How To Install Tile To Wall

Test a tile to make sure the mortar is mixed and spread correctly.

How to install tile to wall.

Starting in the center on one side of your reference line apply a coat of tile setting adhesive to an area about 3x3 feet square. If it seems complicated try this. Install tiles one through four as directed. Hold a tile at this spot accounting for a 1 8 inch expansion gap.

To see where the tile will end at the top of the installation make a jury stick. Add tile spacers for help keeping the tile pieces lined up. You can make straight cuts on tiles with a manual tile cutter or a tile wet saw. Take care not to cover your lines.

Use tile nippers for curved cuts. Nippers create rough edges that you can smooth somewhat with 80 grit sandpaper. For the average small wall tiles which are currently popular you will want to use a 1x4 square notch trowel. Slightly rock the sheet up and down perpendicular to the trowel lines to collapse the ridges and help the tile settle into place.

Place the mosaic sheets along the wall. Pull the tile up and look at the pattern that is create on the back. Mark the wall at the top of the tile. During the wall tile installation process you will likely need to cut some tiles to fit.

Then use a level to extend the line along the work area. Mortar a small spot and then place a tile. Spread the adhesive with the smooth side of your notched trowel and then go over it with the notched side to create ridges in the adhesive. Then every subsequent row is a process of draping over the pyramid back and forth.

Follow the lines you made when the tiles were dry fit to the wall. This line serves as your cutting guide to fit tile along the counter.