This article will show you how to tile a wall with no fuss. Tiling has always looked harder than it really is. Once you’ve measured the space to be tiled properly, this is the most important hurdle to scale before you begin tiling. Buy more tiles than you think you need. As long as you keep the boxes secure (and your receipt) the store will take back the ones you don’t use. This is because colours in tile boxes can vary. The batch you buy today, even though the same type, may be darker or lighter than the ones you will buy next week.
Lay out the tiles you want for the area to be tiled and try to mix and match the variations of the colours (if needed).
Duration of job:
Depends on the amount to be tiled, but give yourself a day to get the job done if you’re an amateur. Remember you also need 2-3 hours the following day (or a couple of days after) to grout.
Difficulty: 6 out of 10
Essential tools for tiling
tile cutter
spiral mixer
trowel
scraper
tile marker
grout float
claw hammer
hacksaw
grout finisher
Other tiling tools
safety goggles (recommended)
dust mask
For tiling, you may also need
Tiles, Wall tile spacers, grout, sealant, corner trim
How to prepare a wall for tiles
1. Start applying your adhesive in the corner of two walls so that you can make the best of the two straight lines. If you’re not starting from the edge of the wall, nail in some temporary battens (using thin strips of wood) to give you the right angle to work with.
2. Apply adhesive (on the wall to be tiled) by scooping it up with your trowel. Only apply in 1 square metre at a time because it may dry out before you’re ready to use it. Press adhesive to wall firmly.
3. Once the adhesive is applied, spread it out evenly with a notched spreader
(this is a spreader with ridges). Click on the link to see what it looks like. If the spreader is scraping the wall slightly you know that the adhesive is being applied evenly.
Something to think about: Ready-made adhesive (ones you don’t have to mix) can have problems in drying because they depend on the water content evaporating. The adhesive you have to mix will dry quicker because they dry due to a chemical reaction with the air. It may be worth using a quick-drying adhesive if you want to grout the next day. Also, remember to get adhesive which is suitable to the tiles you wish to use for the job.
How to set your tiles down
1. Place the first tile into the right-angle corner of your two walls. Press it in firmly so it makes contact throughout with the adhesive.
2. Place your second and third tiles beside and above your first, respectively. Put your tile spacer into the space between the angles and move the tiles around to fit squarely against the spacer.
3. Push spacers in properly and make sure they’re straight. They are to be grouted over, so you want them to be neat and below the surface of the tiles.
4. Continue tiling until you’ve run out of adhesive-covered wall.
5. Wipe any adhesive off tiles (you don’t want it to dry on because it’s a nightmare to get off) and apply more to another area. Do this until you need to cut tiles.
Cutting your tiles
If you can borrow a tile cutting machine
from family or friends, you should do this because this make the job go faster. These tools are also available from local tool shops, which will loan them out to you for a small fee. If the job is small, you’d be fine with a tile scribe or a scorer. The tile scribe can be used for small jobs and will be suitable for most types of tiles. Stay away from round corners if you’re an amateur, but if you can’t, you may need a tile saw to do the job. This is something you may have to borrow or rent if you only need it for one occasion. You can click on any of the links above to see what the various tools look like. All of them will take you to Amazon, from where they can be bought.
Here’s how to mark a tile for cutting:
Grouting your tiles
and spread it carefully over your tiles. It’s advisable to use long, upward strokes and work the grout well into all the creases.
The Yorkshire Tile Company has a great selaction of tiles for the home. Check their collection out today.
How I wish I found this article last month. I hired someone to do the job for me. The finished product was not really that good. I also rent a tile cutting machine. If I found this earlier, I could have save a penny if I let my brother do the work with my assistance.
Hi Anne,
I appreciate your efforts to detail such things on your post which truly helps everyone and it helps them to know some basics about tiling work even if they do not go ahead doing the job.I am the most laziest person on this earth and i prefer theoretical knowledge only rather than doing this on my own but nevertheless your post is very interesting and i never fail to read them.
Great article.Thanks for sharing some nice tips to tile a wall.I have considered the option of tiling a wall on my own because I am very excited to try it on my own.I have a friend of mine who can guide me in this matter also because he has the expertise.
Nice post.Thanks for sharing this post and after reading this I have got some idea about tiling.I am still not sure whether i should go about doing the tiling at home or not.i think i would better hire someone to do the work rather than doing it on my own because I am very lazy.
