How to Build a Tile Wall

Although more common in bathrooms and kitchens, tile walls can add a timeless look to any wall. In several Mediterranean cultures, decorative tile work is a standard feature for both interior and exterior walls. However, "building" a tile wall is something of a misnomer, as no wall is actually built using tile. Instead, the tile is laid on top of the wall, creating a facade.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Feather duster
• Spackling paste
• Putty knife
• Tape measure
• Marker
• Level
• Pushpins
• Tile adhesive
• Notched trowel
• Tiles
• Tile saw
• Hand-held power sander
• Drop cloth
• Grout mix
• Grout float
• Washcloth
• Soft wood sticks
• Rubber sponge
• Bucket
• White vinegar

Preparation

1. Start by planning ahead and ordering extra tile to allow for a certain percentage of broken tiles. Usually 1 or 2 percent is a reasonable estimate, but sometimes it can be as high as 3 percent.

2. Dust the wall with a duster.

3. Examine the wall for holes, and if there are any, patch these by using a putty knife to smear spackling paste over them.

4. Select and buy a tile spacer. These are usually available alongside tile supplies.

5. Draw intersecting horizontal and vertical guidelines, using a marker, measuring tape and a level. Be sure to space these to account for both the tile and the grout spacing around them, which will equal the width of the tile spacer. For example, if the tile is a square that is 3 inches on a side, and the spacer is 1/4 inch, then these marked channels will all be 3 1/2 inches.

6. Insert push pins along the guidelines to help serve as a visual guide. Part of the guidelines will be covered with adhesive, but the pins will remain visible.

Building the Facade

7. Use the notched trowel to apply adhesive. Cover an initial work area about 3 feet by 3 feet to 4 feet by 4 feet.

8. Apply the first tile by firmly pushing it into the adhesive, giving it a slight twist to get a good grip, and then re-aligning it.

9. Use the tile saw to cut tiles for the inevitable irregular spaces as you go, and use a hand-hand power sander to polish off rough spots left from cutting.

10. 
    Matching wall and floor tiling

    Repeat Steps 1 through 3, creating new work areas, until the entire wall is covered.

11. Remove the push pins once the tile facade is complete. Wait overnight for the adhesive to properly set.

Finishing the Job

12. Mix the grout the next morning.

13. Put a drop cloth down to catch grout that may fall off the wall.

14. Apply the grout into the spaces between the tiles by using the float. Let the grout dry overnight. Leave the drop cloth in place.

15. Use the softwood sticks to remove little bits of encrusted grout from the tile surface. These sticks will not scratch the tile surface, and are usually available alongside tile supplies.

16. Make a cleaning solution of half water, half white vinegar in a bucket.

17. Use a sponge to cleanse any grout residue from the wall's surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear safety glasses when cutting tile.

Resources

• Home Depot: Tile Supplies
• Lowes: Wall Tile Guide