One Room Challenge {Week 4}: How to Install Cement Tile
Learn how to install cement tile in Week 4 of the One Room Challenge!
I cannot believe we only have 2 weeks left in the challenge!!! We are actually right on schedule to finish on time – I’m so relieved.
We have tackled almost all of the big projects and mostly just have finishing work to do.
Honestly, I’ve been completely slacking with some of the design elements these past two weeks and really need to pull it together. What good is a finished room with no decorations??
If you’re just stopping by today or if you want a quick refresher on what we are doing, head over to the previous weeks to see where we started and the progress we have made so far!
Week One // Week Two // Week Three
This week was all about finishing the interior of the fireplace and installing the cement tile hearth.
I posted earlier this week about my newfound love for cement tile (and where to use it in your home). Well, I thought I loved the tile when it was just in the box.
I’m completely blown away by how it looks installed and finished. This little unfinished area has been bugging me since we moved in almost a year ago. I can’t imagine a more perfect tile for the space. I may even sleep right there on it.
Let’s back up. Here is what we started with:
Yes, that is insulation falling out of the top. Scary, right?
Here is what it looks like today:
ALL the heart eyes, my friends.
If you know the general process of installing tile and want to just know specific tips for installing cement tile, skip to the bottom of the post 🙂
*This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for supporting my blog!*
First, we started by creating a level surface from the hearth to the inside of the fireplace. Since the hearth was already concrete and level, we used quikrete to level the inside of fireplace with the hearth.
I found this full guide on how to use quikrete that seems pretty extensive. For our purposes, we poured in the concrete and used concrete tools to level the surface.
Next, we painted the interior bricks with a satin black enamel paint. The bricks were so damaged we couldn’t clean or salvage them. Luckily this paint only required one coat!
Lastly for the prep work, we used a piece of plywood to fill in the opening to the top of the chimney to hold up all the debris and keep the kids from trying to climb the chimney looking for Santa. {This still needs painted black}
Already doesn’t look like it’s straight out of a horror movie anymore!
Next it was time for the tile!
We chose this gorgeous tile from The Tile Shop! I wanted something that looked as though it could have been original to the house – so something a bit more traditional looking.
{But, if you aren’t a fan of that tile, I linked to TONS of other cement tile styles in this post to choose from}.
The tile came in and we were all set to install when we realized we needed tile edging to separate the tile from the wood.
There are several ways you can separate tile and wood but we went with an aluminum edging trim that of course had to be special ordered.
We liked this specific trim because it basically goes unnoticed. You probably didn’t even see it in the picture from above. They make it in different colors and different “metal” colors, too.
Once we had the trim in hand we measured hearth and cut it to the correct length. We ended up with three pieces: two short ones for the sides and one long one for the front. Make sure you cut the trim on a 45 degree angle for an interior corner so the pieces don’t interfere with each other.
We started by laying out the tile to see what arrangement looked the best and also measured which cuts we would have to make.
We used these spacers in between the tiles.
Then, we removed all the tile and used a wet tile saw to cut the tile to fit around the edges.
We marked where the middle was so we didn’t forget!
Next, we installed the tile using Thinset Mortar and a square notched trowel to spread the mortar. Apply an even layer to both the surface and the back of the tile.
Remember to place the tile spacers back in between the tile!
We didn’t need to lay anything under the tile since it didn’t need to be waterproof and the surface was already flat. You *may* need something if you’re using the tile in a bathroom or kitchen or on an uneven surface.
Rough idea of how much mortar to put on:
We wiped the excess mortar off the top of the tiles and let them dry!
After a few days to dry and set in place, we applied a sealer over the tile.
We followed the manufacturer’s directions using a rag – wipe on, wait 5 minutes and wipe off any excess with a dry rag, then wait 30 minutes and reapply. We then let the sealer dry for a few days.
Finally, we grouted the tile! We used unsanded powder grout and a rubber grout float tool to apply the grout. Work in small sections and wipe off any excess with a wet sponge.
And …. ta da!
I. Am. Obsessed.
It came out perfectly.
So, specifically for CEMENT TILE, here are a few tips we came across to help:
- Cement tile is NOT presealed so make sure you seal tile before grouting
- Use unsanded grout with a tight joint of 1/16″ – 1/8″
- Use white or light-colored grout (dark grout can permanently stain the cement tile .. yikes!)
- Find the nearest father-in-law to help (mine’s taken so find your own!) … but seriously he helped SO SO SO much, well, basically did the whole thing — THANK YOU!
