Laying out wall tile is different than floor tile in that everything has to be kept level. Let’s start with tiling over a tub or shower. Starting with the longest wall, determine if the tub or shower pan is level. If it is, great; if it isn’t than you need to determine how out of level it is and decide if it will be noticeable to simply have a larger caulk line at one end than the other. If you can get away with different caulk lines simply start one end lower and gradually shim the tile toward the other end, checking levelness as you go. If the tub or shower pan is more than 1/8” out of level over 4’ than you need to start the first row with cut tiles. Put one piece of tile at the lowest point with a 1/8” to ¼” spacer under it, than draw a level line from the top of that tile all the way across the wall. Transfer this level line to the other 2 walls to keep all 3 walls running the same. Allowing for the same size spacer previously used measure up to the level line and cut each tile to the correct size, numbering them on the back so you know which tile goes where. On the back wall draw a vertical level line down the center of the wall and lay out your tiles from the center to the edge, using any spacers you plan to use. If the last tile comes out with at least a third of a tile than you’re ready to start setting tile. If the last tile is too small move your vertical level line to provide the largest tile possible on both sides. For the 2 side wall you will need to determine whether the walls outside of the tub/shower are going to be tiled or not. If the entire wall is going to be tiled simply extend your level line the entire length of the wall. After setting the tile around the tub/shower screw a firing strip under this line and continue setting tile on the firing strip. After the tile sets enough to hold on its own remove the firing strip and tile down to the floor. This may involve some tricky cuts at the bottom but will provide the best look and is worth the extra cutting. If using edge tile to end the tile just outside of the tub/shower than you need to draw a vertical level line where you want the regular tile to end.

If you are using a natural stone tile this should be sealed prior to installation to prevent discoloration and filling in of natural fissures in the stone. Use the proper thinset mortar for the tile you are using. Natural stone requires a different mortar than ceramic and porcelain tile. Buying a better grade of mortar is always best. Mix your thinset mortar according to directions on the bag. Start setting your tiles in the tub/shower on the back wall, from your vertical level line in either direction using the numbered tiles you cut earlier. Apply the mortar, using a trowel with the correct notches recommended on the bag of mortar, only as far as you can tile in a few minutes. Complete the entire wall than start either of the side walls. If the side wall is going to cover the entire wall draw a vertical level line about 1/8” past the tub/shower edge and start setting your tile from this line toward the completed back wall using the tile you cut and numbered earlier. Continue setting tile up the wall until you finish tiling around the tub/shower. Repeat this procedure for the other wall than either start setting the rest of the tile as earlier discussed or set your edge tiles around the walls. For the best look it is always a good idea to run your edge tile so that grout lines match the tile grout lines if they are the same size as the tile.

Allow at least 24 hours for mortar to setup. Than mix your grout as described on the bag and using a grout float fill in all the grout lines using a diagonal motion across the tile. As soon as the grout forms a film on the tile use a grout sponge to remove the excess grout. DO NOT WAIT TOO LONG! Grout is hard to remove from tile once it sets so try small areas until you get the timing correct. After sponging off the excess grout wait 24 hours, than use a lint free rag to remove any film and polish the tile. Follow the directions on the sealer you will be using and complete the work by applying sealer. After the sealer dries caulk around the tub with a silicone caulk and caulk the vertical corners with a grout caulk that matches your caulk color. After 24 hours you can start using your tub/shower.

TIPS: Two people setting tile makes the job go much faster, one person setting the tile and one person making the cuts and mixing the mortar. Set the tile with a twisting motion to properly set the tile in the mortar. Pull off a set piece of tile every now and then to ensure the wall and tile are completely covered and adhering. Keep mixing the mortar as you go along to delay it from setting in the bucket. Once the mortar starts feeling dry throw it away and start with new mortar, the mortar must be wet enough to penetrate the tile and wall or it will not adhere. When using tile 12” and larger butter the back of each tile with mortar to help with adhesion. Keep your trowel at a 45 degree angle at all times to keep your mortar thickness even.