How to tile a wall

Wall tiles come in a wide range of colours, patterns and effects to match any style of décor. Extremely hard-wearing, easy to care for, waterproof and heat-resistant, tiles really have it all!

Different tiling options

Steps

1. Preparing to tile a wall

2. Laying the wall tiles

3. Cutting tiles

4. Grouting the tiles

Before you start, make sure that your surface is clean, dry and free of any irregularities that could prevent the adhesive from sticking correctly. Remember to protect your furniture and/or the floor using protective sheets.

Start by measuring the height at which you'd like your tiles to start (or end) and mark this out using a pencil.

You can nail a wooden batten to the wall to serve as a horizontal guide for laying the first row of tiles. If required, you can also fix a vertical guide in the same way.

Using a spirit level, check that the wooden batten is absolutely level; this is important as this line will ensure your tiles are aligned correctly. If you are using a vertical guide, check that your batten is plumb.

Use an electric screwdriver or drill to fix your horizontal batten firmly in place on the wall. Do the same with your vertical batten (if required).

Next, prepare your tile adhesive in a bucket following the manufacturer's instructions and mix thoroughly.

Alternatively, you can use a ready-mixed tile adhesive to save time.

Using a notched trowel, apply a wide strip of adhesive to the wall.

If you have large tiles, you will have to apply adhesive on the back of the tiles, too: this is called double bonding.

Be sure to check that the adhesive is not spilling over the wooden batten or you will end up with a thick layer of adhesive at the end of your tiles. If this has happened, carefully wipe off any excess using your finger.

Next, install your first tile making sure to check that it lines up perfectly with the batten and push it firmly into place.

Continue to install your tiles one by one by placing spacers between the tiles to ensure they are positioned evenly.

Each time you install a tile, lightly tap over the whole surface using a rubber mallet.

Repeat the process for the next row of tiles and don't forget to install the tile spacers each time. Continue until you reach the last row of tiles.

Once you've installed the last row of tiles, clean off any excess adhesive using a sponge.

Leave the adhesive to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Mark out your cutting lines directly onto the tiles. Place the tiles on the tile cutter with the line positioned under the blade and cut the tile.

As tile cutters only allow you to cut straight lines, you'll need to use a tile scribe for any curved cuts.

Once the adhesive is completely cured (after about 24 hours), carefully remove the tile spacers using a screwdriver.

Prepare the grout in a bucket by mixing it with water (according to the manufacturer's instructions).

Use a grout float to spread the grout over the entire tiled surface.

Use diagonal strokes and remove excess from the tiles using the spreader tool taking care not to remove any grout from between the tiles.

Once the grout has begun to harden (after around 10 minutes), smooth it down using a damp sponge.

Clean the surface of the tiles using a sponge, rinsing the sponge frequently.

Once the grout has dried, remove any remaining grout from the tiles and polish the surface and edges using a dry cloth.

Unscrew or pry off the wooden battens carefully and there you have it: you've tiled a wall!

Required skills

• Taking measurements

• Checking lines are level and plumb

• Fixing wooden battens

• Applying tile adhesive

• Installing tile spacers

• Laying tiles

• Using a tile cutter

• Grouting tiles

• Smoothing grout

• Cleaning tiles

Required time

2 days minimum, including curing time.

Number of people required

1 person.

Tools and equipment

• Wall tiles

• Wooden battens

• Tile spacers

• Tile adhesive

• Tile grout

• Bucket

• Pencil

• Tape measure

• Sponge

• Cloth

• Spirit level

• Screwdriver

• Rubber mallet

• Notched trowel

• Trowel

• Tile cutters

• Tile scribe

• Grout spreader

• Protective sheets

• Electric screwdriver

Personal protective equipment

• Protective gloves

• Protective clothing

Please note: this is a non-exhaustive list; be sure to match your personal protective equipment to the job at hand.