Mounting Porcelain Tile on Cinder Block

If you have an unsightly cinder block wall in your home that makes the entire room look unsightly, you might want to consider applying porcelain tile to the wall. Although you could hire professionals to do the job, tilers can be expensive and may not fit into your budget. One solution is to cover the walls with porcelain tiles yourself, using materials that you can purchase from any home improvement store.

Sanding buffer
Medium-grain sanding ring
Shop vacuum
Medium grout
Trowel
Washcloth
Paint tray
Clear sealant
Paint roller

Instructions

- 1
  Sand the entire surface of the cinder block wall using a sanding buffer with a medium-grain sanding ring. This will smooth down any rough or uneven areas that might interfere with laying the porcelain tiles.
- 2
  Vacuum the wall and surrounding areas using a shop vacuum with a brush attachment. This will remove small particulates of concrete and dust from the cinder block wall.
- 3
  Spread a 1-inch-thick layer of medium grout over the surface of the cinder block wall, using a trowel. Apply the grout in an even layer.
- 4
  Press porcelain tiles halfway into the grout on the wall, spacing each tile 1/4 inch apart. Use tiles as large or small as you prefer.
- 5
  Spread a 1/4-inch thick layer of medium grout on the top of the tiles with a trowel. Scrape the excess grout off the tiles with the same trowel.
- 6
  Wipe the surface of the tiles clean using a washcloth. Run your finger along the creases between the tiles to create an even layer of grout. Allow the wall to dry for 12 hours.
- 7
  Fill a paint tray with clear sealant. Apply the sealant to the entire wall using a paint roller. Allow the sealant to dry for 8 hours.

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