Tile can make an excellent addition to many projects, but installing it correctly takes both skill and time. If time is an issue, consider hiring a professional tile layer instead.
Before beginning, make sure that the area where you will tile is free from dirt or debris - this will allow the mortar to adhere easily, saving time in future cleanup! Plus it means less hassle in general!
When installing tile on either floors or walls, use an anti-water resistant underlayment. Cement backer board or plywood are typically ideal; this will provide your tiles with enough rigidity and height needed for proper installation.
Tiles should be laid in a two by three foot grid and evenly spaced out in their location. Furthermore, each piece should be cut so as to fit this grid with roughly equal cuts on opposite sides for lippage avoidance.
Set each row of tiles using a straightedge parallel to the chalk line that you marked between the walls in Step 2, using the edge of the first tile as your guide, placing it down first and working your way out from there.
Level your tile using a framing square or A-square to hold each edge steady. Practice this method until it becomes second nature.
Once your adhesive mortar has dried for an appropriate period, it's time to grout. This will fill in any joints between tiles and make your project appear professional. Simply spread some grout with a trowel over just the necessary areas while clearing away any extra.
