How to Put Tile on a Wall
- 1). Layout and plan for the tile installation. Start by laying out a vertical line with your pencil in the middle of the widest wall, the wall that spans the length of the tub. Use a tape measure to get the exact measurements and a straight edge to draw the line., From this line, layout a series of tiles all the way to the corner. Make adjustments to the center-line until you are able to achieve a half tile installation at the corner. Now create a level horizontal line for the top of the tile wall. Make any adjustments necessary to the height so that the top piece of tile on the wall is one whole piece. The cap piece, or quarter round, will sit directly on top of this piece.
- 2). Using tile adhesive and a notched trowel, apply an even layer of adhesive across a small area near your starting point, no more than 2-feet by 2-feet. Slide the tile into place as opposed to pushing it into place. Once in place give it a little back and forth twist to make sure it is firmly set into the adhesive. To help you keep your tile aligned properly and with straight mortar joints, use plastic tile spacers. Be sure to leave a 1/4-inch gap between the bottom tile and lip of the tub just as you did with the backer board. This 1/4-inch gap has to be a caulk joint.
- 3). Wait at least two days before installing the grout. Most importantly, clean and seal your tile prior to grout installation. Forgo this step and you will have to live with permanent grout haze on your tile.
