How to Tile a Wall? A Complete Guide for Beginners

Whether you opt for solid stones like Marble or Granite or budget-friendly but stylish options like porcelain, choices are plenty. To save some of your remodeling budget, you can choose the DIY wall tiles route instead of hiring a specialist.

However, knowing how to tile a wall is necessary to ensure a professional and Insta-worthy finish. Explore this detailed guide to read about installing wall tiles anywhere.

Before You Start

A cement backer board is ideal for wet areas such as bathrooms, pools and showers because it's moisture-resistant and provides a stable surface. We recommend installing this board to get a flat surface and minimize cracks if you are going to tile an existing wall. Typical available sizes of cement backer board are: 3x5, 4x8, and 4x10.

Wall Tile Installation Safety Protocols 

Here are some safety measures you should follow: 

• Wearing Eye Protection: If you are using the wet saw, consider eye protection gear to prevent yourself from eye injuries. 
  
• Area Inspection: Check the potential hazards or dangers such as slippery spaces or uneven surfaces. 
  
• Materials Assessment: Ensure to have the right materials for wall tiling. 
  
• Gloves: Protect your hands from the chemical and sharp tile edges by wearing gloves. 
  
• Ear Protection: Remember to wear ear protection if you are dealing with loud equipment like a wet saw to prevent hearing damage.
  
• Proper Cutting Techniques: Keep your body away while cutting the tiles and don't force the tile through the saw or cutter. 
  
• Ventilation: When working with adhesive and grout, use adequate ventilation or respirator so you can avoid inhaling harmful fumes. 
  

Pro Tip: Make safety your top priority. Be informed of the essential safety measures. 

What You'll Need for Tiling Walls

Tools and Equipment 

Preparation: 

• Pencil
• Tape measure
  
• Spirit level
  
• Scraper
• Dust sheet
  

Fixing: 

• Spacers
• Trowel
• Bucket
  
• Tile cutter
  

Grouting: 

• Grout float
  
• Grout finisher
  
• Dustpan and brush
  

Materials: 

• Wall tile
  
• Tile adhesive 
  
• Spackling compound 
  
• Skim coat
  
• Ammonia-based cleaner
  
• Drop cloths 
  
• Tile edge trim
  

How to Tile a Wall Step by Step

Are you a first-time DIY tiler? Don't worry, Here’s our step-by-step wall tile installation method: 

Prepare Your Wall

You can install tile easily on a surface that's smooth, dry, and free of wax. Prepare the wall before tiling by repairing damaged, loose, and patchy areas. Make sure to remove the molding trim and appliances that get in the way of installation. 

Plan the Layout

Secondly, you have to sort out where your tile layout will begin and end to avoid uneven cuts. Find the center of the wall using a tape measure and vertical spirit level, it will be your centreline. Now work out the best layout by placing the tile on the centreline and aim for even cuts on both edges. 

Pro Tip: Avoid placing cut sides next to the factory edges or where they will show.

Decide Pattern

If you want to express your style, determining tile patterns is important. Here are pattern ideas: 

• Pebble tile pattern 
  
• Random tile pattern 
  
• Chevron tile pattern 
  
• Herringbone tile Pattern
  
• Basketweave tile Pattern
  
• Square tile Pattern
  
• Decorative Blends tile Pattern
  

Some other suggestions for wall tiling patterns… 

Purpose	Pattern
Classic style	Check board pattern
Traditional appearance	Running board pattern
Protect walls from moisture	Stacked pattern

 

Add a Batten Board to Frame the Area

Prevent your tiles from sliding down by adding a batten board that supports the bottom row of tiles. Usually, it's made from a ¼ or ½ scrap piece of wood that's secured directly into the wall. Make sure, it is horizontal and level.

Note: Instead of starting at the batten board on the floor, raise it to about three-quarters of the tile's height. For 4-inch tiles, start your batten board 3 inches above the floor. 

Consider Leveling

It's very easy to go slightly off and end up disturbing the level of the tile. We suggest beginning with a level line and checking it regularly to ensure it stays on track. Beware! Your small mistake i.e. getting off track down low can result in an uneven or shoddy finish higher up the wall.

Spread Thinset Mortar on the Wall

On walls, you need to spread the mortar from top to bottom, especially when working in small areas of about 2 feet by 2 feet. How to apply? Use a notched trowel to spread it and then press it so it can adhere to the base. Repeat this process until you feel a smooth surface. 

Please Note: 

• Thinset Mortar: It's ideal for very wet spaces like showers and bathrooms because thin mortar is a strong material.
  
• Mastic Adhesive: This adhesive sticks very well that's why it is suitable for dry and damp areas such as walls. 
  

Lay the Wall Tiles

Don't you know how to lay wall tiles? 

Place your first tile at the marked center point ensuring it aligns with the vertical and horizontal lines perfectly. 

Then gently twist the tile as you press it down to flatten the adhesive and fill the trowel ridges. 

Once you set the first tile, lay your full-width tiles along your first horizontal row using plastic spacers. Leave the smaller tiles for later cutting. Check the level and move ahead, tapping tiles nicely with a rubber mallet and wood block. 

