Consider why you might opt for a penny tile despite its additional labor. There are several benefits to using penny tiles. It enhances the aesthetic appeal of a space, providing both personality and texture when installed correctly. Its adaptability is noteworthy; for instance, combining white penny tile with black grout offers a timeless look.
Alternatively, a tone-on-tone approach creates a more modern atmosphere. Additionally, penny tile is an excellent choice for high-traffic or wet areas due to its textured, slip-resistant surface, making it ideal for showers, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. One distinct advantage is its ability to wrap around edges, providing a unique look. Moreover, it is cost-effective, with white porcelain penny tile available for as little as $4 per square foot.
Also Read: How to Lay Tile Over Linoleum Like a Pro?
How to Cut Penny Round Tile?
Position a tile within the tile nipper's jaws, ensuring precise placement for desired cuts. For a precise halving, align the jaws with the circle's center; otherwise, adjust for slight size variations.
Apply pressure by squeezing the handles of the tile nippers. If needed, utilize both hands for sufficient pressure, particularly if strength or hand size is a concern.
Transformation by Penny Tile
Seam Management
The challenge with penny tile installation lies in minimizing the visible seams between sheets, which demands careful attention to detail and often leads to time-consuming work. One strategy to reduce seam visibility is adjusting individual tiles as you go along, ensuring alignment with already installed sheets.
Mortar Application
Using the correct size notched trowel is crucial. Another issue with this tile type is its small size, which increases the likelihood of errors, such as applying excessive mortar. The mortar must be spread thin enough to prevent it from seeping. Consequently, the mortar would consistently seep into the tile joints, necessitating removal with a small tool like a screwdriver. To avoid this hassle, it's advisable to use a notched trowel with smaller ridges.
Organizing the Penny Tile
Before installing, cut tiles into different sizes and organize them into containers based on their dimensions, such as full, half, quarter, and three-quarter tiles. This can streamline the installation process by allowing you to access the required tile sizes without interruptions for cutting easily.
Installing Tiles in Small Segments
Opt for installing the tile in small segments to prevent mortar from drying out prematurely. Apply a sufficient amount of mortar to the wall for only three to four sheets of tile at a time to avoid issues with drying. Given the careful nature of installing this type of tile and the need to manage seams and individual pieces, working in small sections allows for attention to detail and prevents rushing.
Grouting the Penny Tile
Allocate ample time for grouting, as it can be exceedingly time-consuming, especially with penny tile. Considering that each 12x12 inch sheet contains 240 individual tiles, ensuring proper grout coverage for all the joints is essential. Penny tile amplifies the complexity of the grouting process, likely requiring more time than the installation itself. Therefore, it's crucial to factor this into your installation timeline.
Choosing the Precise Color
Selecting the right grout color is crucial, particularly when working with penny tile, to minimize installation errors such as visible seams and uneven placement. Opting for a grout color similar to the tile color helps conceal imperfections. For instance, when using white penny tile, a light grout color is recommended.
Conclusion
To have the perfect penny tile design, avoid visible lines between sheets of penny tile by adjusting individual pieces as needed during installation. Work in small sections to prevent it from drying out before adjustments can be made. Pre-cut penny tiles in various sizes to fit edges and corners more easily. Allow ample time for grouting, as it can be time-consuming.
