Installing wall tile around a door frame requires careful planning and execution to achieve a professional-looking finished product. Properly tiling around door frames involves taking measurements, preparing the wall and door frame, cutting tiles, applying thinset mortar, aligning tiles, grouting, and sealing. With the right materials and techniques, you can create a beautiful, functional tiled surface on your walls.
Preparing the Area
Before starting any tiling project, preparation of the work area is crucial for success. When tiling around a door frame, take time to:
Gather Materials and Tools
You’ll need the wall tiles, thinset mortar, grout, grout sealer, tiling trowel, tile cutter, tile spacers, grout float, sponges, buckets, tile nippers, utility knife, caulk, cleaning supplies, and safety gear like gloves and eye protection. Ensure you have all necessary materials on hand before beginning work.
Remove Door and Trim
Take the door off its hinges and remove all trim pieces around the frame. This exposes the door jamb and provides access for tiling up to the edges.
Evaluate the Door Frame Surface
Examine the door frame sides and top to ensure surfaces are smooth, clean, and free of debris. Sand or scrape off any bumps, flaking paint, or old caulk. Fill any cracks or holes with hydraulic cement or wood filler.
Measure Carefully
Precisely measure the height and width of the area to be tiled including the sides and top of door frame. having accurate measurements allows you to calculate how many full tiles will fit and how many tiles need cutting.
How to Cut Tiles Around a Door Frame
Cutting ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tiles to fit around a door frame takes precision. Follow these steps for neatly trimmed tiles:
Mark Tile for Cuts
Measure and dry fit tiles around the door frame. Mark the required cuts on tile surface with a pencil.
Score and Snap Tile
For straight cuts, use a tile cutter to score the tile on the pencil line, then snap downward to break the tile along the scored line. Use tile nippers to nip off any ragged edges.
Use a Wet Saw for Curved Cuts
For accurate curved cuts, use a wet saw fitted with a diamond blade. Cut slowly and steadily along the pencil line. Keep spray bottle handy to keep blade wet.
Smooth Cut Edges
Use a silicon carbide stone or tile file to smooth any rough tile edges. Ensure cut edges are even for proper spacing and alignment.
Cut Notches for Frame Pieces
Measure and mark notches needed in tiles for fitting around door frame edges. Cut out notches carefully with the wet saw. Test tile fit.
How to Apply Thinset Mortar on Walls and Door Frame
Applying a layer of thinset mortar helps adhere tiles to the installation surface. Follow these best practices:
Mix Thinset
Combine thinset mortar powder with water in a bucket per manufacturer directions. Mix to a smooth, spreadable consistency. Allow to slake for 5-10 minutes.
Spread Thinset on Wall
Use the trowel to spread a thin layer of thinset mortar evenly across the wall area. Spread in small sections so thinset doesn’t dry out.
Apply Thinset to Door Frame
Spread thinset on all door frame surfaces – sides, top, and interior edges – that will contact tiles. Spread thinset 1/2″ wider than tile widths.
Comb Thinset for Consistency
Comb additional thinset over the areas with the tile trowel’s notched edge to create consistent ridges for tile adhesion.
Allow Thinset to Get Tacky
Let the thinset mortar sit for 5-10 minutes until slightly tacky. Test stickiness by touching the thinset lightly – it shouldn’t transfer onto your finger.
Aligning and Setting Wall Tiles Around Door Frame
Carefully setting and aligning the wall tiles ensures straight, even rows and a professional finish. Follow these tips:
Dry Fit Cut Tiles
Do a dry run fitting the cut tiles around the door frame before setting them into thinset. Ensure proper fit and alignment.
Set Bottom Row
Apply tiles in the bottom row first. Use spacers to set consistent 1/8-1/4″ gaps between tiles and the door frame.
Align Vertical Edges
Check each tile is aligned evenly and vertically as you move upwards. Use a level if needed to keep rows straight.
Tap Tiles into Thinset
Use a rubber mallet to gently but firmly tap tiles into the thinset mortar. Embed tiles fully while thinset is still tacky.
Space and Align
Continue setting tiles row by row using spacers to maintain even spacing and alignment. Check lines stay straight and pattern aligns.
Fill Gaps Around Frame
Inspect for any thinset-filled gaps between tiles and door frame. Apply caulk in gaps for smooth finish if needed after tiles are set.
