How Thick Is a Mesh Tile Bed?

Thin-Set

• Thin-set is the type of adhesive used to lay tiles, including mesh-backed tiles. It is used because only a thin layer is needed to provide maximum adhesion. A typical layer of thin-set is no more than 3/16-inch thick. Cement-based thin-set works for most tiles, but latex-modified thin-set is best for impervious tiles such as glass and porcelain.

Trowel Size

• Tile-setting trowels are notched to create ridges in the thin-set as they are dragged over the adhesive. The thickness of the thin-set layer is influenced by the size and shape of the trowel notches. A V-notched trowel spreads the thinnest layer of thin-set and is best for laying mosaic tile. Using a 3/16-inch V-notch trowel achieves the best adhesion.

Tile Laying

• Laying ceramic mesh tile begins with using the trowel to spread thin-set over the wall. Only as much thin-set is spread as can be covered with tile in 10 to 15 minutes. If too much thin-set is spread at once, it may begin to dry and compromise the adhesive bond. Impervious tiles such as glass and porcelain are back-buttered before they are put them on the wall. To back-butter means to use the non-notched side of the trowel to spread a thin layer of thin-set across the back of the mesh tile sheet, or the back of the tiles if they aren't on a mesh sheet.

Installation Tips

• Laying out the tiles before installation reveals how much you'll need and where you need to cut the mesh. You don't need a tile saw to cut mosaic tile; hand-held, plierslike glass nippers are simple to use and perfect for cutting small tiles. After laying mesh-backed tiles in place, using a wood block to tamp them into the thin-set sets them securely. Tap the tiles lightly, though, because the goal is to press the tile into the thin-set without allowing the thin-set to ooze through the gaps between tiles.