Laying tiles on the walls in the kitchen. How to lay tiles on the floor in the kitchen - instructions and practical advice from professionals What is the best way to lay tiles in the kitchen

After making a firm decision to lay tiles in the kitchen, you may get confused and not know what, how and in what order to do.

Let us highlight the main stages of this process, regardless of where you decide to lay the tiles.

Laying tiles in the kitchen

Laying tiles in the kitchen is no less complex and time-consuming task than preparing the surface for tiles.

At this stage, you have access to only 3 components (tiles, glue, grout) and 3 tools (a spatula for applying glue, rubber spatula for grouting and crosses for separating tiles).

The quality of the floor surface will depend solely on your skill, a well-prepared surface and the skillful use of additional equipment (level, tile cutter, grinder, sponge).

Only over time will the shortcomings of the tile or adhesive appear, but they can be avoided by choosing proven and high-quality materials.

How to lay tiles in the kitchen

So, the main stages of how to lay tiles in the kitchen:

Preparatory stage. We choose the color, shape, size and texture of the tile.
We draw an expanded diagram of the tile layout in the kitchen.
We count and purchase the required number of tiles. A reserve of 10% is required.
Preparation of the necessary tools and auxiliary building materials.
Removing old coating from the floor/walls and leveling the surface for tiles.
Laying tiles.
Grouting joints.

How to lay tiles in the kitchen correctly

The process of laying tiles itself also consists of a number of sequential actions.

Using a special spatula, apply the adhesive solution to the wall. The application area should be larger size one tile.
Using the same notched trowel, apply the adhesive solution to the tiles.
We attach the tiles to the wall according to the previously applied markings.
Using a level and a long metal ruler, we check whether each subsequent tile is in the same plane as the previously glued array.
If necessary, lightly tap the mallet to level the position of the tiles. The adhesive composition is very mobile and will not interfere with indentation. If the tile has “sunk”, it must be removed and the process of applying glue and laying on the wall repeated.
Between adjacent tiles we install demarcation crosses, the width of which is selected depending on the size of the tile itself.

How to lay tiles in the kitchen

The walls are cleaned to their original condition.
Before leveling the wall or laying tiles, use a deep-penetrating primer.
Stock up on a tile cutter or grinder, even if according to calculations you don’t need to cut anything.
Before laying tiles at a certain height (kitchen splashback), a horizontal stop ( metallic profile or rack). This will prevent the bottom row of tiles from slipping. Also, if necessary, you should cut channels for wiring or sockets.
The tiles are laid in the direction from bottom to top and from the center to the sides (if there are openings or areas without tiles in the center).
The first tile is placed most carefully.
Check the flatness and level of the tiles in vertical and horizontal directions as often as possible.
Remains of the adhesive solution from the seams should be removed before grouting.
Remains of grout on the tiles should be removed immediately, as over time, traces of it become difficult to remove.

Production and appearance ceramic tiles have now been refined, but the popularity of ceramics has remained unchanged over the centuries.

What is so good about ceramic tiles?

versatility of application - from decorating a fireplace to a balcony, kitchen, building facades;
choice of color, size and shape to suit every taste;
resistance to various aggressive substances;
moisture-resistant, heat-resistant;
strength and durability;
it is easy to care for;
made from natural raw materials.

Relevance of tiles on walls

Thanks to the above positive properties tiles, use in the kitchen will be the right decision. Diversity color range, texture and size, this material fits into the interior of any style - from country to minimalism. The tile will protect from water, hot steam, and oil splashes during cooking. An apron along the work surfaces will be nice and clean, as the tiles are easy to keep clean.

What tiles can be installed in the kitchen?

Any ceramic tile can be used in the kitchen to decorate the walls, kitchen apron. To avoid mistakes when choosing, follow the recommendations of professionals:

tiles are chosen after you have decided on the style and color scheme kitchen set and other elements of the kitchen interior;
buy tiles with a margin of 10-15% in case of damage during installation or cutting;
required amount The tiles are calculated by the master who will lay them. The salesperson in the showroom does not see the walls and features of the space, the calculation will turn out to be inaccurate;
The size of the tile is selected to match the size of the apron. Large format ceramics look like a loser in a small kitchen.

