Over the years, Himalayan salt tiles have become increasingly popular in homes where aesthetics and potential health benefits are equally as important. So, whether you want to use it in the kitchen, bathroom, living room or even build a salt room, this step by step guide will teach you how to install Himalayan salt tiles in your home.
From how to select the right tiles to how to prepare the surface of the installation to how to select the correct adhesives as well how maintaining them in order to ensure that your Himalayan salt tiles perform as well as possible, these guidelines will be comprehensive.
What You Should Know About Himalayan Salt Tiles
Before explaining how to install Himalayan salt tiles, I first have to tell you what that uniqueness is about Himalayan salt tiles.
Air Purification: Himalayan salt tiles are thought to release negative ions when heated or humidified. That is believed to assist to neutralize pollutants and support indoor air quality.
Peaceful Environment: The natural pink color of the salt bricks gives them a warm and soft glow, reflecting off the tiled walls and leading to a peaceful, spa-like aura.
Effects for humidification In dry environments when you assign salt room or salt spa, can assume that salt tile stores the moisture and release it, very soothing.
This is why Himalayan salt tiles can be used in the home such as in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, home spa and home saunas.
Selecting The Right Himalayan Salt Tiles For Your Project
Selecting the Perfect Tiles is The First step of any installation process. Here are some tips to consider when selecting Himalayan salt tiles for your project:
a. Size and Design of the Tiles
In addition to this Himalayan salt tiles vary in size, shape, and thickness. The most common sizes being 8″ x 4″ x 1″ and 8″ x 4″ x 2″. Still, you may also find bigger or smaller in accordance with needs. If you don't know what you are looking for, you can find a tile based on the surface size you want to cover and what you feel is visually pleasing.
Regular Tiles: These are common types of tiles, they are usually easy to work with and used in most of the projects.
Special Order Tiles: Have an idea in your head? You can get custom tiles: @ the 1/8 of an inch!
b. Quality of the Salt bricks
Himalayan salt tiles may be low quality or high quality depending on the quality of the manufacturer / source. To make sure you’re getting authentic Himalayan salt tiles be on the lookout for:
Authenticity: Himalayan salt tiles should only come from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan. The user confirms that the product was verified by query about the supplier.
Consistency: Choose tiles with a consistent look. Color variations (pale pink here, deep reddish there) can lighten up the order, excess can ruin it all.
Durability: Tiles can be cracked/broken, and Salt is a relatively softer mineral. Just be sure to choose tiles that are in pristine condition without cracks or chips.
c. Pre-Sealed vs Unsealed Tiles
Some tiles of Himalayan salt tiles are treated with a water resistant coating to better resist moisture absorption, especially in humid climates. Tiles that have already been sealed make for an easier installation, as you will spend less time handling the tiles prior to them being set. But unsealed tiles allow the salt to “breathe” more, which could increase their purported health benefits but also requires more maintenance in terms of sealing them after installation.
Contents Getting Your Site Ready for the Installation
Once you profess an interest in Himalayan salt tiles, the next step is to prepare your environment and gather the tools you need. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your installation project.
a. Measure the Area
Before you start, however, it is essential to measure out the area where you will be installing the salt bricks. This will also make sure you purchase the right amount of tiles, as well as know beforehand how many cuts you’ll have to make and the way to make the adjustments.
Tile Count Calculation : By finding out the surface area (length x width) and dividing that by how much of area does ONE tile covers will give you how many tiles you will need.
Wherever you're tiling just around edges or corners, remember you're going to have to cut some tiles to fit. Factor in about 10-15% more than your estimate for mistakes or cuts.
b. Surface Preparation
These are the ideal circumstances for these salty tiles to work their magic.
Surface Preparation: Ensure the surface where you’ll be installing the tiles is clean, dry, and free of dust, grease, and other contaminants
Level the Surface: If you’re putting the tiles on an uneven surface — like, say, drywall or an older wall — you may need to level the surface first. This can be done using a leveling compound if required.
