of the necessary tools:

• To dismantle the old coating, you need safety glasses, a hammer, and a chisel;
• We measure the level of a horizontal surface of 100 mm using a pencil;
• To mix the solution we will need a drill, a hammer drill;
• We level the surface with a spatula;
• Roller for leveling the floor covering.

We clean the surface from the old coating. We completely remove the remaining paint and elements of previous products. This will allow the new coating to bond securely to the base.

Set the level of the horizontal surface. There may be several different options for determining it using a building level. The first option is to lay the level on different sides. Another way is to use a level to mark the vertical wall of the bottom row. By analogy, we put markings on the remaining walls.

We connect the dots with a common line - this is the arrangement of the first row. It will also demonstrate the level of horizontality of the floor covering. The measured distance from the drawn line to the floor is the same on all walls, which means the floor is laid correctly. If there are fluctuations, then alignment is required.

Although there are exceptions. Sometimes the floor covering is specially made at a slight slope to prevent moisture accumulation.

Leveling the floor is carried out partially or completely with a screed. To do this, use a special cement mortar, which is diluted with water and mixed with plasticizers. Then we apply the resulting substance with a spatula, and then level it. Roll the roller over the leveled surface and remove the remaining air.

We prime the work area for laying ceramic parts. We impregnate the surface layer to increase adhesion and strength. Apply the solution to the base with a brush or roller.

Laying ceramic tiles

The main installation work of laying floor tiles in the kitchen is carried out only on a solid base. Let's prepare materials and tools:

• We will need tile adhesive or cement, plastic crosses for evenness of the products;
• Drill or hammer drill, don’t forget the attachment;
• Containers for mixing the solution and estimating the volume of glue required;
• Scales;
• A spatula for applying the mixture, a large spatula with serrated edges for leveling;
• Plumb line for marking the verticality of the surface;
• Levels of different lengths to determine the verticality of the walls;
• Electric and manual tile cutters with attachments;
• A rag for cleaning cement stains.

Laying out the tiles:

1. Soak the ceramics in water for 10-20 minutes before installation. Then take it out and dry it a little. After this procedure, the tile will not absorb moisture from the mixture, which will ensure better setting.
2. Take cement and mix it. If the store doesn’t have it, you can use glue with a cement base and additives.
3. Select the most visible corner and wall. Apply the prepared mixture.
4. The thickness of the applied solution should be approximately 10 mm.
5. We run a notched trowel over the adhesive substance, creating grooves. This way we will achieve better grip.
6. We lay the tile and press it down. The grooves left will fill the entire gap between the mixture and the ceramic.
7. We take measurements at the building level. If deviations are detected, we level the surface. Either press down or put a little more mixture under the tile.
8. During further work, with a small level we calculate the horizontality of an individual ceramic part, and with a long level we establish the overall evenness of the floor covering.
9. Using special crosses, we leave gaps between the tiled elements. We place them in the middle of four products. They regulate the width of the gap.
10. After installation is complete, if the last row does not match the dimensions of the kitchen, then a tile cutter is needed. We carefully cut the ceramic products and adjust them to size. If you don’t have a tile cutter, you can replace it with a grinder, but then it’s better to stock up on glasses to protect against chips.
11. We remove the remaining tiles, glue and other dirt with a damp cloth.
12. After about 24 hours, when the coating has hardened, remove the plastic crosses and cover the resulting cracks with grout.

The flooring should be in harmony with the surrounding design. Don't overdo it with decoration. This may negatively affect the overall interior. The color scheme must be calculated based on the dimensions of the kitchen. If it is small, then it is better to use light shades.

Choosing quality tiles:

• Purchase products only in specialized stores that have confirming quality certificates.
• Read the documentation and make sure that the company cooperates directly with manufacturers.
• Recognize tile markings. With a foot icon – floor-mounted, with a palm marker – wall-mounted.
• At first glance, the ceramics will not be different, but the technical characteristics are different. Floor tiles are several times thicker, and its surface is slip-resistant.
• The degree of abrasion resistance depends on the class of the product. From the first to the fourth marked REI. The most resistant ceramics of the fifth class. Products starting from the third level are suitable for flooring.

Photos of finished works

Now you know how to lay tiles in the kitchen with your own hands quickly and accurately. Still, it is worth adding some details when choosing ceramic products. The selection of floor tiles is influenced by many factors, including the height of the ceilings, the dimensions of the kitchen space, and the level of lighting in it. The tile is very practical, durable, and it is also a hygienically clean product. It makes every kitchen special and comfortable.

