- 1). Inspect the wall where you are installing the tile. It should be level and flat. Tile can be installed directly onto drywall or laminated plywood substrates, but they must be flat and level. If you have any concerns, cover the wall with cement backerboard, screwed down with backerboard screws every 6 to 8 inches on center.
- 2). Snap a 6-by-6 inch chalk line grid over the entire wall. The lines of chalk represent the space between tiles and each square of the grid is one tile. The portion of the wall that meets the floor should have a chalk line (representing a space). This allows you to work out the tile placement before beginning installation as well as seeing where tile will need cutting to fit the design.
- 3). Place the 1-by-2-inch lumber on the line of the second row of tiles on the grid -- one tile space from the floor. Use the level to ensure the lumber is flat, then tack it to the wall with finishing nails and the hammer. That gives the second row of tiles a solid ledge to rest on and helps ensure that the tiles are installed on level. The bottom row of tiles will be installed last.
- 4). Mix the mortar per the manufacturer's directions then spread a 1/8-inch-thick layer over about three tile spaces on the center of the second row. Furrow the mortar with the notches of the trowel. Set the tiles in position, spacing the sides with tiles spacers, with the lower edge resting on the lumber ledge.
- 5). Continue spreading mortar and installing tiles along the second row, spacing with tile spacers. Once complete, move to the next row up and so on until all the tiles are installed, save those needing resizing along the edges and the first row along the floor.
- 6). Cut the tiles to finish the wall with the tile cutter or with the tile nippers. Spread thinset mortar on the backs of these tiles and put them in place.
Remove the lumber ledge from the wall, then install the bottom row of tiles. Maintain the space between the bottom of these tiles and the floor; if need be, insert tile spacers to ensure the space remains clear. - 7). Leave the mortar to cure overnight. Remove the tile spacers, then use the grout float to spread grout into the spaces between the tiles. Work in small areas at a time, using the grout sponge as you go to remove excess grout from the tile faces. Do not grout the space between the tiles and the floor.
Once all the grout is in the tile joints, apply a thin line of caulk to the space between the floor and first row of wall tiles. Wet your finger and run it over the caulk to create a smooth seal. - 8). Leave the wall to cure for three days before assuming normal use of the room. If the wall is in a moisture-prone area, consider using a tile sealer to protect them from excess moisture.
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