Choose the Right Adhesive: Himalayan salt tiles require an adhesive suitable to withstand the weight as well as the potential moisture in the atmosphere. For a majority of inside installations, a high-quality building adhesive or thin-set mortar works wonderful. Avoid any adhesive containing moisture or solvents; they will cause the salt bricks to break down over time.
c. Protect the floor and periphery
Salt bricks can be tricky and messy to maneuver, so be sure to cover any surfaces near where you will be placing your tile with drop cloths or plastic sheeting. This is especially important if you’re using thin-set mortar or any adhesive that could ooze onto the floor.
Installing Himalayan Salt Tile: The Step by Step Guide
Now that your space is ready, it’s time to start the installation process. To help you through that process, here is a step-by-step guide:
a. Mix the Adhesive
If you’re using thin-set mortar, prepare it according to the manufacturer’s directions. And just make sure to get the right water to powder ratio to get to a thick paste like consistency.
Tip: If in doubt that you have mixed enough, use a big drill with mixer attachment to form a homogeneous consistency.
b. Apply the Adhesive
Using a notched trowel, spread a thin layer of adhesive on the wall or surface where the first tile will be placed. Ensure that the adhesive is evenly laid using the notched side of the trowel. Apply the custom tiles in the bathroom in small sections if you need to replace these, so the adhesive does not harden up before laying the tiles or using it.
Tip: In your spread area, only apply adhesive you can tile within 10-15 minutes. This will keep the glue moist until you lay the tiles.
c. Place the salt bricks
Start at the bottom corner of the wall or the center of the surface (depending on your layout) and press the first tile into the adhesive. Press down lightly on the tile so it sticks in the adhesive, and slide it over to get it straight.
Tip: Use tile spacers to ensure consistent gaps between tiles for grout, or achieve a more seamless look and place the tiles close together.
Arranging the Tiles to be Installed Remaining
Rows and rows for the tiles smooth and level. Ensure the tiles are straight by using a level. Lightly tap the tiles into place with a rubber mallet if needed. (Also a reminder on how long your adhesive takes to dry: it could be 24 hours for the tiles to properly set.)
e. Cutting Tiles for the Edges and Corners
Tiles will have to be cut, to accommodate edges and corners. To do this you will need a wet saw designed for cutting stone or tile. When you are cutting the tiles, do not forget to wear protective glasses and gloves.
Tip: Mark the tiles where you need the cuts before you use the wet saw; draw on them with a pencil.
f. Allow the Tiles to Set
If you are grouting the tiles (which is often necessary), allow at least 24 hours for the tiles to cure before proceeding. This is the time when it is advisable to leave the tiles undistributed for proper adherence of the tiles upon the surface.
Grouting and Sealing the Tiles
If you want a more finished look, or just want to fill in the joints between tiles, you can grout the joints between tiles. Here’s how:
a. Mix the Grout
Choose a grout that will match the salt tile color. Using a grout float, spread the grout over the tiles, then force grout into the space between the tiles. Be sure to remove the excess grout from the surface of the tiles (as soon as possible) as if grout dries onto the surface it’s very difficult to get off.
b. Wipe the Tiles Clean
Then leave the grout to dry just enough (but not fully) during which time use a damp sponge to wipe the salt bricks surface. Tiles are absorbent, so don’t get these too wet.
c. Sealing the Tiles
Some Himalayan salt tiles are pre-sealed, while others will not be sealed until after installation, when they may absorb moisture. Seal Salt bricks Apply salt tile–specific sealant to salt bricks to help protect them from damage due to water and other staining or problems.
Tip: If you’ll be installing the tiles in a humid space ( like a bathroom or sauna), sealing is strongly recommended.
Since they are salt, you really don’t want to apply traditional dish soap to a Himalayan salt tile.
Dust Regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth to regularly scrub the tiles to keep dust or dirt from accumulating on them.
Keep Away from Extra Moisture: While Himalayan salt tiles do have moisture-absorbing properties and some moisture-releasing properties, too much moisture can break down the tiles. Keep them dry in humid areas.
Dab with Damp Cloth: Do only if needed; NEVER soak them.
Avoid Using Heavy Duty Cleaners: Heavy-duty chemicals or cleaners can scratch the surface of the salt tile, so do not use these.
Conclusion
Now you can get the sight and good effect of salt bricks in your home, Whether you want to bring a little luxe to your bathroom, instill some calm in your living room, or even create your very own salt therapy zone at home, these tiles earn their keep as the leisurely benefits run aplenty.
