How to Set Tile on a Wall
Installing tile to your walls, no matter what type of tile or room, can add value to your home and update your decor. Most types of wall tile are hard to mark up and nearly impossible to stain. With the proper understanding and tools, the average do-it-yourselfer can accomplish this task over the course of a couple afternoons, depending on the size of the project. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plastic spacers Thin-set mortar Level Tile cutter Grout Notched trowel Rubber float Sponge Silicon caulk
Instructions
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Measure your walls to determine how much tile you will need. Mark the center of the wall as your starting point.
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Place a row of tiles along the bottom of the wall in a "dry run," starting at the center mark and working outward. You want each end to be about the same size; cut the end tiles to size on both sides with a tile cutter.
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Mix up a batch of thin-set mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply a small batch of thin-set to the wall with a notched trowel. Only apply enough for a few tiles, as thin-set can dry quickly and become brittle.
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Press your first tile onto the thin-set and give it a little twist. Pull the tile back to make sure the thin-set spread evenly over the back of it, and re-install it the same way. Place your desired width of plastic spacers between each tile. Continue applying thin-set, tiles and spacers until your first row is complete. Allow 24 hours for the tiles to set before continuing.
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Apply additional rows of tiles, adding spacers between all four sides of the tile, until you have reached the desired height on your wall or backsplash. Allow another 24 hours for the rest of the tiles to set before installing grout.
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Remove all of your tile spacers and mix up the grout according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply the grout over the tiles with a rubber float, working the grout into the nooks and crannies between every tile. Remove any excess grout with a damp sponge and clean water.
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Allow 45 minutes for the grout to dry, then go over the area with a soft cloth to buff out any areas with excess grout. Let the grout dry for a day.
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If the tiles are in the kitchen or bathroom, seal the bottom row to the bathtub, floor or counter with a waterproof silicon caulk. This prevents moisture from getting in between the tiles and the wall.
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Tips & Warnings
Clear your work area of any furniture and lay down drop cloths. Thin-set and grout can be messy and damage surfaces that go unprotected.
