How to Butt Two Acoustic Tiles

Measure the length and width of the surface area where you intend to place the tiles, using a tape measure.

Cut two acoustic tile perimeter strips as wide as the depth of your tiles, using a strong pair of tin snips. These will match the length of your measurements.

Apply a strip of contact cement to the edge of the surface along its length, using a paintbrush. Brush a second strip of contact cement on the side of the perimeter strip so that when you place the strip against the wall, the opening is pointed toward the tiled surface for slipping the edges into. Allow the cement to dry for 15 minutes. Press the strip onto the surface, placing one at the bottom edge of the surface and one parallel to it on the top edge of the surface. Allow the strips to dry in place for 30 minutes.

Divide the length measurement of the surface by the length of the tiles to determine the number of tile rows needed to fill the surface lengthwise. Do the same with the width of the surface and tiles to get the number of tile columns.

Plot out on a piece of paper the tile placements by columns and rows. Split any partial space in half if the space is greater than the size of half a tile, placing a partial tile on each half of the wall. If the partial size of a row or column is less than half a tile, use a single partial row instead.

Cut the partial tiles to fit the spaces as needed, using a utility knife and a straightedge to keep the cuts straight.

Test-fit the first corner tile onto the wall by pressing the edge of the tile into the trim, then setting the tile against the wall. Mark the corners of the tile with a pencil, then remove it.

Brush contact cement at the corner and at the center edge of the marked tile. Make each strip of cement about 4 inches wide and 6 inches long. Apply the cement on the rear of the tiles in the same locations. Wait 15 minutes for the cement to dry to the touch. Push the tile into the trim and against the wall, matching the cement locations for an instant bond.

Butt the next tile tightly against the first, repeating the placement of the contact cement and then pressing the tile firmly onto the wall. Leave no space between the two tiles, creating a tight joint between them.

Install the remaining tiles, working in rows across the surface and butting the tiles closely together until you’ve filled the area.