For an apron, tiles are often used:

Size 10x10. Requires less trimming, easier to install if there are many corners and curves of the surface.
Clinker tiles, or boar. Suitable for any style - loft, classic, country, art deco, minimalism and other styles.
Real mosaic from 1x1 cm to 5x5 cm, or imitation with recesses that create the effect of seams between the mosaic pieces.
Medium format tiles – 15x15, 20x20, 20x30, 25x30 cm.

If the interior features or the size of the room require other options, feel free to choose what suits you.

A bold decision, for example, would be to decorate the walls with photo tiles. This is a ceramic tile, made individually, with a printed photograph.

DIY technique options

Tiles are laid on the walls different ways. Most often used:

“seam to seam” - the tiles are laid in rows strictly one above the other, this is a classic method of laying;
“in a running motion” - the second row of tiles is shifted in relation to the first so that the seams between the tiles of the second row are above the center of the tiles of the first row, this is repeated in each subsequent row;
“diagonally” is a labor-intensive method that requires careful marking of diagonals and trimming of tiles;
“chess” - combine tiles of two contrasting colors;
“modular grid” - use three or more tiles of different shapes and sizes, distributing them randomly horizontally and vertically.

The tiles are laid using one of these methods; sometimes a combination of methods is used in one room, highlighting different zones with this design.

A certain method of laying tiles will help you visually adjust the size of the room.

How to glue ceramic tiles to a kitchen wall

Laying ceramic tiles for different rooms and surfaces has common principles:

A laying plan is drawn up. The required number of tiles is calculated, taking into account trimming and breaking.
Prepare the walls for laying.
Remove old coatings. If necessary, the walls are leveled. Then they prime for better adhesion (adhesion) of the tiles to the wall.
Next, we begin laying the tiles.

How to lay an apron

First, determine the height of the apron. This space from the countertop of the kitchen unit to the wall cabinets is 60-70 cm. To avoid unnecessary trimming, the height of the apron is adjusted, and it looks whole tile better than halves.

The first row of tiles is launched 2-3 cm below the level work surface. The last row is launched under wall cabinets at the same distance.

Laying technology:

On the prepared wall, using a level, draw a horizontal line for the beginning of the first row. Under this line, a metal profile is attached to the wall or wooden block. This support will not allow the tile to slide down under its own weight.
Laying the tiles begins from the middle of the wall, from the most prominent central place, moving from the center to the edges.
The adhesive solution is mixed immediately before installation. Follow the instructions on the packaging. Pour the dry component into the water and stir until smooth. Leave for 10-15 minutes. Mix again.
Using a notched spatula, apply the adhesive solution to the wall or tile, whichever is more convenient. Place it on the wall, resting the bottom edge on the profile, and press evenly. Rubber mallet tap to allow excess air to escape.
Mounting crosses are placed at the upper and lower corners of the tiles, which regulate the thickness of the seam.

Are tile joints necessary? Yes. When expanding the tile from elevated temperature, they protect against cracking. They also compensate for inaccuracies in tile sizes.

Apply glue to the next tile. Repeat the steps as with the first. The entire first row is laid out in this way. Don't forget about the crosses between the fragments.
After gluing ten tiles, remove excess glue with a damp cloth. If this is not done, the dried solution will be difficult to remove.
The second row begins after the first has completely dried. This is in a day.
Having finished gluing all the rows, allow the masonry to dry. Then they tap it with a mallet, looking for a dull sound that speaks of emptiness. Such an element is removed and re-glued, carefully applying adhesive composition on the tile.
The next step is to wipe the tiles from any remaining adhesive and begin grouting the joints with a fugue. Don't forget to remove the crosses.
Use a silicone spatula to fill vertical and horizontal joints with grout. An hour later, after the fugue has dried, the seams are trimmed.
Having completed filling the joints, allow two hours for the grout to dry completely. Remains of the fugue are removed with sweeping movements using kitchen sponge. Wipe with a dry cloth, only then wash. This will leave fewer grout marks.

Don't forget to unscrew the support profile.

How to stick on a flat wall

If tiling work is to be done on smooth walls, then there are no special styling secrets. It is enough to prime the walls and then follow the instructions for laying the tiles.

How to properly glue to concrete without leveling

Concrete surfaces usually do not require leveling. But it has low adhesion. For good adhesion, attach to the concrete surface plaster mesh made of metal.

