Keep tiles plumb, level and square when tiling on a wall.
Tiling bathroom walls, showers or a countertop backsplash means the tiles will be placed on a wall. Like any tile layout, installation of tiles on a vertical surface requires some preparation. The actual installation is not all that different from tiling on the floor, although your back and knees probably won't complain as much. The adhesive force of the glue or mortar will hold the tiles in place; starting from the bottom and working up keeps the tiles from sliding down the wall.
Instructions
1. Check the bottom surface on which the lowest row of tiles will rest with the 4-foot level. A surface that is not level will either have to be leveled, which is the best choice, or tile will have to be cut to fit along the out-of-level surface.
2. Measure up the height of one tile and draw a horizontal level line across the width of the area to be tiled using the 4-foot level . Draw this line as accurately as possible and as level as possible. Make vertical lines with the level that correspond to a column of tiles. You want to be able to put the level on the line and see the edges of the tiles line up with it. Use the square to ensure the horizontal and vertical lines are square with each other.
3. Spread the mortar or adhesive using the correct notched trowel for the tile size. Most installations will use a 1/4-by-1/4-by-1/4-inch notched trowel. Only spread mortar or adhesive over a small area to get started, at the bottom of the installation. A 2-foot-wide by 1-foot-high space is a good start for small tiles.
4. Place tiles on the mortar or adhesive and align them with the layout lines. Use the level as necessary to keep the tiles aligned with the lines. Line up the level with the layout line and keep the tile edges against the level. Press the tiles into the mortar or adhesive for a good bond and keep the surface of the tiles even with each other by laying the level across them.
5. Place spacers between tiles. Each spacer should be snug but not so tight it is compressed. Work from the bottom up in rows and columns. Take your time and every few tiles take a few steps back to inspect your work. Keep tiles in perfect rows and columns and the end result will be a professional-looking installation. Work in small sections a few tiles wide and high. Tile one small section, then move horizontally to the next.
6. Let the adhesive or mortar set up overnight and mix grout according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply the grout with a grout float and work it into the grout lines. Use a damp sponge to keep the tiles clean and the grout lines smooth. Allow the grout to cure for two full days, keeping it moist damp sponge. Let it dry a third day and apply a grout sealer.
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