- Here’s a more detailed guide I found for using cement tile
So, let’s take a look back on that list to see how we are doing:
clean out room (toys,clothes, old books, etc)build under-bedtrain tablebuild shelves for closet- add storage and functional design to closet – sort of can cross off??
repaint dresser and add new hardwarebuild reading nook tent frame- sew reading nook tent
sew reading nook floor pillowsmake gallery wall for above dresser- design reading nook area (where books go, etc)
- add lights to inside of reading nook
- build magnet board
- install buckets to hold magnets
make or buy curtain rod- hang curtains
install fireplace tilefinish interior of fireplace- make space felt board
- make name art for each boy
pick sentimental pillows/decor for each of their spacespaint/design letters to designate spaces- build craft table
- add craft table storage
buy craft table chairs- install wire hanging to display art work
disassemble old bed and assemble bunk beds
I’d say we are right on track! Which is pretty exciting.
On the plan for this week is finishing up the craft table and magnet board and start decorating!
The reading nook tent is going to be the last thing we install and I cannot wait! Liam is already asking when it will be done so he can sit on the pillows 🙂 (not the point of the tent, kiddo!)
Remember to stop over to Calling it Home to check out the other One Room Challenge makeovers! I’m following so many blogger friends and I’m completely amazed at what they’re doing. Check it out!
I want to say THANK YOU again to our amazing sponsors! We are so lucky to have teamed up with some great companies!
Wayfair
KAS Rugs
IKEA
Wishing you a joyful day!
The Comments
Ariel
That tile is perfection! I would chose it in a heartbeat
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
ArielAww thank you Ariel!!! It was so hard to choose just one but we are thrilled with how it looks!
Brittany Goldwyn
You guys did such a great job with this tile. It’s so easy to make tile look like a DIY job, which is why I don’t know that I could ever do it! I’m sure the spacers helped a lot. This looks amazing, and I love the tile you chose!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
Brittany GoldwynAww thanks so much Brittany!! Thankfully my FIL is basically a professional so I give him all of the credit! I’m so glad you like the tile!
Kristi
Sarah! That tile is SO amazing!!! I cannot wait to see how this all comes together in the end!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
KristiThanks so much Kristi!! I’m so glad you like the tile we chose.
Christine Martin
That tile is so beautiful! Wow! What a statment!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
Christine MartinAww well thank you!! I’m so glad you like it!
Colette @ restyle it wright
Sarah its GORGEOUS! I want that tile everywhere. I’m so jealous of your progress!!!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
Colette @ restyle it wrightThanks girl!! I do want to cement tile my whole house now. We are right on track – eek!! I’m so excited!
Roxanne
That tile is stunning!!!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
RoxanneThank you!! We are really happy with how the tile looks!
[email protected]
Love the tile you picked!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
[email protected]Thank you!! I’m glad you like the tile!
Rachel
I am obsessed too! That tile is stunning and you did such a great job!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
RachelAww thanks Rachel!! We are thrilled with how the tile turned out!
Breanna Bertolini
Love this gorgeous tile!!!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
Breanna BertoliniThank you so much!! We are so happy with the cement tile.
Shawnna Griffin
hey girl love those tiles! So cool!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
Shawnna GriffinThank you SO much!! I’m so glad you like the tile, Shawna!
Crystal Fox
OMG! That tile is seriously gorgeous!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
Crystal FoxThank you Crystal!! We do love our cement tile 🙂
Amanda
I LOVE the tile you chose! It looks absolutely fabulous!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
AmandaThanks Amanda! I’m so glad you love the cement tile 🙂
Jillian
Love the tile and the old brick of course! Good job.
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
JillianAh isn’t that brick amazing??? We are so lucky to have 3 other exposed brick fireplaces in our house!! But only one with a hearth we can tile 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!
zan
Ahhh, those tiles are gorgeous! My dad is a Masonry so I am familiar with how to lay cement tiles (although I have never done it myself). Looks like your list has gotten so small now and I know that table and tent will be the bomb. I agree with your kid, pillows in a tent are the best!!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
zanHAHA! Darn kids don’t care about the tile though 😉 We are surprisingly right on track to finish on time – I’m so excited!
Emy
The tile is so pretty!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
EmyThank you SO much! We do love the tile!
Maria Brittis
Very moroccan tile, but it can go with anything, love it s much
Maria
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
Maria BrittisThank so much Maria!! We love how the tile looks next to the bricks!
Stacy G.
