Tip of The Week

February 17, 2007

This week’s tip comes from our “Let’s keep it on the level” file.

Ceramic tile can add character, beauty and durability to almost any surface.  However, like any other product, level and square are your two best friends in a proper tile installation.  They are also the difference between a great new look and a great big mess.

Here’s a simple tip for installing ceramic tile on the wall.  Mark the wall at the point where you want to have one of the joint lines in the tile.  Attach a piece of 1 x 2 (batten strip) horizontally to the wall with screws. Use a level to make sure that the batten strip is level.  This will become your starting point for a course of tile.  Install a row of tile along this batten strip.  Once you have installed this first course all the other rows of tile above it will be level.  (If you are using tile larger than 4-1/4” that does not have spacers formed into the tile itself, it will be necessary to use spacers you insert manually and remove before grouting.)  With all the rows above the batten strip installed you can go back and remove the batten strip.  Then install all the rows beneath and you will have nice level grout lines and a great looking job.

Thanks for visiting Ask John and Dave.com and we’ll see you on the air,

John and Dave

If you would like to comment on this article or have an idea for our Tip of the Week, contact us at:

questions@askjohnanddave.com