Laying tile floors can be difficult for someone new and tiling walls can be even harder.It is better to hire some contractor than doing the work on our own.Also If the work is done without the help of any contractors it can definitely save some money but it is still beneficial for someone else already having the expertise to do it.
I know what you mean, Victoria. It’s good to have a qualified person to do the job. However, things like tiling, especially the floor, can be easier than you think. If in doubt, always do a small part first and view the impact.
Learning how to do things around the house can be beneficial to families trying to get (or stay) on the property ladder.
It is not difficult to tile a wall.The only thing needed is to know the procedure of tiling properly.The article described gives a clear and detailed picture about how to begin your tiling work.After reading this article i have decided to tile my house on my own which will help me save some bucks.
I have learned some basic things after reading your blog which i had no idea at all before.It would be great to implement this learning practically.We often end up spending more than required when we hire someone from out.So it would be definitely better to go about this on your own and if your ready to take the trouble.It was my pleasure reading this article.Thanks.
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The article described is superb and i have learned quiet a lot of things.I would definitely like to go about and tile my house.I agree with you Anne that it is not worthy spending money as much as tilers charge.Also it is great when you have done the work yourself.It will definitely help readers and subscribers.The tiling process describes here is so easily understandable. I really loved reading your post.
Hey Anne I too am in a mess with my broken kitchen tile. It was when I was searching for ways to mend it up on the net that I came across your post. I was so convinced by your post that I actually thought of doing it myself, just to see how things work out. And let me tell you its not at all difficult, you just need an idea. I read your article many times to learn the steps and it actually helped me, thanks a lot dear for sharing the post.
I’m always encouraged by comments like these, Terry. So glad I could help. Let me know how it all turns out.
Twitter: HardworkinJudy
October 2, 2012 at 2:55 am #
Anne, I tiled my own kitchen floor and loved it when it was done. It is so rewarding. The old tile was chipped and worn. It makes the room look brand new. I saved my leftover for repairs but someone threw them out. Imagine!
Excellent tips. Thanks!
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Yes. It’s great when you’ve done the work yourself and can see how different the before and after effects are.
I did a whole lot of work myself in our home. It looks great, but not only that we saved a lot of money and can now show people what we’ve achieved ourselves.
I think this is a a very helpful post. Like David mentioned, we could save so much of money. Another thing I would like to point out is you have mentioned all the tools and materials that we will need for tiling. The post is informative and gives a step-by-step description. I like how the post is well-organized and tells you in proper order how you should go about tiling your own house. Thanks for sharing Anne.
Thanks for your comment Chris. This post took a very long time to write, but it’s great when it all comes together and can be used to help readers and subscribers. It’s all worth it!
Looks like Anne you have done a hell lot of a research for this post. Its good for us only as it saved us the effort to search it all over the net. Well frankly speaking we all need to dish out some amount of money after tile work every once in a while, so having a blog post explaining every part to you so that you can try it yourself is really appreciable.
HI Nelson, having done tiling myself, I can tell you that it’s not worth spending as much money as tilers charge. It’s one of those jobs that seem harder than it really is. Floor tiling is a lot easier than wall tiling, but as you said, this post covers it well. Hope you can save yourself some cash the next time you need a bit of tiling done 🙂
Hi Anne, Thank you so much for sharing such invaluable information with us. I agree with David when he says that often we end up spending too much money on jobs that we can do ourselves. Often tiling does cost you a fortune if you hire someone for the job and there is a chance that you may not be happy with the way the job is done. With these tips, I’m sure many of us will be a lot more happier as we won’t have to spend that hard earned money on contractors. Thanks again.
You’re welcome, Harry. Thanks for stopping by.
I may have to do this soon and was dreading it (I am horrible with any kind of renovation projects) this article helped me lots, thanks.
Hi Andy, I’m sure you’ll be fine. As I mentioned before, tiling is a job that seems harder than it actually is. The cutting is the hardest part, but if you don’t have to cut any tiles, you’ll be flying by the time you’ve laid your first four.
Great tips Anne. This explains the tiling process so deeply and clearly that I feel ready to do it on my own. I have spend so much money on small tiling jobs around the house. With this guide, I can save that money and do the job myself. Thanks for sharing it.
Hi David. If you try it, please let us know how you get on. Thanks for stopping by.