The Home Depot
How to Install a Bathroom Vanity with Mosaic Tiles
The first thing that attracts most people’s attention on a bathroom is the vanity. And ceramic tile is a popular choice for vanity tops. It comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes and it can be mixed and matched in countless combinations for a custom look. In this demonstration, we will show you how to install and prepare the substrate, install backer board and tile a bathroom vanity in backsplash using the Mesh Back sheets of one-inch mosaic tile and V-cap edged tiles.
Pulled one of the capped tiles against the front edge of the vanity countertop and mark the location of the back you are joining. Do the same at the other end of the vanity countertop. Snap or draw a layout line between the marks. This will be your first joint line. Layout the mesh back sheets of mosaic tile across the entire countertop. The front row should be lined up along the front line you make. Mark the back of the last full sheet of tiles near the backsplash. Do the same with the last full sheets on the sides. Also, draw a reference lines for the last full sheets around the sink cut outs.
With the edges marked, we are ready to start setting the tile. If you need to, support the v-cap edged tiles while the mortar dries by attaching the one by two inch batten under the front edge of the counter. Using a square notch trowel, spread and comb an even layer of mortar along the edge of the counter up to the layout line. Twist the tile back and forth slightly to make sure it is embedded in the thin set. Continue setting the rest of the edge tiles the same way. Use a damp sponge or paddy knife to clean off any mortar that sticks to the top of the tiles before it dries. Set the sheets of mosaic tiles starting at the front and middle of the counter. Work outward toward the edges and the back. Set all of your full sheets first, leaving any cut tiles on the perimeter and the cut tiles around the sink for last.
As you set the sheets in place, you want to embed them into the adhesive and make sure they are at the same height. Put a bit of board across the tile and gently hit it with a hammer or rubber mallet. Use a damp sponge to clean up any excess mortar as you go. After setting all of your full tiles, measure, cut and set the tile around the edges and the sinks. It is easiest to use tile nippers. To cut curve lines through the sink areas, cut the small straight cuts close together up to the curve line. The cut edges along the walls and sink openings will not be seen. The edge tiles will be covered with coat and the sink tiles will be covered by the lip of the sink. Cut and test fit each sheet first. Then set them all at once. If you cannot trowel the mortar directly on the countertop at the sides or around the sink, back batter the sheets individually.
When tiling the backsplash, be sure to line up the tiles with the countertop. To finish off the top with the backsplash, we are using rounded ball nose tile. Use the level to ensure the tops of the tiles are straight. Once all the tiles are in place, let the mortar dry completely. Each type of mortar has a different curing time. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Grout fills the space between the tiles. Grouting is messy so be sure to properly cover any areas that you do not want to get dirty. Using a margin trowel, mix the powdered grout with liquid and apply it. Skim the excess grout off with the edge of the float. To avoid digging into the joints, move the float diagonally across the tiles. The grout will set up in about five to fifteen minutes and have a paddy like consistency. When a thumbnail pressed against it does not leave an impression, the grout is hard enough for the final clean up.
With a damp sponge, wipe the tiles diagonally to clean them. Rinse the sponge frequently in clean water. Remove any remaining haze. Repeat this process until the tile is clean. Cure the grout as instructed in the technique section of tiling one, two, three and let it set thoroughly before applying sealer. The curing process is very important.
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