Tiling Textured Living Room Walls Properly

Transforming any living room with a stunning tile design begins with proper preparation of the walls. Textured walls bring unique challenges that must be handled correctly before setting tile. Follow vital steps to ready the surfaces and you can create a showstopping focal point with creative patterns and tiles that make the space shine.

Prepping textured walls not only prevents issues like cracking grout down the road, but it opens a world of possibilities for eye-catching designs. With the right groundwork, even a modest room can become a tile haven and conversation piece guaranteed to wow visitors.

Preparing Textured Walls for Tile

Rushing into tiling risks disaster if underlying surfaces aren't primed first. Textured walls need extra care to level imperfections for a smooth, long-lasting foundation.

• Remove wallpaper, paneling, or other existing coverings completely. Use a steamer and scraper to eliminate every trace of adhesive. Any remnants under tile will eventually bubble or lift.
• Check for high and low spots with a straightedge. Mark any uneven areas and use joint compound to fill dips or sand down high points.
• Clean thoroughly to eliminate dirt, grease, soap scum, or other residues. Tiles won't bond well to soiled walls. For heavy soiling, use TSP cleaner. Rinse completely.
• Prime surfaces with a specialized coating made for textured paint or other absorbent coatings. This enhances adhesion so tiles stay firmly bonded to the wall.

Choosing the Best Tiles for Textured Living Room Walls

With prep work finished, it's time for the fun part - selecting gorgeous tiles to make your living room shine! Textured walls set the stage for choices beyond basic subway tiles.

Large format tiles instantly expand a small space visually. Bold patterns turn an accent wall into a work of art. Combine shapes and colors fearlessly to design a focal point that wows guests and family alike.

• Go big with 12x24-inch tiles or larger to open up a room. Fewer grout lines equal a cleaner, less busy appearance.
• Complement or contrast wall textures with matching or opposing finishes. Play with gloss and matte combinations too.
• Mosaics inject visually striking detail. Use them alone or mix with larger tiles. Great for niches too!
• Don't bust the budget! Score style deals on imitation stone tiles or porcelain that mimics pricier natural materials beautifully.

Creative Layouts and Patterns for Textured Accent Walls

Tiling one textured wall amplifies visual interest dramatically without the effort of doing an entire room. Accent walls center attention on one area, letting plainer surfaces fade into a quiet background.

Approach layouts for textured accent walls or full rooms thoughtfully:

• Sketch ideas to scale on graph paper first. This prevents costly layout mistakes and ordering the wrong quantities.
• Use decorative borders, geometric shapes, or combinations of large and small tile sizes to develop patterns with depth and flair.
• Install the tile vertically on walls over 8 feet tall and horizontal on shorter walls to make the room seem larger.
• Emphasize design elements like the fireplace with complementary tile shapes and colors that highlight the feature.

Installing Tile on Textured Living Room Walls

Meticulous installation technique ensures a stunning end result that lasts. Take time to do it right, starting with conscientious mortar and tile prep.

• Choose latex-modified thinset for better adhesion and flexibility as the wall shifts slightly over time.
• Butter the back of each tile with thinset before placing it on the wall. Use a notched trowel sized for the tiles.
• Be extremely precise cutting border and edge tiles. Any unevenness along the perimeter looks sloppy.
• Let thinset mortar cure completely between steps. 24 hours minimum for grouting is ideal.

Patience pays off with straight grout lines and tight joints that stand the test of time without cracking or loosening.

Grout and Finishing Touches

Grout infuses color and artistry while sealing joints between tiles. Contrasting grout dramatically spotlights intricate patterns. Matching grout lends unity to a simpler layout. Either way, proper sealing prevents staining and damage from spills.

• Apply grout with a rubber float, forcing it deeply into gaps between tiles. Buff off residue with a damp sponge once semi-dry.
• Seal grout 7-10 days later so it cures fully first. Use an epoxy sealer for the best stain protection.
• Run a matching silicone caulk between tile and ceiling or baseboards. This allows expansion and prevents cracks.
• Affix any loose tiles right away with thinset remortaring. Don't wait for them to detach more over time.

With a conscientious installation and finish, your tile creation on textured walls withstands everyday living in style. Keep grout sealed and wipe spills quickly to maintain the gorgeous look for years.

Even beautiful tilework meets trouble occasionally. Don't panic! Many tile issues have easy fixes to restore the walls to their original glory.

• Readhere loose or hollow-sounding tiles immediately with fresh thinset. Let it cure completely before grouting again.
• Use an oscillating multi-tool to cleanly remove and replace cracked, chipped, or broken tiles.
• Regrout staining or uneven grout lines for a refreshed look. Use a specialty grout saw first if lines are too narrow.
• Dilute white vinegar removes hard water deposits and soap scum from tile naturally. Rinse thoroughly after.
• Scraping tools help eliminate old thinset behind walls when retiling. Heat guns soften adhesive too.

Your tile statement piece is a must have in any living room. Durable, easy-clean tiles stand up to everyday life with kids and pets while elevating walls from drab to daring.