I love it! We used cement tile as the backsplash in our kitchen. It is a show stopper for sure. I really love your choice to use in the fireplace. It looks great with the brick.
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
Stacy G.Oh my I’ll have to go check out your kitchen! I want to cement tile EVERYTHING now 😉 I’m so glad you like the tile!
Stacy G.
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty ThingsYes! I pretty much want to use cement tile as much as possible. 😀
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
Stacy G.Right?! Cement tile the whole house!
Lizzie @ Living Pretty
That tile is amazing!! Seriously cannot wait to see the rest of the room come together. And well done for being on target (I’m not so much myself, but still hoping to pull a lot of it together this week).
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
Lizzie @ Living PrettyAww thanks Lizzie! I am so surprised we are actually on time – not normally our thing 😉 You’ll get it all done!!!
Sarah
I LOVE YOUR TILE!!!!!!!!!!! That is all. 🙂
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
SarahHAHA! Thanks, Sarah!!
April R - Uncookie Cutter
Oh wow!!! That looks amazing!! What a great upgrade! Pinning :).
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
April R – Uncookie CutterThanks, April!! The cement tile really makes the fireplace look amazing!
Erin @ Lemons, Lavender, & Laundry
That tile looks amazing! What a transformation of that fireplace. Looks stunning!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
Erin @ Lemons, Lavender, & LaundryAww thanks so much, Erin!! The tile really did transform the entire fireplace area. I’m SO glad you like it!
Amy @ My Life From Home
Oh I love what you chose! The tile is stunning.
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
Amy @ My Life From HomeThanks so much, Amy! We are thrilled with how the tile looks!
BonBon
Beautiful Tile pick. Love the look.
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
BonBonThanks so much!! I’m so glad you like the tile we picked!
Lindi
I LOVE that tile! I dream about it being in my kitchen or bathroom one day. SO beautiful!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
LindiThanks so much, Lindi!!! Cement tile would look so pretty in your kitchen or bathroom!
Leanna
Hi Sarah. Wow what a huge change, its fresh, bright and interesting now.
I look forward to your final reveal, very nice. Pinned.
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
LeannaThanks, Leanna!!! The tile really did transform the space. I’m so glad you like how it looks 🙂
Meg @ Green With Decor
This is gorgeous!!! I love the tile you chose! We have such ugly tile by our fireplace, you’re inspiring me to change it out instead of just putting decorations in front of it to hide it, ha!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
Meg @ Green With DecorAw thanks so much, Meg! Yesss you should using cement tile by your fireplace!! Though, I can understand just using decorations to hide it, too!
Sabrina
Oh wow this looks so pretty Sarah! The tile is so lovely!! I can totally see why you are so in love with it. I am so excited to see what the final room will look like!!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
SabrinaThanks so much, Sabrina!! I’m so glad you like the tile – I’m obsessed!
Lora
LOVE the tile choice, Sarah! And I love it paired with the brick.
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
LoraThanks, Lora!! I do love how the tile looks with the brick.
Alina
Wow that turned out so good I love the rustic feel. Very cosy and homey now all you need to do is sit in front of the fire with a cup of pumpkin spice latte and enjoy it
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
AlinaWould love to except it’s not a working fireplace 🙁 I can pretend though, right? haha!
Ruthie
The tile looks amazing and I love how you painted the inner part of the fireplace black! Looks soooo good!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
RuthieAww thanks so much!! The black interior really helps the rest of the space pop, I think. I’m so glad you like the tile!
Katy {ashadeofteal}
The tile is soo pretty, I love how it all came together.
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
Katy {ashadeofteal}Thanks, Katy!! I do love the tile – it’s my favorite part of the room!
Kati
I love that tile! Those boys are so lucky to have such a beautiful room, hopefully they don’t try to go looking for Santa LOL!
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
KatiThanks Kati! I wish I could sleep in their room haha. Hey, don’t ever count anything out with these crazy boys 😉
Shani | Sunshine & Munchkins
It’s looking awesome Sarah! That tile definitely adds character.
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
Shani | Sunshine & MunchkinsThanks Shani! I love how the tile turned out.
Sarah @ Making Joy and Pretty Things
Shani | Sunshine & MunchkinsThanks Shani!! The cement tile is my favorite part!
Karin Jeske
Thank you for this great article. We wanted to let you know about our company, Tesselle, which specializes in exclusive cement tiles. Check us out!
Bianca
This looks amazing! I’m about to start a similar project and this is so helpful. Silly question, but the tile edge needs to be the same thickness as the tile?