The second method is when laying ceramics on concrete, the surface is carefully primed with “Betonokontakt”. The product dries in 12-18 hours. Then they begin tiling work.

How to put on drywall

Plasterboard walls are primed before gluing the tiles.

The only difference between laying tiles on a gypsum plasterboard surface is that the layer of adhesive mortar should be as thin as possible. This is to reduce the stress on the drywall.

The second difference is that after gluing, the tile cannot be removed or adjusted. When dismantling, the ceramics will come off along with a piece of drywall. Glue the tiles immediately and carefully.

High-quality tools and the use of a special adhesive solution will speed up the process of laying tiles.

If, when laying ceramics, the adhesive solution is applied to a wall with an area equal to 3-4 tiles, the process will speed up. All that remains is to take the fragments and press them against the wall one by one.

The Raimondi Levelling System special clamps help to fasten several tiles together, while aligning them in the same plane. With these wedges and clamps, the tiles do not need to be leveled.

When decorating your kitchen walls with ceramics, take care to combine them with other finishing materials, furniture, and accessories. Buy material from trusted suppliers, follow installation recommendations, and the result will be cozy interior, pleasing to the eye and soul.

Useful video

If you once spend a couple of days laying tiles on the floor in the kitchen, it will last you 10-15 years of use. Due to its low cost, practicality and exceptional moisture resistance, this material is considered the best solution for rooms with high humidity and load. In the last article we talked about that, and now we’ll look step by step at how to lay tiles in the kitchen correctly.

Choice floor tiles for the kitchen depends on whether you want a solid color or pattern, whether you prefer the quality of foreign materials, or whether inexpensive Russian tiles are more suitable for you. In this article, finishing will be done using the example of Ukrainian relief stone tiles from Inter Cerama measuring 35*35 cm (BARI collection in light brown color).

Quick navigation through the article

Required tools and materials

For installation you will need:

Two-meter level or rule for checking plane;
Bubble level 40-50 cm;
Tape measure, pencil, painting cord;
Brush or roller for applying primer;
Spatula: regular and comb with 12 mm teeth;
Rubber hammer;
Bulgarian woman with diamond blade;
Primer deep penetration;
Tile adhesive;
Plastic wedges and crosses for 3 mm seams;
Grout and rubber spatula.

Preparatory work

If you chose a monochromatic design, as in our case, this is not difficult to do. Calculate the floor area and add 10% for reserve.

Or do it simpler - knowing the dimensions of the tiles, calculate how many pieces you will need to lay out along the length and width of the room, taking into account trimming.

If you choose a floor finish with an ornament, please note that the amount of waste will increase.

Prime the screed generously with any deep penetration primer and wait until it dries.

Having an even screed will not only greatly simplify your work and reduce glue consumption, but will also guarantee that after laying the tiles will not crack due to uneven adhesion of glue of different thicknesses (it shrinks with at different speeds when dry). Therefore, do not spare money, and before laying tiles in the kitchen, do at least rough screed with waterproofing.

Marking

From the wall where the entrance to the kitchen is located, measure a distance equal to the width of the tiles, taking into account a gap of 5 mm, which will then disappear under the baseboard.

Stretch the paint cord according to the marks and mark a line. The first row of tiles will go along it.

To lay tiles in one direction, there are auxiliary arrows on the reverse side. But when you smear it with glue, this arrow will become invisible. To fix this, immediately make marks on the ends with a pencil.

Make a mark in the center of the door and place the tile there without glue as a guide.

This facility has an exit to another room through a loggia, so the tiles in the kitchen are laid from the door to make it easier to mark and entire rows run along the center of the entrance. In other cases, you can skip laying several paths of tiles to leave yourself a path back, or start from the opposite wall.

Preparation of glue

According to the manufacturer's instructions, pour the required amount of water into a 10-liter bucket and gradually add glue there. In this case, the mixture must be constantly stirred with a mixer or a puncher with a whisk attachment.

Try to achieve the consistency of thick sour cream and leave the glue to mature for 5-10 minutes, and then stir it again before applying.

Laying floor tiles in the kitchen

Apply the adhesive in an even layer on the tile itself using a regular spatula. Then run a comb over it at a right angle so that equal grooves of glue remain.

Applying glue

Throw excess glue back into the bucket, and it is better to put the spatula in water so that the glue on it does not harden.
We place the first tile to the right of the previously laid “beacon”. Align the edges along the line and press it to the floor. Then we check with a short level whether it lies evenly.

