How Do You Tile Around Electrical Boxes And Outlets?
Do-it-yourself tiling can save you a lot of money but it’s important to do a professional looking job. Tiling around electrical outlets is fairly simple to accomplish. It’s important to take your time and remember the old adage, measure twice and cut once! Turn off the power to the electrical box or outlet. Remove the cover plate and push the receptacle or switch into the box. Cover with wide tape to keep from getting mortar in the box or on the wires. Measure the area carefully and make paper template to determine where to cut the tiles. Notch the tiles with nippers or with a tile cutter so they fit around the box and continue the pattern. Apply the mortar around the opening. Apply the tile and grout. Seal the tile and grout. Remove the tape. Use longer screws to reattach the receptacle or switch to accommodate the extra width of the tile. Reattach the cover plate. Turn on the power and the job is done!