If you have even a little experience and knowledge of how to lay tiles in the kitchen, it is worth spending a couple of days to lay the tiles. It is considered a good solution due to its low cost, moisture resistance and practicality. When choosing a material, you should take into account external indicators, quality, country of origin, etc. There are a number of special requirements for floor tiles, since the performance of the floor is important for the kitchen.

Types of tiles

Today there is a huge selection of floor tiles. The variety of styles and trends never ceases to amaze. Classic style, minimalism, bright interiors - you can embody a variety of ideas. Floor tiles create the right mood and solve any problems when creating a specific idea.

In addition to appearance, the coating must be of high quality and practical. It must have good technical characteristics.

Tile is fundamentally different from wooden finishing materials. It is made from clay and contains various additives. Once formed, it is pressed and fired. As a result, the finished tiles differ in strength and appearance. The outer surface is then painted and given a glossy or matte finish.

The tiles are usually quite porous and are covered with glaze. It can only be used indoors and for wall decoration. Tiles are usually used to decorate walls in the bathroom or create a backsplash in the kitchen.

Ceramic tiles have their own characteristics. It is also covered with glaze on one side. This glaze not only has decorative value, but also protects against moisture. The ceramic product is more durable and hard, it is resistant to mechanical damage and active abrasion. Porcelain stoneware is considered the most durable material, which is excellent for flooring. It has practically no drawbacks, except for a small range of color options.

Tools and preparatory work

Before you start laying floor tiles in the kitchen, you need to purchase suitable material and all the necessary tools:

• Long level or rule;
• Bubble level;
• Tape measure, pencil;
• Primer roller;
• Spatula with 12 mm teeth;
• Rubber hammer;
• Bulgarian;
• Primer;
• Wooden wedges and crosses;
• Rubber spatula and grout.

The first step is marking to calculate the amount of material. For a single-color coating, this is very easy to do: 10% is added to the total area of ​​the kitchen. Such a reserve will be quite enough. If you are planning tiles with an ornament, then you need to make more stock, since there will be more waste. You can do this: if the dimensions of the tiles are known, then the number of pieces is calculated so that it can be laid along the entire length and width of the kitchen, taking into account trimming. If the trimming turns out to be very narrow, then the entire layout must be shifted. Therefore, first a layout drawing is drawn up.

The base surface is carefully primed. It is important that the primer has deep penetration. After it has dried, you can begin the main work. If the kitchen has a smooth screed, the installation process will be pleasant and easy, and glue consumption will be reduced. In addition, a flat base ensures that the tiles will not crack during use. It is recommended not to skimp on preparatory work and to make a rough screed with waterproofing.

Laying tiles in the kitchen

From the entrance, a distance equal to the width of the tile is marked with a gap of 5 mm from the wall. To prevent it from moving, wooden pegs are inserted in the gaps. The cord is pulled along these marks and beaten so that a straight line remains on the floor. She draws the first row.

On the back of each tile there are auxiliary arrows that indicate the direction of laying. But after applying the glue, this arrow is not visible, so it is better to initially make a mark on the back side with a pencil.

The first landmark tile is located near the doorway. A mark is placed in the center of the door and tiles are placed there without glue. You can leave several paths without tiles so that you can return or start on the opposite side of the entrance.

The glue is mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The required amount of water is poured into the bucket and glue is added, the mixture is constantly stirred with a construction mixer. A small amount of the solution can be stirred by hand with a wooden stick. You need to achieve the consistency of thick sour cream and leave the glue for ten minutes, then stir again and you can begin finishing work in the following order:

1. The glue is applied evenly with a regular spatula. Then you need to run a notched spatula over the glue.
2. Excess glue is removed.
3. The first tile must be placed in a pre-marked place and pressed intensely to the floor. The short level determines its evenness. If it lies unevenly, then you need to tap the edge that lies higher with a rubber hammer.
4. The laying movement is directed to the right. A cross can be drawn along the seam to remove the adhesive to create a space for grout, and then the cross is inserted between the tiles.
5. After laying the first row, a long level is placed (you can use the rule instead). This checks the overall level of evenness. If there are errors, the uneven elements are removed and placed again. You only have 15 minutes to do this, otherwise the glue will start to set.
6. If trimming is needed, it is done with a grinder with a smooth disc.
7. The next rad also runs from the beacon in the center of the door and continues in both directions.
8. In places where pipes pass, cutouts or holes are made on the tiles. To make a hole, you can use a drill attachment.

After final installation, the floor surface is again checked with a level in different directions. After a day, the seams are cleaned and filled with grout. After half an hour, you can remove excess grout with a damp sponge. After a day, the surface is thoroughly cleaned and can be ready for use. The gaps between the tiles and the wall are closed with plastic or wooden baseboards.