How To Install Wall Tile

Hold a tile at this spot accounting for a 1 8 inch expansion gap.

How to install wall tile.

Tile layout measure the height from the floor up to the ceiling. Again apply the tile with a slight twisting motion. The best way is to arrange your wall tile in a pyramid shape. Next use a tape measure along the tiles to see how much you have to cut from the first row of tiles you should install full tiles on the last row.

Measure mark and trim any tiles to fill partial gaps at the top and bottom of the wall. Then lay your tiles on the the floor in a straight line making sure you put spacers between them. You have about five to 10 minutes to set the tile so don t apply too much adhesive over a large area. Most wall tiles have built in lugs that automatically set the grout gaps.

This line serves as your cutting guide to fit tile along the counter. Take care not to cover your lines. Install tiles one through four as directed. If you are tiling a shower or tub surround leave a 1 8 inch space between the tile and the tub or shower base to provide an empty space for caulk.

Inspect the grout joints. Butter the tiles and press them into place. If it seems complicated try this. Mark the wall at the top of the tile.

Starting in the center on one side of your reference line apply a coat of tile setting adhesive to an area about 3x3 feet square. Then use a level to extend the line along the work area. Then every subsequent row is a process of draping over the pyramid back and forth. Test a tile to make sure the mortar is mixed and spread correctly.

Spread the adhesive with the smooth side of your notched trowel and then go over it with the notched side to create ridges in the adhesive. The accent tiles go on the same way image 3. For the average small wall tiles which are currently popular you will want to use a 1x4 square notch trowel. Mortar a small spot and then place a tile.

To set the tile apply an even coat of mastic on only a small portion of the wall at a time. To see where the tile will end at the top of the installation make a jury stick.