How to Tile a Wall: Step by Step

Tiling a wall can transform a plain surface into a stunning focal point, adding both aesthetic appeal and functional durability to your space. Whether you're refreshing a kitchen backsplash, updating a bathroom, or giving a fresh look to any room, mastering the art of wall tiling can be a rewarding and cost-effective DIY project.

In This Article

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to achieve professional-quality results, even if you're a beginner. From selecting the right materials and tools to prepping your wall and applying the finishing touches, we’ll cover each stage in detail, ensuring you have the confidence and knowledge to tackle your tiling project with ease.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your trowel, and let’s get started on creating a beautifully tiled wall that you can be proud of for years to come.

Tools You'll Need

Gloves
Sponges
Buckets
Mixing drill
Notched trowel
Tile cutter
Level
Tile spacers and wedge spacers
Measuring tape
Marking tool
Drill
Box knife
Clean microfiber rags
Hole saw
Grout float
Margin trowel
Grout brush or toothbrush
Utility pick

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Prepare Your Walls

A tile installation is only as strong as what it’s bonded to. Making sure your drywall is in good condition and the paint is not peeling will ensure a lasting installation.

If tiling a wall that is not in a “wet area” (such as a shower), it’s perfectly acceptable to tile over painted drywall so long as the walls are in good condition. If you have any loose or flaking paint, you will need to address those first before getting started by scraping off any loose paint with a paint scraper. Finally, wipe down walls with a lightly damp sponge to pick up any dirt, dust or debris, as these can act as bond breakers which essentially causes thinset not to adhere to the surface properly.

If you are tiling over fresh drywall, be sure to tape and float the seams and apply a tile bonding primer before getting started.

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Plan Your Tile Layout

To plan your layout for tiling a wall, you will need to select your spacer size, determine what focal points you have in your specific space, and maybe hang a ledger board depending on the location you are tiling.

Select Your Spacer Size

Before you decide on your tile layout, you will need to choose a spacer size. Some tile manufacturers will indicate which size of tile spacer they recommend. Always check for this, as some tiles can have slight variations in size, and using spacers that are too small can result in uneven installation.

Find Your Focal Point

Next, start looking at the space to determine what your focal point or center will be. For example, if tiling a backsplash, sometimes it will look best to center the layout over the stove, sink or another focal point in the room. On a feature wall or vanity backsplash, you can just measure to mark the center point in the wall and create a center line using a level.

For the horizontal layout (how many tiles will run left to right), measure your space and divide that by the width of your tile plus one spacer. (For instance, if your tiles are 6” wide and spacers are 1/16” wide, divide the width of your wall by 6 1/16”.)

For the vertical layout, start by measuring the height of the wall. Then note the height of your tile plus a spacer size and divide the wall size by that number to determine how many full tiles you will have running vertically on your installation.

If you are tiling around a vanity, you will have to account for the counter height. Many people want to ensure that a row of full tiles runs across the vanity top/countertop. A simple way to do this is to first measure from the counter line up to the ceiling, beginning your layout with a row of full tiles. Then, you can measure between the counter line and the floor or baseboard, treating the lower portion of the wall as an area separate from portion above the vanity. This will ensure full tiles running across your vanity top or countertop.

Hang a Ledger Board

If you are planning to tile continuously above a countertop, like a kitchen backsplash, but will need to do so over open spaces where there is no counter (such as where your stove or dishwasher will go), hanging a ledger board is a great option.

A ledger board is a thin and sturdy piece of wood that will help ensure correct tile placement and support the weight of the tiles above while your thinset cures. You can even use 1x2 MDF boards from your local hardware store that have been cut down to size and screwed into the studs behind your wall.

To hang a ledger board, locate the studs and mark where to place your screws. Next, use a level to draw out a line that is flush with your countertop. This will help you guide the placement of your ledger board.

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Begin Laying Tile

Apply Thinset to Wall

Using the flat side of your trowel, apply some mortar and scrape a thin layer of thinset along the wall where you will be setting the first row of tiles. Applying the first, thin layer of thinset is called “burning in.”

Next, apply more thinset mortar to the wall, this time using the notched side of the trowel to spread thinset. Run your notches all in the same direction, ideally parallel with the shortest side of your tiles. This will allow air to escape quickly for maximum adhesion when you apply the tiles.

Apply Thinset to Tiles

To get the best coverage of thinset and the strongest bonding tiles, use the flat side of your trowel to “burn in” a small amount of thinset to the back of each tile before installing it.

Adhere Tiles to Wall

When it’s time to place your first wall tile, the best method is to press the tile firmly into place, moving it back and forth slightly in the opposite direction of your trowel lines. This motion helps collapse the ridges of thinset behind your tile, allowing air to escape.

Check for Coverage

As you lay your first row of tiles, you will want to remove a tile to check if you are getting the proper amount of coverage on the back of the tiles. The TCNA states that it is required tiles in a dry area have a minimum of 80% coverage. If you are not getting the proper amount of coverage, go up to the next largest size of notch trowel and try again.

Ensure Rows are Level

Throughout your installation, you will need to ensure that your tiles are level, both horizontally and vertically. When your first row is complete, use a level or straightedge to check your work before proceeding with the next row. Do this throughout your installation, checking every row (or every few rows) and making adjustments if needed.

Add Spacers for Expansion

If tiling to a countertop, floor, or any adjacent surface, be sure to place spacers under your first row of tiles to allow room for expansion. It is required by ANSI that silicone be used at all changes of planes.

Clean Tiles as You Go

The longer thinset sits on the surface of your tile and in your grout joints, the harder it is to clean. Keep a grout brush or toothbrush, clean sponge, and pick nearby to clean your tiles periodically as you go. This will cut down on work later in your project as you prepare to grout.

You may remove your spacers temporarily to clean a few rows of tile at a time while you tile up the wall to make cleaning easier. Just be sure to remember to replace these spacers before proceeding.

Pro Tip: Cutting the Tile

At some point in your tile project, you will need to consider cutting your tiles. Three common tools for cutting tile are a wet saw, snap cutter and angle grinder.

Our tutorial on How to Cut Tile includes detailed instructions and helpful tips on each method. You can also find instructions for cutting various materials, which cutting methods are best for different tile types, and important safety tips to keep in mind during your project.