Add Spacers between Tiles

Vertical tiles can slip before they set firmly into their place which can cause blur seams. Keep your tiles separate with plastic spacers. Once the thin bonding is cured, remove the spacers. 

Cut the Tiles with a Wet Saw

Measure tiles precisely and mark the cut lines with a pencil or felt-tip pen: 

• Straight or diagonal cuts: Tile cutter
  
• Curved cuts: Nipper
  
• Full-length curved cuts: Rod saw
  

Apply the Grout to The Wall Tiles

Next, apply grout onto the float with a bucket trowel, press it against the surface, and spread it. Holding the float at 45-degree angle is recommended for pushing grout into joints, re-using it from the tile surfaces. After completing the area, wipe the tiles with a sponge and cold water before moving on. 

Clean up and Finish off

Finally, wait 5-10 minutes allowing the grout to dry more before further cleaning. Don't forget to clean the sponge before using it. Finish the work using a soft cloth to polish the tile faces when you feel the grout is dried. 

Common Installation Mistakes During Wall Tiling 

Natural Stone Wall Tiles Maintenance and Care

Follow these maintenance tips to keep your wall tiles in good condition: 

• Clean your tiles using PH-neutral cleaner regularly. 
  
• Apply high-quality sealant to protect your stone from stains.
  
• If you notice spills, act immediately and blot up the liquid spill with a clean dry cloth. 
  
• Use a soft brush and a cleaning solution to scrub your natural stone tiles. 
  
• Avoid using abrasive cleaners because they can harm the tiles. 
  

You Might Also Like:

• How to Seal Natural Stone Tile.
• How to Clean Natural Stone Tile.

Walls that Gets Easy Installation of Tiles 

Type	Installation
Concrete Walls	Easy
Plaster Walls	Easy
Damp Walls	Difficult
Painted Surface	Difficult

 

Which Natural Stone Tiles You Can Install Easily 

Easily Installation: 

• Travertine: You can dry-set, lay, and replace Travertine that's why it's easy to install. It includes Durango, Ivory, and Philadelphia. 
  
• Limestone: Limestone is a soft stone that can be placed anywhere whether you are considering tile on bathroom walls, kitchen, or room. 
  

You Might Also Like:

• How to Choose Natural Stone Tiles for Your Kitchen Floor.

Difficult Installation: 

• Marble: Due to porosity Marble stone tiles are often processed with poor manufacturing tolerances. It has many types: Calacatta Gold, Pearl, and Thassos White. 
  
• Granite: Each tile of granite is heavy requiring special skills to lay it. 
  

Common Wall Preparation Issues When Tiling a Wall

Preparing a wall for tiling isn’t difficult, but it can lead to major problems if not done accurately. Have a look at some main preparation issues: 

Pro Tip: Take extra time to prepare the surface in the beginning. It will help you to save time having to fix the issue afterward. 

When You Should Call a Professional

Installing wall tiles requires precision and attention to detail. You have to make sure the tiles are aligned, grout lines are uniform and none of them are sagging. Professionals are trained, well-equipped, and experienced. 

They can complete the job in a more efficient way than non non-professional individuals. We at Mosaicenter guarantee a smooth wall tile installation process. Let us help you select the best tile for your home. 

Cost and Budget Breakdown 

Here's expected cost breakdown of DIY wall tiling expenses: 

• Typically Ranges Between: $400-$4,250
  
• Tile Price Per Square Foot: $5-$45 (varying for natural stones, ceramic or glass) 
  
• Tile Adhesive: $15-$40 per 50 LB bag (covers approximately 60-100 SQ ft). 
  
• Grout: $10-$20 per bag (typically covers 60-80 SQ ft). 
  
• Tile Saw Rental: about $40 per day
  
• Tile Cutter Rental: $32 
  

Keep in mind an extra 10-15% for your budget. 

FAQ's

What is the 1/3 Rule for Tiles?

The 1/3 offset tile pattern is installed by shifting the edge of each tile by a third in every row instead of the old brick lay pattern. 

When Tiling a Wall, Where Do You Start?

Experts recommend that you should start wall tiling from the center. 

What Do You Put on the Wall Before tiling?

You put a tile backer board for stability or primer in some cases for better adhesions and waterproofing. 

Do You Tile Up or Down a Wall?

Start at the bottom of the wall. Then position the tile as per your measurements, and push down on all sides. 

How Long After Tiling Can I Grout? 

You can grout after 24 hours but it's much better to wait for 48 hours.

How Thick Should Adhesive Be for Wall Tiles? 

To prevent tiles from protruding too far out from the wall, use no more than 2-3 mm of adhesive.

Can You Tile Directly onto Dry Wall?

Yes, it's perfectly safe to put tile directly onto the drywall. Please make sure the area doesn't have excessive moisture.

Do Wall Tiles Need Sealing? 

If you are using natural stone tiles then you must seal them so water can't damage their surface over time. However, there's no need to seal Porcelain or Ceramic tiles.