How to Fit Wall Tiles
Prepare the walls., Estimate the number of tiles., Spread the adhesive., Start to tile, pressing the tiles gently onto the wall until you see adhesive squeeze out around the sides. , Ensure that the tiles are level., Neaten up., Add grout to the...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Prepare the walls.
To prepare the walls, repair any large holes with plaster filler and brush on a coat of plaster stabilizing solution if the surface is powdery. -
Step 2: Estimate the number of tiles.
To help you work out where to place your tiles, make a tiling gauge from a piece of straight wooden batten.
Use this to estimate how many tiles you’ll need – starting at the top of the skirting board, move the batten up the wall one tile width at a time.
If a narrow strip is left at the top, move the bottom row up by half a tile width to give an even finish.
Mark out the horizontal rows with pencil – be sure to use a spirit level to ensure they’re horizontal.
Tack the batten along first pencil line so that the tiles can be positioned against it.
Do the same to identify where to place the vertical lines – start at a corner and use a plumb line to fix the position accurately. , Spread the adhesive/grout over about half a square metre of the wall, starting in the corner made by the two battens.
Use the notched side of the spreader to form even ribbons of adhesive. ,, Press spacers into each corner and hold a spirit level across the tiles to see if they form a flat surface.
Continue to tile, working on about a square metre at a time until you have fixed all the whole tiles. , Leave to dry fully before removing the timber battens.
Cut the tiles to fit into any gaps.
For hard ceramic tiles, the glazed surface must be scored and the tile broken along this line.
Tile cutting jigs are inexpensive and are much easier to use than freehand tile cutters.
Use a saw tile to cut a tile to fit around an awkward shape such as a pipe or architrave. , Check that all the spacers are removed and wipe off all tile adhesive from the tiles before starting the grout work.
Select a grout colour that matches the tiles (it can be a slightly different colour) and mix as instructed by the manufacturer.
Smooth the grout into all the gaps around the tiles.
Wipe off excess using a damp cloth.
Leave to dry completely before showering or bathing. , -
Step 3: Spread the adhesive.
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Step 4: Start to tile
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Step 5: pressing the tiles gently onto the wall until you see adhesive squeeze out around the sides.
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Step 6: Ensure that the tiles are level.
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Step 7: Neaten up.
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Step 8: Add grout to the tiles.
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Step 9: Finished.
Detailed Guide
To prepare the walls, repair any large holes with plaster filler and brush on a coat of plaster stabilizing solution if the surface is powdery.
To help you work out where to place your tiles, make a tiling gauge from a piece of straight wooden batten.
Use this to estimate how many tiles you’ll need – starting at the top of the skirting board, move the batten up the wall one tile width at a time.
If a narrow strip is left at the top, move the bottom row up by half a tile width to give an even finish.
Mark out the horizontal rows with pencil – be sure to use a spirit level to ensure they’re horizontal.
Tack the batten along first pencil line so that the tiles can be positioned against it.
Do the same to identify where to place the vertical lines – start at a corner and use a plumb line to fix the position accurately. , Spread the adhesive/grout over about half a square metre of the wall, starting in the corner made by the two battens.
Use the notched side of the spreader to form even ribbons of adhesive. ,, Press spacers into each corner and hold a spirit level across the tiles to see if they form a flat surface.
Continue to tile, working on about a square metre at a time until you have fixed all the whole tiles. , Leave to dry fully before removing the timber battens.
Cut the tiles to fit into any gaps.
For hard ceramic tiles, the glazed surface must be scored and the tile broken along this line.
Tile cutting jigs are inexpensive and are much easier to use than freehand tile cutters.
Use a saw tile to cut a tile to fit around an awkward shape such as a pipe or architrave. , Check that all the spacers are removed and wipe off all tile adhesive from the tiles before starting the grout work.
Select a grout colour that matches the tiles (it can be a slightly different colour) and mix as instructed by the manufacturer.
Smooth the grout into all the gaps around the tiles.
Wipe off excess using a damp cloth.
Leave to dry completely before showering or bathing. ,
About the Author
Lori Garcia
Brings years of experience writing about crafts and related subjects.
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