How to Put Up Wall Tiles
If you want to give your living room, hallway, or den a serious makeover, consider putting up wall tiles. Wall tiles can make a home feel inviting, cozy and warm. Putting up wall tile yourself can save you a bundle of money. Here's how to put up wall tiles in your home: Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- tiles of your choice
- spacers
- level
- pencil
- tile adhesive
- notched trowel
- tile cutter
- grout
- rubber float
- sponge
- cloths
- rubber gloves
Instructions
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Remove conduits and obstacles from the wall you plan to tile (light switch plates, electrical cords, light fixtures, lamps, furniture etc). Unplug electrical items and turnoff electrical outlets.
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Make sure the drywall you'll be tiling on is smooth and hole free. Patch holes if there are any. If the drywall is not smooth, sand the area. Be sure to clean up all the dust after sanding.
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Find the center of the wall and 'dry fit' your tiles to see if the pattern ends similarly on the edges. Use a pencil to mark vertical and horizontal lines where appropriate. Position the tile to be consistent as they approach each end point. Double and triple check your measurements!
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Measure and cut the wall tile. You can rent a wet saw (for large tiles) and/or tile cutter (smaller tiles) from a local home improvement store. Use sandpaper to smooth out the tile edges if they are sharp after cutting them.
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Apply the tile adhesive to the wall (3 feet at a time) with the notched trowel, starting in the middle of the wall. Set the wall tiles into the adhesive and place the spacers in-between each tile as you go. Be sure to give each tile a twist to ensure a good bond with the adhesive.
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Let the tiles set in the adhesive overnight.
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Remove the tile spacers and mix the grout according to the manufacturer's directions.
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Using the rubber float, apply the grout at a 45 degree angle. Wipe off excess grout with a wet sponge.
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After about an hour, check for grout haze on the tiles and wipe them clean as needed.
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See the Resources listed below for more tiling ideas.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to let the tile sales staff know if your tile will be in a location where it will get wet. You'll need to buy tile that is water resistant.
Use green drywall if you are installing the tile in a location where it will get wet.
If the space between your tiles is wider than 1/8 inch, use sanded grout for a stronger hold. Otherwise you can use non-sanded grout.
If you are grouting a tile area that will get wet, be sure to buy a waterproof grout.
Buy extra tile in case you cut your wall tiles incorrectly.
Use rubber gloves when apply the adhesive and grout.
After cutting tiles, be sure to handle them carefully - the edges may be sharp.
Wear goggles and earplugs if you cut tile using a wet saw.
Resources
- How to Install Ceramic Wall Tiles
- How to Lay Bathroom Floor Tile
- How to Lay a Tile Backsplash
- How to Install Marble Tile on a Fireplace
- How to Buy and Install Glass Tile
- How To Install Bathroom Tiles
- How To Install Wall Tiles
- How To Regrout Shower Tile
- How to Paint a Room With a Vaulted Ceiling
- How to Finish Wood Floors
- How To Stop A Linoleum Floor From Being Slippery
- How to Tile Over a Brick Fireplace
- How to Install Tile for a Fireplace Surround
- How to Install Ceramic Tile on New Concrete
- How to Install Ceramic Tile Outdoors
- How to Lay Tiles on Cement
- How to Tile a Concrete Floor
- How to Cut Granite Tops
- How to Clean a Wood Laminate Floor
- How to Pick Bathroom Tile
- Home Depot
- Lowe's Home Improvement Store
- Photo Credit stock.xchng: elfey
