How To Lay Slate Wall Tiles

The rustic beauty of slate wall tiles is unmatched. I love the natural elegance, cleft face, uneven thickness and surface finishes of these wall tiles. For installing slate wall tiles, choose the tiles that do not vary more than ¼ inch in thickness. This variation is easily evened out by applying the different amounts of mortar during installation. I have installed slate wall tiles in my kitchen and absolutely love the appearance.

1. To install wall tiles, you first need to measure the wall and mark of a similar area on a flat surface nearby. Lay out the tiles on this area and create an even pattern with the right blend of colours. Work out the placement by taking advantage of the colour and venation variation of the slate tiles.

2. Ensure that the wall is completely dry before you start installing. Start with the tile at the bottom-centre of the wall.  After you lay that one, lay the tiles on both the sides of the central tile. Do not use the tiles with extreme unevenness at the centre.

3. I usually spread the thin-set mortar in small amounts for evenness. Use the trowel to produce some ridges evenly. This helps in the proper fixing of the tile. Use more thin-set on the thin tiles and less on the thicker ones.

4. Lay the slate wall tiles in the same pattern as the dry-fit. Beat the tile with wooden mallet to create even surfaces.

5. Seal the tiles with a good sealant, after the thin-set mortar is completely dry. Wipe the excess sealer and proceed to grouting.