It’s also a natural choice for walls, especially in kitchens and baths.
Tile installation is not particularly hard to do, but it is easy to do poorly.
Costs for wall tilecan vary dramatically, depending on the tile you choose.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Read on to learn how to install tile on walls the right way.
Wall Tiles vs. Flooring tiles need to be particularly thick and sturdy to hold up under foot traffic.
Is Ceramic Tile Good For Walls?
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Whatever method is used, waterproofing is critical since moisture seeping through ceramic tile can create serious structural damage.
A good layout is the result of a carefully drawn grid with perpendicular layout lines.
Or rent the tool from a home improvement store or tool rental outlet.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
It’s best to pad the estimate by at least 10 percent to allow for waste and breakage.
Home centers and tile specialty shops will stock some tile styles, but specialty styles often require special orders.
Thin-set usually has a latex additive that gives it some flexibility to prevent the tile job from cracking.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Thin-set adhesive is applied with a notched trowel.
In our subway tile sample project, the recommendation is for a trowel with 3/16 x 5/32-inch notches.
This size works well for most tiles that are 6 x 6 inches or smaller.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Cover the countertop and floor surfaces with the paper and secure it in place with painter’s tape.
Cut slits in the paper where sink faucets and other fixtures are located.
Cover the exposed surfaces of the fixtures with strips of painter’s tape.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Start by choosing the most visible wall in the room.
(In a bathroom, this is often the center of the vanity wall above the sink).
Use a tape measure to establish the horizontal and vertical center point on the wall.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
From this center point.
use a level to extend vertical and horizontal layout lines from side to side and from ceiling to floor.
Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle and “comb” the adhesive in one direction.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Align it carefully with the horizontal and vertical layout lines.
Install only the full-width tilesleave the trimming of partial tiles until the end.
Continue installing the subsequent rows, again using plastic spacers to maintain uniform joints between tiles.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
This action will “set” the tiles in the adhesive and flatten the surface.
Working systematically in sections, repeat this process until the entire wall is covered.
Leave the tiles that need to be trimmed or cut until the end of the project.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
This will prevent the adhesive from hardening as you trim the last tiles and prepare to finish the installation.
As the adhesive hardens, inspect the grout lines and confirm they are free of excess adhesive.
If necessary, scrape away the excess using a pointed stick or small screwdriver.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
The grout lines need to be clear and open for grout to adhere when you reach the finishing stage.
Use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe any adhesive from the face of the tile.
The adhesive is very simple to clean when wet but will be very difficult once it dries.
The Spruce / Liz Moskowitz
Cutting partial tiles can be done with a manual snap cutter or a wet saw.
If filling in around outlets, ensure the tile doesn’t cover over the opening of the electrical box.
Wear eye protection before trimming or cutting tile.
When installing small tile pieces, it’s easier to butter the back of the tiles with adhesive.
Install Trim Pieces
If your layout includes border tiles or other trim pieces, install them last.
Here, we are using 1 x 6-inch cap tiles.
Inspect Grout Joints
Make a final inspection of all grout lines.
Clean out any excess adhesive between grout lines.
Let the tile adhesive dry for 24 to 72 hours before grouting the tile.
Grout the Tile
Using the tile manufacturer’s instructions,apply groutto the joints.
Joints that are wider than 1/8-inch typically call for a sanded grout, while narrower joints use non-sanded grout.
double-check to clean the excess grout off the tiles and wipe away the dried haze after the grout dries.
