Tiling around a window without trim is no small feat. The process is always tricky – without the proper measurements or cuts, you risk finishing up with a wonky window that’s unfit for purpose. Tiling around a window without trim can be even more challenging.
There are many reasons why you might want to tile around a window without trim. Perhaps you want more space around the inside of your windows, or maybe your tiles have glazed edges, and you don’t feel the need to include trim on your windows.
Whatever your reasons, rest assured that the job can be done! However, you’ll need to arm yourself with the right tools, the appropriate knowledge, and a lot of patience.
Ready to learn how to tile around a window without trim? Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to get started.
You Will Need
- Plaster Mixer
- Tiles
- Adhesive
- Concrete
- Wooden Planks
- Drill
- Pins
- Trowel
- Plastering Spatula
- Primer Mix
- Plaster Plastic Mesh
- Vacuum
- Leveler
- Scraper
- Hammer
Step One: Assess the Wall and Window Edges
Your first task should be to assess the wall and window edges for weak spots. To do this, start by taking a small piece of wood and taping it to the part of the wall you want to tile. This will expose any lumps or bumps that can get in the way of the process.
Once you’ve identified parts of the wall that are weak or irregular, use a scraper, a hammer, or a chisel to level the surface of the wall. Clean up any loose chippings with a vacuum.
Note: If you’re using drywall, you’ll need to ensure it’s resistant to moisture. Assess the surface carefully, and make sure that all the joints between the boards aren’t exposed. To do this, make sure you cover each one with tape and plaster.
Now you’ve evened out your wall and cleaned up the mess you’re ready to start the tiling process. When you tile a window with trim, the trims act as a support system to keep the tiles balanced and prevent them from moving.
Without trim, it’s advised that you use a mix of plaster and concrete to mimic this system. It will also make the process of attaching the tiles to your wall much quicker and easier, and prevent a build-up of excess dirt and debris from occurring.
Step Two: Priming
Now it’s time to prime. The easiest way to do this is to fill up a spray can with your primer and dilute it lightly with water. Once the mixture is diluted, you can begin spraying it directly onto the window frame and the edges of the surrounding wall.
By spraying primer on the walls and the window frame, you can ensure that the application process is more manageable. Primer will also prevent the risk of rust buildup, improving the longevity of your windows.
Step Three: Mix Your Concrete
Once the surface is primed, you can move onto the next steps. First, you’ll need to mix your concrete, either by hand or machine.
To do this, stir your chosen mixture together for a minimum of three minutes or until it reaches a thick consistency. If you’d prefer not to use concrete, you can opt for a thin-set powder like mortar powder.
Step Four: Attach Your Wooden Planks
To ensure your tiles are attached evenly, you’ll need to use a guide. Grab your wooden planks and a drill, and attach one to the bottom end of the window frame.
This will also ensure your concrete or mortar powder is poured evenly. Once the plank is secured, go ahead and apply your concrete.
Step Five: Prepare and Apply Your Plaster
Now the concrete is in place you can start to prepare and apply your plaster. Remember: plastering can get messy, so move any obstructions out of the way first. To avoid contamination, use a clean bucket and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing plaster.
Once your mixture is prepared, start applying the plaster around the border of the window – this will act as a replacement for the trim. Now, apply mesh to the plaster, and smooth the edges down.
Plaster mesh will improve structural integrity, prevent cracks, and create a stronger bond.
Step Six: Remove The Wooden Panel
When the concrete and plaster have completely dried, you can begin removing the wooden panel at the bottom of the window frame. Once the frame is removed, you will probably find holes in the wall that need to be filled.
You can do this by applying any leftover plaster or concrete to the cracks. To distribute weight evenly, you should only use concrete at the bottom of the window, and plaster should be applied around the edges.
Step Seven: Attach your Tiles
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! We’re now at the final part of the process. Once the concrete and plaster have dried and you’ve removed all other materials out of your way, you can start attaching your tiles.
First, make sure you attach your adhesive to the back of each tile. Once the adhesive is in place, you can begin attaching your tiles one by one to the window frame. As the wall has already been plastered, there should be no lumps or bumps, and the tiles should go on evenly.
If they don’t, remove the tiles and scrape off any protruding bumps or edges. Once your tiles are attached to the wall, use a leveler to check they’re evenly secured to the masonry.
Final Thoughts
Tiling a window without trim can be a complex and time consuming task. Although tiling a window with trim is far easier, there may be many reasons why you need to tile a window without it. Before you begin, make sure you have the correct tools and knowledge.
If you feel that your DIY skills aren’t a good fit for the job, make sure you reach out to a professional for advice before you begin the work.
