How to Build Salt Wall: Introduction, What is a Salt wall and why build it?
Ever wanted to make your place a calm beautiful sanctuary and add aspect of craftsmanship? Salt walls are constructed from compressed Himalayan salt bricks and pink salt tiles. They are installed in homes, spas, and wellness centers. But what is a salt wall and why should you have one? Salt Wall: A decorative feature made with blocks of natural salt, typically Himalayan pink salt. Apart from providing an aesthetic appeal in the interior, it also comes with many health advantages like purifying the air and soothing decor.
In this guide, we're walking you through how to build your very own salt wall using Himalayan salt bricks and pink salt tiles step-by-step. Whether you're a do-it-yourself type, or simply want to add an unusual feature to your home, the information you need is all here.
Advantages of Workspace Salt Living Wall
Air Purification
Air purifying is one of the main reasons to construct salt walls. Himalayan pink salt, in particular, is known for its ability to absorb and neutralize toxins in the air. These Himalayan salt bricks serve as natural ionizers that cleanse your space and may decrease allergens, dust, and pollution in the air. This is a real game changer for folks who have respiratory issues such as asthma or allergies.
Improved Mood and Relaxation
The soft light emitted by the salt tiles or bricks creates a calming ambience, making it a perfect element for spas, meditation rooms or even living rooms. The calming effect of the light and air is reported to make many people feel more relaxed and less stressed while in a room with a salt wall. The advantages extend beyond appearance — they can assist in promoting mental health, too.
Aesthetic Appeal
Let's be real: a salt wall is one of those things that stop the show. Not only can Himalayan salt attract attention due to its rare pink color, it can create beautiful and unique patterns when the salt is formed into solid bricks or tiles. Whether you're after a modern, chic vibe or a more earthy and organic look, a salt wall can be designed to your aesthetic.
How to Choose Himalayan Salt Bricks and Salt Tiles
Himalayan Pink Salt
Himalayan pink salt is widely used for salt walls thanks to its beauty and health benefits. The salt is collected from sizable ancient salt mines, and its pinkish tone is due to the mineral abundance. Himalayan salt bricks are available in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, allowing you to choose the design that works best for you. They're also fairly low-maintenance.
Other Types of Himalayan Salt Bricks
But while Himalayan pink salt tiles are a popular choice, other types of Himalayan salt bricks exist. The other are salt bricks, which are less common, but offer many of the same benefits. Select good quality salt as it will have less contaminants so that your wall is functional and replicates beauty.
How to Schedule Your Salt Wall Project
Selecting the Location
The location of your salt wall is the first aspect to decide when building one. Select a space that has enough real estate for your design and one that would benefit from the peaceful environment a salt wall provides. They're often found in living rooms, home offices, and meditation areas, but you could also install a salt wall in your bathroom for a spa-like ambiance.
Measuring the Wall Area
Once you've chosen a location, measure the wall where you're going to install the salt bricks. It will help you calculate how many bricks or tiles you require and make sure your home restoration stays below budget. Be sure to leave some extra space to cut tiles to fit corners or edges.
Equipment and Materials You Will Need
Himalayan Salt Bricks/Tiles
You will have to get enough Himalayan salt bricks or tiles to cover your wall. Measure the surface area of your wall and then buy the correct amount of bricks, about 10% more for cuts.
Adhesive
It is possible to lose your brick if they are loose, and in order to pacify your Himalayan salt bricks, you require epoxy. Tile adhesive or construction-grade mortar can also do the trick, though you'll have to ensure that whatever you pick bonds well to both the salt and the wall surface.
Substrate Preparation (including Tile Cutter, Level, etc.)
You'll also need a tile cutter (to cut and fit your bricks and tiles) a level (to make sure your wall isn't wonky), a measuring tape, a notched trowel (to spread adhesive) and a rubber mallet (for helping settle the tiles into position).
How to Create a Salt Wall: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Wall
You will need to ensure that the wall is clean and dry before beginning to install the Himalayan salt bricks. Any dust or debris may stop the adhesive from adhering properly. If the wall are painted you should coat the wall with a primer to ensure a good bond between the salt and the wall.
Laying the First Row
Begin by setting the bottom row of bricks along the wall. Use the level to line up the first row even. Put glue on the back of each brick and stick onto place.
Cutting and Fitting the Tiles
The way it works is that as you progress up the wall, there you will find places where you need to trim tiles to make them fit in that space. If using bricks or other larger tiles, trim, and adjust them to size with a tile cutter. Do this steadily, as accuracy is important to getting a clean, professional finish.
Securing the Bricks
Continue patching glue on the back of each salt brick and fitting it into space. Tap the bricks into place with a rubber mallet until they are firmly fixed against the wall.
Adding Finishing Touches
Allow the adhesive to cure fully once every bricks are set. You have then cleaned the surface of the bricks to remove part of the glue. You can also place some lighting fixtures around the salt wall to bring out its beauty or create a glowing effect if you want.
Maintaining Your Salt Wall
Cleaning Tips
Wiping down your salt wall with a soft cloth regularly will help keep it looking pristine. And steer clear of harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can scratch the salt surface. A light wipe with a damp cloth usually takes care of it.
How to Maintain the Salt Wall
Himalayan salt can absorb moisture, you want to ensure your salt wall is in a dry environment. In the case of high humidity, you may use de-humidifier to keep salt safe.
Improvements to Consider for Your Salt Wall
Lighting Effects
Dramatic Salt Wall Lighting Salt walls can be lit to create amazing aesthetics. Backlighting or placing LED strips behind the wall will show off the natural beauty of the salt whilst also giving your space a warm and inviting glow.
Salt Lamps
Salt lamps are great, so you might want to use them. These small, mobile lamps provide another level of relaxation and wellness benefits to your space, and they match the salt wall beautifully.
Building salt wall is a satisfying undertaking, but there are several challenges you may face. For instance, cutting the Himalayan salt bricks can be difficult, particularly if you're dealing with thicker tiles. A salt brick tile cutter can help make this job easier. Also, when installing the wall in a high-moisture area be cautious of excess humidity, as it may reduce the integrity of the salt.
Conclusion
Salt wall construction with Himalayan salt bricks and pink salt tiles results in a pleasurable experience. It will also provide health benefits such as air purification and relaxation, and not to mention that it will serve as a unique and stunning feature to your space. So if you prepare with the right materials, tools, and some patience, you can build a salt wall yourself and have the calming, aesthetic effects for years.
FAQs
What is the time required to build a salt wall?
This process takes a few days from start to finish, depending on the dimensions of the wall and how much cutting that there is to do. Be sure to allow sufficient time for the adhesive to set between steps.
Can I have a salt wall in a bathroom?
Yes! Your own HVAC unit is a heating element in its own right. Just make sure it stays dry to prevent moisture collecting.
Is it difficult to care for salt walls?
Not at all! To keep your salt wall looking beautiful, just give it a wipe with a damp cloth every now and again, and try not to position it in areas of high humidity.
What kind of lighting is best for a salt wall?
It enhances the Himalayan salt bricks' charm with a warm glow created by LED backlighting or strip lights.
Can I create my own salt wall, or do I need a pro?
You can build a salt wall yourself if you're comfortable working on DIY projects and have the tools to do the job. Of course, if you want to outsource the task then you can always hire an expert for the job.