Grouting Tiles Around a Door Frame
Grouting fills the joints between tiles with a waterproof material. Here are some tips for grouting around door frames:
Let Thinset Cure
Allow thinset mortar to cure for 24-48 hours before grouting tiles. This prevents tiles from shifting and grout cracking.
Mix and Apply Grout
Prepare grout per package directions. Using a rubber grout float, spread grout over the tile surface, pressing into joints between tiles.
Grout Around Frame
Pack grout carefully into the tile joints adjacent to the door frame to avoid gaps that allow water issues.
Clean Excess Grout
Drag grout float diagonally across tiles to remove excess grout sitting on the tile surface before it hardens. Rinse sponges frequently.
Allow Grout to Cure
Let grout cure fully for 72 hours. Keep area dry during curing timeframe to prevent problems.
Sealing Grout Around Tiles
Applying a penetrating sealant to grout helps protect it from moisture and staining. Follow these sealing tips:
Clean Grout
Once grout has cured, wash the tiled surface with a pH neutral cleaner and rinse thoroughly. Let area dry completely before sealing.
Apply Grout Sealer
Use a foam paintbrush or sponge brush to apply a thin, even coat of grout sealer on grout lines around tiles. Avoid getting sealer on tile surfaces.
Wipe Excess Sealer
After 5-10 minutes, wipe any excess sealer off grout lines with a clean cloth. Follow product instructions for reapplication timeframe.
Cure Sealer
Allow sealer to cure fully per manufacturer directions. Commonly 24-72 hours. Avoid water exposure during this time.
Seal Grout Annually
Reapply grout sealer around the tiles about once per year to maintain protection on grout lines near door frame.
Tips for Fantastic Results Tiling Around Doors
Attention to detail and patient focus pays off when tiling around doors. Keep these tips in mind:
- Carefully measure frame and plan tile layout before starting work.
- Use a wet saw for clean curved and angled tile cuts.
- Let thinset mortar cure fully before grouting for best results.
- Change rinse water often when cleaning off excess grout.
- Grout sealing protects tiles from moisture damage and staining.
- Annual resealing of grout maintains looks and prevents issues.
- Work slowly and cautiously for precise tile alignment and spacing.
- Ensure tile corners and edges next to frame are completely filled with thinset.
With the right guidance, tiling around a door frame doesn’t need to be difficult or frustrating. Carefully following the techniques above helps create a beautifully tiled frame surround you will love looking at each time you pass through the doorway. Paying attention to details like precise tile cuts, proper thinset use, exact alignment, and thorough grouting and sealing leads to attractive, professional-looking results making the effort well worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiling Around Doors
Tiling around door frames brings up many common questions. Here are helpful answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Should I remove the door before tiling around the frame?
Yes, it is best practice to remove the door from the hinges before tiling around the frame. This allows you to fully tile flush along the door jamb and easily make any necessary tile cuts.
How wide should the gap be between tiles and door frame?
It is generally recommended to leave a 1/8-1/4 inch gap between tiles and the door frame components. This allows room for any shifting and sealing the joint.
What is the best method for cutting notches around the door frame?
Using a wet saw to carefully cut small notches in the tile edges allows them to fit neatly around the door frame sides and top. Make sure to test the fit before setting the tiles.
Can I use sanded caulk instead of grout around the door frame?
Applying grout around the door frame joints is best, as it offers a waterproof, durable finish. Sanded caulk is more flexible but not as hard-wearing as grout.
How soon can I rehang the door after tiling is completed?
It is recommended to wait at least 72 hours after grouting is complete to allow all materials to fully cure before rehanging the door to avoid any damage.
Do I need to use smaller tiles when tiling around a door frame?
You can use standard sized wall tiles around door frames. Just be prepared to make precise cuts as needed to fit the shape of the frame area. Smaller tiles allow for easier cuts.
What is the minimum tile height around an exterior door?
For exterior doors, it is recommended the tile extend at least 4 inches above the height of the door frame to protect from potential water intrusion issues.
Conclusion
Installing tile around a door frame adds beauty and value to any room. By following the techniques described above, you can achieve a professionally-finished look. Taking the time to properly prepare the work area, measure precisely, cut tiles neatly, apply thinset and grout methodically, and seal the grout leads to success. Patience, care, and attention to detail goes a long way when tiling around doors. Using the right tools and materials along with these tips allows even DIY-ers to get great results tiling around door frames and transform an entryway.