If one of the edges is uneven, tap it with a rubber hammer and then check again with a level.
We continue laying towards the right. We insert plastic crosses between the tiles. Before inserting the cross, run it along the seam to remove excess glue, otherwise when it dries it will be very difficult to do. To avoid accidentally moving the tiles towards the wall, place plastic wedges there.

To simplify the alignment of tiles with each other, there is one simple way: before pressing the next tile, place a level on it so that it hangs from the side above the previous element. This way you will see how much further to lower it until the level touches the previous one.

We finish laying the first row in right side and check general level using a long level. If it is not there, it will do long rule or even a flat profile of 1.5-2 meters with a small bubble level attached.

If unevenness is detected, you have 15 minutes after installation to carefully remove the crooked tiles and add more mortar, or remove excess. If more time has passed, the glue will already begin to set, and you will need to first remove the tile and clean its surface and the area under it with a scraper.
Trimming may be necessary near the wall. High-quality floor tiles are much harder than wall tiles, and cutting them better than a grinder with a smooth diamond blade or electric tile cutter.

We lay the trim and end the row on the left side of the kitchen doorway.
We also start the second row from our beacon in the center of the door and go in both directions from it. We check each tile for level and align the corners with the neighboring ones. Finishing the floor is greatly simplified if you have high-quality tiles, but cheap domestic ones can differ by several millimeters even within the same box.

When we get to the pipes, we use a grinder to make cuts for them. Sometimes you have to do round holes. For this purpose, there are special attachments for the drill - crowns and ballerinas.

Conclusion

At the end of the work, we check the floor surface again with a long level in different directions. If everything is fine, after a day we clean the seams from any remaining glue and fill them with grout that matches the tone. After 30 minutes, excess grout is removed with a damp sponge, and after another day, the surface of the tile is finally washed away from stains and is completely ready for use.

The most popular tiles facing material for kitchen. It fits everything technical specifications to cope with high humidity And so on. This article will tell you the secrets of how to lay tiles in the kitchen yourself. First, it’s worth discussing the intricacies of creating a design.

Design project

First of all, you need to make a design project that will help you see the end result.

When developing it, it is necessary to take into account several factors:

Surface type. The selected tile should be easy to clean. For example, glossy surface very easily soiled. The smallest contaminants, even dried drops, will be visible on it. clean water. The matte surface has its privileges - it does not slip.
Color. It is necessary to take into account the style and design of the future interior, namely the color of the kitchen set and other furniture. There are no strict rules here, follow your own taste.
Shape and size. Thanks to the right choice tiles, kitchen renovation can give the room different effects, for example, visually enlarge or reduce the room. You should immediately decide on the type of tile for the backsplash.
Laying diagram. This is another important nuance that allows you to give the room a special appearance. The laying pattern depends on the shape of the tile. If it is rectangular, then it can be laid horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Vertically, the walls visually stretch upward; horizontally, the area visually increases.

Material calculation

The amount of tiles required is determined by the area of the floor, walls, etc. Knowing the initial area, you will be able to make an accurate calculation of the material. However, there are also some nuances.

The following points need to be taken into account:

It is not always advisable to lay tiles on the walls where furniture, refrigerators and other large stationary objects will be installed. This will save the family budget.
Determine the design and layout of the masonry in advance. Laying ceramic tiles diagonally in the kitchen creates a large number of scraps. Accordingly, material consumption increases. If decor or other patterns are used on the wall/floor, then the number of such tiles is counted individually.
Always buy tiles with a small margin. During the laying process, tiles may accidentally break or deteriorate (by making a cut of the wrong size). It's good to have a small supply.

Instructions for laying tiles in the kitchen

The entire work process consists of several successive stages:

Surface preparation.
Applying primer.
Marking.
Masonry.
Grouting joints.

First, let's collect necessary tool and material for work:

Surface preparation

Regardless of the type of surface (floor or wall), the preparation process comes down to the same steps. The old cladding should be completely removed from the wall/floor.

The tiles are laid on a clean and level surface. To do this, examine it. If there are cracks or obvious unevenness, it is recommended to level the surface and cover up the cracks.

