Friday, May 20, 2011

Install Stone In The Ceiling For Decoration

Granite, slate or travertine stone tiles are common decorative tiles that enhance the look of a ceiling. Tiling is one of the most common methods of decorating walls and ceilings, such as in a shower area. Kitchen ceilings and living room ceilings can also be tiled. Tile can make a plain ceiling inspiring or a worn ceiling nice. A decorative stone tile pattern improves the whole look of a room. The finished look is admirable, and the plan is simple.


Instructions


1. If the ceiling surface is not cement, mortar or drywall, construct a supporting structure on the ceiling with backerboard. Cut enough backerboard to fill in the entire area. After the board is ready, prepare the ceiling for construction by marking a layout in chalk. With a pencil, measure lines on the backerboard to make square or rectangular pieces; then, make each shape clear by marking each line. Score deep each line along a straight edge. Snap off each piece at the scored edge. Fix the backerboard pieces on the ceiling with fasteners. Fill the entire area with backerboard. Last, fill in any gaps with thinset mortar.


2. If the structure is not flat, level the area with leveler. With a trowel or a brush, spread leveler evenly on the ceiling area and let it level. Use a straight edge to smooth the finish, removing any raises or dips. After the leveler has cured, make sure that the surface is flat. Scrape off any areas or spots that stand out.


3. Make a grid on the ceiling. Measure the area length in inches and multiply by the width in inches. Divide this number by 144 for the square feet. On paper, design a grid pattern you like that covers the square feet. Center the design within the ceiling area lines, and include border tiles. Cut any border tiles you need with the wetsaw. For the design on paper, make a square or rectangle for each tile, including a surrounding grout area. Mark chalk lines on the ceiling; cover the entire area.


4. Apply thinset mortar on the ceiling. Spread a solid layer evenly on each square in the grid. After examining the square for imperfections, clean out each square with the trowel. The adhesive is ready for the tiles.


5. Places tiles in a pattern on grid. Begin with a corner border tile. Press the tile in place with your hands and hold until firmly fixed; leave space for grout. Place the two border tiles that edge the space for the full-sized tile that is in the corner. Then, press the full-sized tile in place in the corner next to the two border tiles. Work across the room in a diagonal. Place the border tiles and then place the full-sized tiles. Finish the tiles by using the grout float to insert grout in the spaces. Be certain to use the sponge to clean the whole ceiling.

Tags: border tiles, entire area, area with, ceiling area, ceiling with