Applying ceramic tile to the wall provides stability and protects the wall and its insides from water leakage. Bath and shower areas without tile on the walls present problems to paint and walls, so it’s advisable to have tile on the walls before you run water in the area. Plus, having tile on the walls is also a great way to give your bathroom or kitchen a little extra visual flair. Here’s what to do.


Step 1: Measure the area of wall that you need to cover in tile and take the measurements to the hardware store. Buy as many tiles as you need to fill the area, plus a few extra.

Step 2: Make sure the underlying wall is in top condition. If there are any holes, patch them. Figure out where the studs are and mark them.

Step 3: Apply a backerboard to the wall. Cut it with a utility knife to the correct dimensions, and then attach it to the studs with your drill and some long galvanized screws. Fill the seams between the backerboard and wall with a coat of joint compound.

Step 4: Time to start applying the tiles. Make sure that you use full tiles in areas where they will be most visible and cut tiles where they will be least visible. Lay out a row of tiles on the floor with plastic spacers between them and make sure you have the pattern right

Step 5: Mark the starting point on your wall and use a level to draw a straight vertical line to this point. This will show you where to place the first row of tile.

Step 6: Use a trowel to scoop out some adhesive and spread it onto a section of the wall. Place the first tile with a twisting motion, making sure it is flush with the vertical line you drew. Tap it with a 2×4 to lock it firmly into place.

Step 7: Continue the same process for the rest of the wall, using your tile spacers to leave room for the grout.

Step 8: When the tiles have been given time to set, add the grout. Grout all the seams between tiles, but avoid the spaces around the rim of the bathtub, as these will be filled with caulk.

Step 9: Run a line of caulk along the joint between the tub and the tiles. Wipe the surface of the tiles with a damp cloth, and give the whole setup at least a day to dry.