In most cases it is better to remove the layer old plaster, install beacons and plaster the wall. For plastering, ready-made plaster mixtures. Sometimes plasterboard is mounted on the walls, this is the most quick way leveling the surface.

If we're talking about about the field, then a self-leveling mixture is used to level it. Also produced cement-sand screed, poured along beacons. In this case, laying tiles on the floor in the kitchen can only be done after the screed has completely dried.

Having leveled the base under the tile, the surface must be primed to increase the quality of adhesion of the tile adhesive to the wall. A deep penetration primer is often used.

To lay the tiles yourself, markings must be done. This will help plan the masonry scheme. The markings are done with a pencil. If we are talking about a field, then you need to find the center of the room.

Make sure that there are no small scraps coming out near the walls. Make markings so that on the visible side the tiles near the wall are solid, and the trims are under the work area.

Laying tiles on drywall is easier. Plus, marking on drywall is easy. You need to secure the second row guide profile to the wall. The profile is set strictly according to the level.

Wall masonry

At this stage, you should already know the location and option for laying tiles in the kitchen.

The laying process is as follows:

Markings are applied so that there are solid tiles in the corners. Especially if the corners are visible;
tile adhesive is mixed;
the glue is applied with a regular spatula to the wall surface in a thin layer;
also apply the glue with a comb to the tile;
immediately remove any exposed glue with a spatula;
Lay subsequent tiles in the same way;
plastic crosses are used to form the seam;
make sure that no tile adhesive remains in the seams;
control the level horizontally and vertically; when the glue on the first rows of tiles has dried, the guide rail is dismantled, and the tiles are cut to size on the first row and placed. In this case, the tiles should already be on the floor.

Having laid out the entire wall, all that remains is to grout the joints with a special grouting compound.

Apron laying

By apron we mean work zone between the tabletop and shelves. The height of the apron should be slightly higher by 20–30 mm so that installed headset overlapped the edge of the top row of tiles.

The hood is usually located above the lower level of the suspended unit. Therefore, in this place the tiles on the apron will extend slightly upward.

The process of laying an apron comes down to the following steps:

also set the starting profile for the first row;
the bottom of the first row of tiles should be slightly lower than the top of the countertop;
apply glue to the wall and to the surface of the tile with a comb;
apply the tile to the wall and press it moderately;
it is necessary to ensure that the glue under the tile completely fills the entire space;
also remove any excess glue from the seams between the tiles;
usually on working wall there are sockets; therefore, using cutters you make holes in the required tiles;
if you plan to decorate the apron, then do not forget about it;
After completion of the masonry, all joints should be rubbed.

Laying on the floor

Laying floor tiles in the kitchen follows a similar sequence, but it also has its own characteristics.
The process of laying tiles on the floor in the kitchen is carried out in the following sequence:

Apply markings to the floor, determine its center and the location of the pattern, if any.
Laying tiles on the kitchen floor should start from the farthest corner from the entrance.
Apply tile adhesive to a small area of the surface with a comb. If the floor is level, the layer of glue will be minimal.
Also apply adhesive to the tiles.
Place several tiles on the floor at once, forming a square.
Apply a level and level everything horizontally.
Squeezed glue through the seams should be removed immediately in order to fill them with grout.
Be sure to insert crosses between the facing elements to form an even seam.
When the adhesive has set, you can start grouting the joints.

Design of window slopes

In addition to laying tiles in the kitchen with their own hands on the floor, walls and splashback, many decide to lay tiles on window slopes.
To do this you need to purchase a plastic outer corner. The end of the cladding will be hidden in it.

The thickness of the corner is determined by the thickness of the tile. If its thickness is 7 mm, then the corner should have 9 mm. If the thickness of the corner is smaller, then the edge of the end of the tile will be visible.

Conclusion
So, here we are, looking at all the secrets of how to lay tiles in the kitchen. By following these recommendations, you will be able to cope with all the work yourself, without the involvement of a specialist. For greater confidence, we invite you to watch the prepared video material.

Putting the kitchen in order - gluing an apron

If you have even a little experience and knowledge of how to lay tiles in the kitchen, it is worth spending a couple of days to lay the tiles. He is considered good decision due to low cost, moisture resistance and practicality. When choosing a material, you should take into account external indicators, quality, country of origin, etc. There are a number special requirements to floor tiles, since the performance of the floor is important for the kitchen.

