Tiling a wall requires patience and preparation. It can seem like a task best left for a tradesperson but with a little bit of extra care and attention, you will be able to lay tiles like a pro.

After you’ve read our guide, you will know which tools to use and how to use them. By following our simple step-by-step instructions, you’ll have everything you need to carry out the job. 

The best place to start, here are all the essential tools you’ll need for laying tiles.

• Tiles – Goes without saying really. Before you begin, select the type and design of wall tile that will fit your room best.
• Wall tile adhesive – There are many types of adhesive available, they are usually labelled clearly with where it will be used best, and with which type of tile.
• Tile spacers – An essential item, use tile spacers to help maintain consistent gaps between tiles, ensuring they look even and professional once laid.
• Trowel – A notched spreader is ideal to use to spread the adhesive evenly.
• Tile cutter – Cut tiles to the required size, allows you to circumnavigate those awkward bathroom and kitchen fixtures.
• Tile nipper – A hand-held tool that will help you chip off smaller pieces of tile to fit into awkward bends and corners
• Spirit level – Make sure those tiles are laid nice and flat.
• Sponge – To remove excess adhesive as you lay the tiles.
• Rubber mallet – To make the tiles good and secure and attach them securely to the adhesive.
• Grouting & grout float – After tiles are laid they will need grouting, we will cover this in more depth below.
• Tape measure & pencil – To measure and mark the wall and your tiles when needed.
• Masking tape – Demarcate areas for tiling or protect skirting from adhesive and grouting.
• Protective gear – Protective goggles are advisable, keeping pieces of chipped tile from damaging your eyes.

The next step is to prepare your room for tiling. Here are the steps to take to effectively get ready for laying tile.

Tiles can be laid on almost any surface, even other tiles. The surface needs to be even and free from damp. Ensure you choose the correct adhesive for the job.

Step 1 – Clean the wall surface. Remove debris and dust, and make sure the wall is completely dry before starting. If the wall is uneven, consider using a backing board to create a suitable underlay for better tile adhesion.

Step 2 – Plan the layout of your tiles in the room. Measure the wall and find the centre point, you will want to tile from the centre outward, this ensures an even appearance to the tiles.

Once the wall is prepared you can get started. Below is a step-by-step guide to installing wall tiles.

Step 1 – Prepare your adhesive. 

Make sure you read the instructions for the preparation of your tile adhesive, since it can vary depending on your tile type etc. it is best to check before you start.

Step 2 – Applying the adhesive.

Start at the position you have marked out in the centre of the wall. Use a trowel to apply the adhesive and then a notched trowel to spread it over an area of 1m2. It is best to use the smooth side of the trowel to spread and then drag the serrated edge back through it to create ridges. These tooth ridges allow air to escape when you are laying the tile, ensuring there are no voids and helping to provide a firmer hold.

Step 3 – Laying tile. 

Place the first tile firmly into the adhesive and twist it to better bed it in place. Using tile spacers between each tile, repeat the process, ensuring each tile is evenly spaced. Push the tile spacer in firmly so you can grout over them.

Step 4 – Check as you go. 

As you continue to apply the tiles, check every now and then that they are flat. If tiles are not level, you can use the mallet to gently tap the tile and bring it level with the rest. Remove the extra adhesive that bulges up between the gaps in the tile as you go with a wet sponge. Take your time and you should be fine.

Step 5 – Cut tiles. 

Inevitably, the last tiles you will have to deal with will probably need cutting. We advise wearing goggles and gloves when you cut tiles. Make sure you think about the space needed for grouting when you cut tiles to go up against walls, you can even use a paper template to cut the shape before marking your tile. Once marked, cut them and if the edges are rough after cutting, use a tile file to smooth it off.

Step 6 – Leave to dry. 

Tile adhesive can take up to 48 hours to dry. It is best to leave it for as long as you can before moving on to grouting.

After you have laid your tiles, there is one more job to carry out. Tile grout comes in many colours and it is best to select a colour that compliments your tiles. Follow these steps to effectively grout your tiles.

Step 1 – Remove any dust or debris from the surface of your beautifully laid tiles, make sure there aren’t any tile spacers sticking out in between your tiles.

Step 2 – Work the grout diagonally across the surface with a grout float, ensuring the grout fills all of the gaps in between the tiles. Grout should be level with the surface of the tile. Remove any excess as you go.

Step 3 – During the process, smooth the joints with a grout finisher, this compacts the grout down and leaves a neat, clean finish. Once again, wipe any excess away with a damp sponge.

Step 4 – When dry, clean the surface of the tiles again if necessary.

Step 5 – This step can be optional, think about applying a sealant to the tiles. This provides a flexible seal that allows any movement or expansion of the tile to be easily accommodated.

And there you have it, in a nutshell. Tiling can often be a time-consuming task but ultimately worth it. With patience and attention to detail, you will achieve a professional-looking result.

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