How to Install Wall Tiles
When thinking of decorating the walls in a room, the most common options are painting, texturizing and wallpaper. Wall tiles, however, should be given consideration as well. There are many styles and designs to choose from to fit your particular design aesthetic and they are relatively easy to install, given the proper tools and instructions.
Items needed:
- Tiles
- Level
- Tile spacers
- Pencil
- Tile adhesive
- Notched trowel
- Tile cutter (rented)
- Tile nipper
- Grout
- Rubber float
- Sponge
- Buckets of clear water
Instructions:
- Mark the center point of the wall on which you are applying the tile.
- Use the level to mark a straight vertical and horizontal line intersecting the center mark. The resulting guide marks should resemble a cross or crosshair.
- Use the top half of the crosshair marking as a guide to begin dry fitting one horizontal row of tiles all the way to the ends of the wall. This process using the center crosshair will ensure that the tiles on either edge of the wall will be roughly the same size.
- Go back to the center point and begin fixing each tile with the adhesive. Use enough adhesive to secure the tile firmly, but not so much that it is excessive. Use the smooth edge of the trowel to spread the adhesive and then go over it once with the notched edge to make the adhesive surface ridged. The tile will be most secure if you press firmly and with a subtle twisting motion. With each finished tile, place four tile spacers along each side to ensure that the grout space between each tile is even.
- Use the tile cutter to custom make smaller tiles when you get to the edge of the line. Smooth the cut edges with sandpaper before installing. If you need to install tile around a fixture like a faucet, use the tile nipper tool to create customized tile shapes.
- Continue working row by row until the entire surface is covered.
- Let the adhesive dry (advisable to wait overnight).
- Remove all tile spacers.
- Mix your grout according to the specific brand's instructions.
- Use the rubber float to apply grout in the spaces between the lines. Use a lot of grout in order to ensure the spaces are fully covered.
- Work in about two or three foot square areas. After each section, wipe off excess grout with a wet sponge and water. Continue until the tile is completely grouted. Let dry (about an hour).
- Wipe down tiled surface with a damp cloth and buff off any trace grout residue.