Expert: Jamie Yocono - 3/26/2008

Question
I want to install 3 x 3 tiles on a bookcase shaped like a house. Do I use regular mortar or can I use caulk? The cabinet is pretty small and the tiles are going on the roof of the bookcase. This for my son's preschool classroom project. Can you give me some advise?

Answer
Sam,

You can use caulk, I do it all the time when I need to set tile.  

I like to use silicon caulk, as it stays a little flexible when it's cured. It works best for me when gluing tile on solid wood; the wood is prone to movement with humidity fluctuations, so I want the tile to move a bit, not crack.

As long as the tube of caulk says something like "adhesive" on it, you'll be fine.

I also have used the PL products (like PL200 and PL400), Liquid nails, and a variety of other types, so you have a lot to choose from when gluing those tiles down.  I think that most people use regular mortar when they need to really provide a solid surface for tile, like on a floor or a shower area.

It's overkill for what you're doing, so I wouldn't even consider using mortar.

Usually, when you put the adhesive down, you spread it with a notched trowel. But if I'm using a tube of silicone caulk, I simply use my caulking gun to squirt some caulk on the back of the tile, and then press it into place, seating it. Wiggle it a bit to seat it. Try to put the caulk more toward the center, so when you press, it doesn't ooze out into the caulk line. It's a clean, neat way to set tile.

Good luck, sounds like a cute project. You should do fine.

Jamie Yocono
www.wooditis.com
Las Vegas, NV