If you’ve ever wondered how to install tile without calling a professional, you’ve come to the right place. Maybe you’re a “Fixer Upper” devotee, and after watching your umpteenth episode it’s hard to not be inspired to undertake a home renovation of your own. After all, anyone who has watched home improvement shows knows the value of an upgrade: it can renew your sense of pride in your home and even boost your home’s value.
But while a total overhaul might be out of the question, a smaller, more manageable project like adding a tile accent to your kitchen or bathroom is a great place to start. Because when it comes down to it, tiling your home is a task you can do yourself. (Hey, we believe in you!) Here’s how to do it.
How to install tile
Gather the following items:
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Tile
- Tile spacers
- Grout
- Tile cutter/wet saw
- Plastic sheet
- Power drill
- Ledger board
- Sponge
- Cleaning solution
- Joint compound
- Joint knife
- Measuring tape
- Mixing paddle
- Notch trowel
- Permanent marker (optional)
- Buckets
1. Turn off the power
On the circuit breaker, turn off the power to the area you will be tiling. Remove the outlet covers in that area as well.
3. Move your appliances away from the wall
5. Make sure the wall is clean
Wipe down your wall with cleaning solution and water. If it has a glossy finish, it will need to be sanded or deglossed.
7. Find the center of the wall
Using a tape measure, find the center of the wall and mark it with a pencil.
9. Spread the mortar on the wall
Spread some mortar on the wall and comb over it with a notch trowel.
11. Cut the tile, if necessary
If you need to cut a piece of tile, mark it with a permanent marker and cut it with a wet saw.
13. Let the mortar set for 24 hours
15. Apply the grout across the tiles with a rubber float
Make sure the grout gets into every gap. For best results, rub it into the tile at an angle.
17. Finish the tiling
Allow the tile to dry for the amount of time specified on the grout sealer instructions; apply the grout sealer. Remove the plastic sheet and painter’s tape. Apply caulk to the expansions between the tile and the countertop. Put back all outlets and switch plates.
For more details on installing tile in your home, watch the video below, courtesy of Lowe’s.
