Laying wall tiles: Instructions and tips

Tile surfaces are almost indestructible - so that this is permanent, there are a few things you should consider when laying the tiles. We show you step by step and with numerous tips on how to lay wall tiles correctly.

Table of contents Table of contents Laying wall tiles: Instructions and tips

• Step 1: prepare the surface
• Step 2: check the distances
• Step 3: Measure the distances with a spirit level
• Step 4: Spoiled for choice when choosing materials
• Step 5: Now the tiles are glued on
• Step 6: grouting wall tiles

Table of contents Table of contents Laying wall tiles: Instructions and tips

• Step 1: prepare the surface
• Step 2: check the distances
• Step 3: Measure the distances with a spirit level
• Step 4: Spoiled for choice when choosing materials
• Step 5: Now the tiles are glued on
• Step 6: grouting wall tiles

Tiles are traditionally laid in a mortar bed, a so-called thick bed. However, the thick bed process requires a lot of skill and also one and a half or more centimeters in height. A simpler method is the so-called thin bed method. A height of three to four millimeters is sufficient for this.

Step 1: prepare the surface

You can carefully chop off the old tiles with a hammer and chisel.

Photo: Kirchner / The house

Before you can lay the new wall tiles, you should carefully cut off the old layer of tiles with a hammer and chisel. You can then take these to the landfill or simply order a container for rubble. After you have completely freed the surface, the thick bed layer becomes visible. Remove loose pieces of mortar. Then you should spray the two to three centimeter thick mortar cake with water - the mass should only be slightly damp, not shiny - and start with a trowel. With a spatula and quick-drying ready-mixed mortar (cement-based, does not swell when wet), repair uneven areas and smooth out cavities, allow to dry well.

Step 2: check the distances

You can drill cutouts for pipes or fittings.

Photo: Kirchner / The house

Don't forget to check the distances. For this you should measure how the plate format fits on the wall. It is best to draw a vertical line where you want a joint to be later. In addition, draw a horizontal line at tile height. Now the plate format is roughly sketched on the wall and you can lay out the first tile. You should work from the bottom up. Glue the vertical wall surfaces first, then the storage surfaces.

You can easily cut tiles with a cutting machine.

Photo: Kirchner / The house

Tip: If your tiles are too big, you can also cut them with a cutting machine or break them with a pair of tongs. If you need cutouts for pipes or fittings, then carefully drill a hole first. Then nibble with parrot tongs and saw out with a diamond or hard metal blade.

First measure how the plate format fits on the wall.

Photo: Kirchner / The house

Step 3: Measure the distances with a spirit level

Before you start laying out the tiles, you should measure the distances. So-called laser spirit levels are particularly suitable for measuring. These make it easier to measure distances compared to old-fashioned spirit levels.

Tip: Are you unsure how high your tiles should be in the shower area? To determine the correct height, you can place the laser spirit level on the top step of a ladder. With dark tiles, you can mark the point of impact of the laser on the wall with a white pen.

In contrast to old-fashioned water trolleys, a laser spirit level makes precise measurement easier.

Photo: Kirchner / The house

Step 4: Spoiled for choice when choosing materials

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to material. Tiles are available with or without glaze, with a structured or smooth surface. There are large tiles, but also tile mats. With tile mats, you can also cover large areas with small-sized stones. However, before you stick the tile mats or tiles to the wall, you should first prime the wall with sealant so that it is waterproof.

Tip: If you want to use earthenware or earthenware tiles, these are only suitable for indoor use. These are in fact porous, but their glaze makes them susceptible to frost.

Tiles are available in numerous designs. You are spoiled for choice here.

Photo: Kirchner / The house

Step 5: Now the tiles are glued on

The tiles can be knocked on carefully.

Photo: Kirchner / The house

To do this, you should apply the adhesive with a smoothing trowel and then comb vertically with the notched trowel. Comb the top edge of the adhesive bed horizontally. So no water can get behind the tiles and migrate down the adhesive grooves. After gluing, you should clean the joints with a damp sponge. Finally, tap the tiles carefully with your fist or a rubber mallet. If you notice that a narrow edge piece is created, then slightly increase the spacing of the joints before the end.

Tip: Always apply only as much adhesive as you can tile in 20 minutes.

Step 6: grouting wall tiles

The freshly tiled surface should dry for at least 24 hours. Then the wall can be grouted. Joint powder is available in all common sanitary colors. Special additives are available for waterproof joints. Stir the joint powder into a creamy paste and rub it firmly into the joints with the rubber spatula. Then wipe gently in the direction of the joint with a damp sponge and let dry. You can remove remains with your finger.

Tip: If you remove remnants with your finger, you should wear tight-fitting disposable gloves.

Your freshly tiled wall should be grouted after 24 hours at the earliest.

Photo: Kirchner / The house