Types of tiles

Today there is huge selection floor tiles. The variety of styles and trends never ceases to amaze. Classic style, minimalism, bright interiors– you can implement the most different ideas. Floor tiles create the right mood and solve any problems when creating a specific idea.

In addition to appearance, the coating must be of high quality and practical. It must have good technical characteristics.

Tile is fundamentally different from wood finishing materials. It is made from clay and contains various additives. Once formed, it is pressed and fired. As a result ready-made tiles differ in strength and appearance. The outer surface is then painted and given a glossy or matte finish.

The tiles are usually quite porous and are covered with glaze. It can only be used indoors and for wall decoration. Tiles are usually used to decorate walls in the bathroom or create a backsplash in the kitchen.

Ceramic tiles have their own characteristics. It is also covered with glaze on one side. This glaze not only has decorative value, but also protects against moisture. Ceramic product more durable and hard, it is resistant to mechanical damage and active abrasion. Porcelain stoneware is considered the most durable material, which is excellent for flooring. It has practically no drawbacks, except for a small range of color options.

Tools and preparatory work

Before you start laying floor tiles in the kitchen, you need to purchase suitable material and all the necessary tools:

Long level or rule;
Bubble level;
Tape measure, pencil;
Primer roller;
Spatula with 12 mm teeth;
Rubber hammer;
Bulgarian;
Primer;
Wooden wedges and crosses;
Rubber spatula and grout.

The first step is marking to calculate the amount of material. For a single-color coating, this is very easy to do: 10% is added to the total area of the kitchen. Such a reserve will be quite enough. If you are planning tiles with an ornament, then you need to make more stock, since there will be more waste. You can do this: if the dimensions of the tiles are known, then the number of pieces is calculated so that it can be laid along the entire length and width of the kitchen, taking into account trimming. If the trim turns out to be very narrow, then the entire layout must be shifted. Therefore, first a layout drawing is drawn up.

The base surface is carefully primed. It is important that the primer has deep penetration. After it has dried, you can begin the main work. If the kitchen has a smooth screed, the installation process will be pleasant and easy, and glue consumption will be reduced. Besides, level base guarantees that the tile will not crack during operation. It is recommended not to skimp on preparatory work and make a rough screed with waterproofing.

Laying tiles in the kitchen

From the entrance, a distance equal to the width of the tile is marked with a gap of 5 mm from the wall. To prevent it from moving, wooden pegs are inserted in the gaps. The cord is pulled along these marks and beaten so that a straight line remains on the floor. She draws the first row.

On back side Each tile has auxiliary arrows that indicate the direction of laying. But after applying the glue, this arrow is not visible, so it is better to initially make a mark on the back side with a pencil.

The first landmark tile is located near the doorway. A mark is placed in the center of the door and tiles are placed there without glue. You can leave several paths without tiles so that you can return or start on the opposite side of the entrance.

The glue is mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pouring required quantity water into a bucket and glue is added, the mixture is constantly stirred with a construction mixer. A small amount of The solution can be stirred manually with a wooden stick. You need to achieve the consistency of thick sour cream and leave the glue for ten minutes, then stir again and you can start finishing works in the following order:

The glue is applied evenly with a regular spatula. Then you need to run a notched spatula over the glue.
Excess glue is removed.
The first tile must be placed in a pre-marked place and pressed intensely to the floor. The short level determines its evenness. If it lies unevenly, then you need to tap the edge that lies higher with a rubber hammer.
The laying movement is directed to the right. A cross can be drawn along the seam to remove the adhesive to create a space for grout, and then the cross is inserted between the tiles.
After laying the first row, a long level is placed (you can use the rule instead). This checks the overall level of evenness. If there are errors, the uneven elements are removed and placed again. You only have 15 minutes to do this, otherwise the glue will start to set.
If trimming is needed, it is done with a grinder with a smooth disc.
The next rad also runs from the beacon in the center of the door and continues in both directions.
In places where pipes pass, cutouts or holes are made on the tiles. To make a hole, you can use a drill attachment.

After final installation, the floor surface is again checked with a level in different directions. After a day, the seams are cleaned and filled with grout. After half an hour, you can remove excess grout with a damp sponge. After a day, the surface is thoroughly cleaned and can be ready for use. The gaps between the tiles and the wall are closed with plastic or wooden baseboards.