Tiling Quiz

Which of these items are helpful, but not necessary, when tiling a bathroom wall

• a saber saw

• grout

• toothbrush

Answer explanation

To tile a wall, you need the following items: hammer, chalk line, level, rubber gloves, tile mastic, tile grout sealer, tiles, edging caps and a paint stirring stick or old toothbrush. A saber saw with carbide blade is helpful but not necessary.

What should the condition of the bathroom wall be before you tile it?

• freshly painted

• new

• smooth

Answer explanation

Before beginning to tile, you should make sure the wall is smooth and free of loose plaster, dust or peeling paint.

When is a primer necessary?

• When the paint is old or peeling.

• If the plaster is new or on unfinished drywall.

• If the bathroom will have lots of traffic, as added protection from moisture.

Answer explanation

A primer may be necessary on new plaster or unfinished drywall. Check the instructions on the mastic.

Which wall should you start at?

• The wall which contains the faucet.

• The wall adjacent to the faucet.

• The wall opposite the faucet.

Answer explanation

You should start tiling on the back wall, the wall opposite the bathtub's faucet.

By how much does the bathtub need to be uneven to make it necessary to adjust the first row of tiles?

• 1/8 inch

• 1/4 inch

• 1/2 inch

Answer explanation

If the bathtub is higher on one side by more than 1/8 of an inch (3 mm), you should adjust the starter row of tiles accordingly.

What instrument should you use for exact measurements when drawing lines on the bathroom wall?

• a ruler

• a level

• a chalk line

Answer explanation

You use a level when drawing a vertical line on the outer edge of the wall as far up as you want the tiles to reach.

Which tile will need to be cut?

• the tile next to the corner

• the tile on the outer edge

• the tiles on the starter row

Answer explanation

The tile next to the corner of the wall will have to be cut to fit into whatever little space if left. Adjust the tiles to that no less than half a tile will need to be trimmed.

How much mastic should you spread at a time?

• You should spread one row worth of mastic.

• You should spread three rows worth of mastic.

• You should spread as much mastic as you'll be able to cover with tiles in half an hour.

Answer explanation

Spread as much mastic as you can cover with tile in half an hour. As you continue, spread mastic as needed.

How should you press each tile into the mastic?

• with a slight twisting motion

• gently

• firmly

Answer explanation

Press each tile into the mastic with a slight twisting motion so that the mastic will spread out, but not too much so that it won't rise up in the grout line.

In what pattern should you install the tiles?

• horizontally -- row by row

• vertically -- row by row

• in a step-stair pattern

Answer explanation

Tile the wall in a step-stair pattern, first tiling the first row, then doing the edge cap and first two tiles of the second row, then the edge cap and first tile of the third row.