How to Install Wall Tile

Though you would not necessarily think so, due to the large nature of such a project, but the fact is that laying down an entire floor of tile is often a much easier task than laying and installing tile for any other use. Whether it is for a wall, a fixture, a counter top or a back splash, the fact is that gravity is not often your friend in any other tile installation beyond flooring. But, never fear. A little bit of adversity only increases the satisfaction that comes with successfully completing the job. If you are installing tile along a wall in your bathroom, shower stall, kitchen or other room, there are a few steps that you need to do, a few tips that you will need to keep in mind, and a certain level of patience and persistence that you will need to stick with as you go.

Tools That You Will Need

Enough tiles to cover the surface area plus 10 percent, already measured and cut

Tile Cement

Grout

Square

Cement Board

Level

Tile Nippers

Knife

A Bucket Of Clean Water

Silicon Caulk

Fiberglass Tape

Prep The Wall

First thing’s first. You need to make sure that the wall surface area that you plan to put the tile on is completely clean, clear and fully prepared for the installation. If it is not, you will only be setting yourself up for problems in the not so distant future. Too many Do It Yourselfers neglect this simple step, or do not accomplish it properly, and it can lead to headaches and ultimate failure. First, clean down the wall with a heavy, industrial strength cleaning agent. If you are installing the tiles onto existing drywall or cement board, inspect it carefully to see if it is viable. If it is not, you will have to install a new “wall” before you can continue with installing your tile.

You can use green drywall if the tile is going in a wet place, such as a bathroom, a shower or as a back splash for a plumbing fixture. Make sure that the installation is even and smooth, and that when you are done, you clean the entire surface area so that it is free from dirt and debris.

Do a Dry Run with the Tile Layout

Once the wall is prepped, take the tiles that you have already measured and cut, and arrange them how you want them to be. Check to see if there are any gaps or overlaps, and if there are, cut new pieces of tile to fit. Once you are sure everything fits, you are ready to intsall the tile.

Install the Tile Carefully

Place the tile cement on the back of each tile, and carefully stick each one into place, starting from the bottom corner of one end, and working outward and upward as you go. Use your tile nippers or a knife to trim out any excess tile cement or material as you go, to ensure a snug fit. Make sure that when you measured everything out, that you left a ¼ to ½ inch alley between tiles for grout and caulk.

Grout the Tiles into Place

Once all the tiles are in place, carefully lay a line of grout between each and every tile, and if the tile work is going into a wet area, seal that with a layer of caulking.

Finish It Off

Once all of the grout and caulking is in place, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before doing anything else, and before allowing it to come into contact with water.