How to Install Tile on Drywall
In terms of suitability for hanging tiles, drywall isn't perfect, but is often workable. It's smoother and flatter than plaster, which is good. But it's not waterproof like wetrock or cement board, so you shouldn't use it for bathroom wall tiles or other high-moisture areas. The process of hanging the tiles themselves is similar regardless of the backing. But with drywall, it's a good idea to patch up any dips or holes in the wall and to apply a coat of sealing primer, which provides better adhesion for the tiles than the paper that's over the drywall. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Joint compound (plaster)
- 12-inch drywall knife
- Drywall sanding pad
- Sealing primer
- Paint roller
- Tape measure
- Level
- Tile adhesive
- Notched trowel
- Tile spacers
- Tile cutter
- Premixed grout
- Grout float
- Sponge
Instructions
-
-
1
Examine your wall for holes, cracks, dips or other damage in the drywall. Use your drywall knife to smooth joint compound over problem areas.
-
2
Sand the joint compound smooth, once it's dry, with your drywall sanding pad.
-
-
3
Use your paint roller to coat the wall with a thin but complete layer of sealing primer. Let it dry.
-
4
With your tape measure, level and pencil, divide the wall in half with a vertical line from top to bottom.
-
5
Use your notched trowel to spread tile adhesive over a few square feet on one side of the line, at the bottom.
-
6
Press your first tile into place at the bottom, alongside the vertical line.
-
7
Put spacers around the first tile, and hang your other tiles, building off the first tile and off the center line, and spreading more adhesive as needed. Measure and cut the tiles for the edges, and add them.
-
8
Pull out the spacers, and let the tiles set overnight.
-
9
Apply your premixed grout from the top of the wall, using your grout float. Run the long edge of the float against the tiles, pressing the grout into the lines and squeezing it off the face.
-
10
Follow up by wiping down the wall with a damp sponge to remove excess grout and smooth it in the lines. Let it set for two days.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Wear eye protection when cutting tiles.
