Tiling internal corners effectively is crucial for a professional and durable finish, creating a smooth transition between perpendicular surfaces. The key steps involve precise tile cutting, proper adhesive application, and understanding when to use grout versus flexible sealant for movement joints.
Essential Preparation for Internal Corners
Before you begin, ensure your workspace is clean and you have all the necessary tools. Proper preparation makes the tiling process much smoother and helps achieve a lasting result.
Tools and Materials You'll Need:
- Measuring Tape: For accurate measurements.
- Tile Cutter/Wet Saw: Essential for precise cuts. For more on tile cutters, see this Tiling Tools Guide.
- Notched Trowel: To apply adhesive evenly.
- Rubber Mallet: For gently setting tiles.
- Tile Spacers: To ensure consistent grout lines.
- Adhesive (Thin-set Mortar): Suitable for your tile type.
- Grout: For the main tile lines (if applicable, especially with natural stone).
- Caulking Gun: For applying sealant.
- Silicone Caulk/Sealant: Color-matched to your grout for corners.
- Sponge and Bucket: For cleanup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tiling Internal Corners
Follow these steps to ensure a well-tiled internal corner that stands the test of time.
1. Measure and Cut Tiles Accurately
Precision is paramount when dealing with corners.
- Measure twice, cut once: Carefully measure the space where the tile will sit in the corner. Account for grout lines or the space for sealant.
- Cut tiles to fit: Use your tile cutter or wet saw to make clean, straight cuts that allow the tiles to fit snugly into the corner, leaving a small gap for movement.
2. Apply Adhesive Strategically
Proper adhesive application ensures strong bonding and prevents future issues.
- Prep the surfaces: Ensure the wall surfaces in the corner are clean, dry, and free of dust or debris.
- Apply adhesive to corners: Using your notched trowel, spread an even layer of adhesive directly onto the wall surfaces in the corner area.
- Back-butter the tiles: Apply a thin layer of adhesive to the back of the tiles themselves. This "back-buttering" technique ensures full coverage and strong adhesion, especially for larger tiles.
3. Lay the Tiles into the Corner
Carefully set the cut tiles into place.
- Start from one side: Typically, you'll work your way towards the corner. When you reach the corner, install the first side's cut tiles, ensuring they are plumb and level.
- Set the corner tiles: Gently press the cut tiles into the adhesive, ensuring they align with the rest of your tile layout. Use tile spacers to maintain consistent gaps.
- Maintain the corner gap: Crucially, leave a small, uniform gap (usually 1/8 to 1/4 inch) directly in the corner where the two tile faces meet. This gap is not for grout.
4. Grout the Tile Lines (But Not the Corners!)
Grouting is an important finishing step, but internal corners require special treatment.
- Grout between tile lines: Once your tiles are set and the adhesive has cured, you can apply grout to the spaces between the individual tiles. If you're working with natural stone, this step is essential to fill the lines and protect the stone.
- Avoid grouting the actual corner: Do not pack grout into the corner where the two tiled surfaces meet. This is a critical point. Internal corners are movement joints where walls can expand and contract slightly. Filling these with rigid grout will cause it to crack over time due to stress. Learn more about the Importance of Expansion Joints.
5. Seal the Internal Corners with Caulk
This is the final and most important step for internal corners.
- Use silicone caulk: Once the main grout has cured, apply a bead of color-matched silicone caulk or flexible sealant into the corner gap.
- Smooth the bead: Use a wet finger or a caulking tool to create a smooth, clean line.
- Benefits: This flexible sealant accommodates any movement in the structure, preventing cracks and providing a waterproof seal, which is especially important in wet areas like showers.
Tiling Internal Corners: Do's and Don'ts
Understanding these key distinctions can save you time and prevent future problems.
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Do cut tiles precisely. | Don't assume walls are perfectly square. |
| Do use flexible silicone caulk in corners. | Don't use rigid grout in corners. |
| Do back-butter tiles for better adhesion. | Don't rush the drying times. |
| Do maintain a consistent gap for caulk. | Don't skip the cleanup. |
| Do plan your layout from the most visible point. | Don't ignore uneven surfaces. |
By following these guidelines, you'll achieve professional-looking and durable internal tiled corners in any room.
