framing ceramic tiles

[Ann Dowless]

My customer has brought to me a ceramic tile mural (unassembled 6" tiles) that measures 6' x 3 1/2'. The combined weight of the tiles are 39lbs. He'd like me to mount them and frame them. Weight is an issue. Anyone ever frame anything like this before? I'm concerned about mounting the tiles to plywood... more weight. And if I mount them to plywood, what kind of hanging system should I use? Any help is very much appreciated!

 

[Baer Charlton]

First, let me get this straight:

The customer brings you 39 pounds of tile, then tells you that weight is an issue?

This is one where you WALK AWAY!

If it was a single row of tiles, 6' long; yeah.

But they are asking you to mount 84 tiles and not add weight; with that size (which is the end of a bathtub surround) I would be talking 1/2" concrete backer board screwed to ALL of the studs every 6". With a frame you're talking no other support than the stirrup hangers at least, and a metal french cleat at best.... I can see this thing going upwards of 70-75lbs.

In my 37+ years HO, WALK AWAY

 

[D_Derbonne]

I would talk to someone that lays tile before trying to mount them myself...unless you are experienced in this.
I did one (smaller) for a customer about a year ago and she had expected unsanded grout...never even crossed my mind. That might be one of the things you want to discuss with the customer.

Someone with more experience than me should be along soon to help you.

 

[Bob Doyle]

Why not build off of Baer's tub surround comment. Have the customer get a carpenter to put the concrete board onto the wall, fix and grout the tile to it, then you can put the frame around the finished job. (a new definition for finish framer!)

 

[Pat Murphey]

I would recommend that your customer have a tiler install the tiles on his wall. Then you can install a frame around them.

Pat

 

[Tommy P]

Bob and Pat have the best idea. Have a tile installer screw 1/4" or 1/2" cement board (actually plywood would work and is less brittle on the edges) to the wall the exact size of the finished tile mural. It is probably designed to have the tiles "butted" edge to edge with no grout joint. If it is designed for a grout joint of any size that can be accomplished as well.But.......if they do not want it mounted to the wall permanently there is an easy way to accomplish that as well. Take 3/8" plywood and install the tile using a tile mastic with the appropriate notched trowel. After that if it reguires grout make sure an epoxy type is used. This procedure assure no loose tiles or grout joints over its lifetime. Then slap a frame around the whole thing (glass or no glass) and hang with Z-Bar. (I use 11/2" carpet metal)

 

[FrameMakers]

First off don't worry about the weight. Use 5/8 to 3/4 plywood behind. If the tiles are not to be grouted paint plywood black. Use liquid nails to hold the tiles in place. Let glue cure. Frame as normal. Use Z-bar attached to the plywood backing not the frame.

This will be heavy, but so is a mirror this size.

 

[Ann Dowless]

Sorry I haven't had a chance to get back on here until today! Thanks to everyone who gave me some good advice! If the customer doesn't like our ideas, he can find someone else to do it! Happy Framing!