Installing slate tile over brick fireplace

One way to give a room a makeover will be upgrade its appearance by addressing a brick wall with tile. Brick wall space and hearth surrounds had been preferred throughout the 1960s and '70s, but might not fit in with contemporary fixtures and design. To keep the rough experience associated with the brick while upgrading its design, numerous residents turn-to slate tiles. Slate tiles retain the surface of the wall while providing a brand new color and structure and a more modern-day appearance.

Create a smooth area the slate tiles becoming set in by since the brick wall with a level of thinset mortar. Spread the mortar on the wall using level side of a trowel. Smooth out the thinset to pay for the bricks and mortar, in addition to any lumps or indentations. Allow the thinset dried out for 24 hours.

Measure the solid wall and mark off a place on to the floor close by that is the exact same shape and size. Begin installing the record tiles on this part of the flooring.

Start in the bottom center and put the record evenly towards the edges and up after that. Make the tiles of all the containers at a time, combining all of them up to supply a pleasing variation of shade.

Focus on the slate tiles while you lay all of them down. Some could be thinner as compared to other individuals, some can be much thicker many may be thin on a single side and thick on the other. These variations will need to be evened down during installation. Noting which tiles tend to be dramatically various in thickness can help you even all of them away whenever time comes.

Cut tiles to fill-in odd spaces within side of a row on a tile wet saw. Attempt cutting the slate tiles having thin or thick places when it comes to edges, and so the tiles may be easier to even out. Double check their easily fit into the dry design on to the floor.

Spread a slim level of thinset mortar onto the wall surface where slate would be installed. Only use handful of thinset at the same time; slate takes a lot of time to set properly. Spreading too-much at a time may dry it out prematurely.

Collect the initial slate tile become downloaded and note if it is thinner of thicker compared to tiles surrounding it. Apply four tiny blobs of mortar to the straight back for the tile. Utilize even more mortar on the slim areas much less regarding dense areas. Press the tile onto the wall surface and pound it into location with all the side of fist.

Set another tiles exactly the same way, putting just about mortar on the back of each and every tile to simply help it stay evenly with those around it. Pound each tile into the mortar until its despite those around it. Let the mortar dry regarding the set up for 24 hours after setting the tiles.

Coat the slate with a layer of impregnating rock sealer using a foam paintbrush. Seriously consider the clefts, holes, ridges and fissures on top of this record and make yes they get equal protection with all the sealer. This may help to make the grouting work better by ensuring these problem areas cannot collect grout. Allow sealer penetrate for ten minutes. Buff off the extra with a soft lint-free cloth.

Scatter grout over the entire set up with a grout float. Clean the float across slate tiles from numerous directions to bring the grout among the bones. Let the grout start to dry for 10 minutes. Wash from the area for the tiles with a damp sponge. Allow the grout dried out every day and night.

Things You Needs

• Thinset mortar
• Trowel
• Measuring tape
• Tile damp saw
• Rock sealer
• Foam paintbrush
• Lint-free cloth
• Grout
• Grout float
• Grout sponge

Suggestion

• Slate will spall, or give off small particles and dirt for 3 months after installation since it acclimates to its brand-new environment. It is not a defect associated with the material and will not influence your installation. Wash the record often to speed this process.