How to Tile a Bathroom Wall with Large Tiles

Tiles are an excellent option for adding color and style to a bathroom. Learning how to tile a bathroom wall with large tiles can transform your space into a modern and stylish one.

By handling the tiling yourself, you can significantly reduce costs. But tiling can seem intimidating, particularly for beginners. However, with proper preparation and techniques, you can successfully tile even a large bathroom wall with sizable tiles.

In this blog post, we'll cover everything you need to know to tile your bathroom walls using large tiles effectively.

A Fundamental Step in Learning How to tile a Bathroom Wall with large tiles.

Before you begin, it's essential to prepare your bathroom wall properly. Clean the surface thoroughly, ensuring it's free from dust, grease, and any loose materials. Prep the wall by applying a primer to the wall to help the adhesive bond better with the surface. Measure the wall carefully to determine the layout of your large tiles, and plan the placement to minimize cutting and wastage.

Required Tools & Materials 

Professional wall tile installation is the key to enhancing your bathroom space, making it look stunning, and ensuring that your wall tile lasts for years. This can be achieved by using the correct tools, materials, and techniques. This includes choosing the best available bathroom wall and floor tiles, selecting appropriately sized tiles with suitable grout, and implementing proper cleaning procedures post-installation.

Here's a list of the tools/equipment's and materials necessary for your project of installing large-format wall tiles:

Steps for Installing Large-Format Bathroom Wall Tiles

In this guide, we provide essential instructions for a trouble-free installation of large-format bathroom wall tiles. Follow these steps and tips to ensure your wall tiles maintain their beauty for years.

1. Surface Preparation: 

• A flat surface is crucial for optimal tile fitting on bathroom wall and floor tiles. Prepare the wall surface thoroughly before laying the tiles. Ensure it is clean, level, dry, and free from dust.
• To achieve a flat wall surface, plaster the walls to minimize porosity and prevent chemical reactions with the adhesive. If unsure, consider seeking professional assistance or watching tutorials for guidance.

2. Layout Planning: 

• For example, large-format porcelain tiles come in various sizes, colors, designs, and patterns suitable for any bathroom. Due to their weight and hardness, careful layout planning is essential.
• To create an effective wall layout, select the most visible wall in the room. Using a tape measure, locate the center point horizontally and vertically. Extend this center point using a laser level to create horizontal and vertical layout lines from floor to ceiling. Mark the layout lines on the wall with a pencil to indicate tile placement and grout thickness.

3. Mixing Adhesive: 

• After planning the layout, prepare the adhesive for your wall tile installation project. Select the right mortar mix that provides a strong bond and reduces the risk of sagging or lippage.

Remember: Follow the manufacturer's instructions when mixing and applying the mortar mix.

4. Cutting Tiles

5. Applying Adhesive to Walls 

Use the correct trowel size (½” * ½” square notch or ¾” * ¾” round notch) to apply adhesive on the wall. This ensures adequate coverage and prevents mortar collapse while setting tiles.

How to apply adhesive

 Start from the center and work on one quadrant at a time. Apply the adhesive and spread evenly using the flat side of the trowel. For best coverage, create/make ridges using the notched side of the trowel at a 45-degree angle.

1. Back Buttering Tiles: Before you place the tiles, apply adhesive in parallel lines to the back of each tile to ensure a strong bond with the wall.
2. Setting Tiles: Use a suction tool to lift large-format tiles and press them firmly into the adhesive. Slide them slightly to collapse ridges completely.
3. Using Tile Spacers: Even on a flat surface, tile spacers are recommended to prevent lippage (uneven tile edges). Consider using a levelling system for a flawless installation.
4. Ensuring Level Tiles: Inspect all tiles for alignment. Using a suction tool, remove excess adhesive from grout lines and adjust joints. Allow the adhesive to dry for at least a day before grouting.
5. Grouting and Sealing: Based on joint size and tile type, choose the appropriate grout type (sanded, unsanded, or pre-mixed). Sanded grout is generally more durable and is commonly recommended for large-format porcelain tiles.

Grouting tips: Clean excess grout immediately to avoid stains. Allow grout to cure as per manufacturer's instructions before applying sealant (if required).

Note: Some porcelain tiles, particularly polished ones, may require sealing for maintenance. Follow specific tile and grout manufacturer recommendations. Ensure safety precautions are followed, including wearing gloves during grouting.

Here are some mistakes to avoid when installing large-format tiles, specifically on bathroom wall and floor tiles

1. Uneven Wall Surface: Avoid tiling on uneven wall surfaces as it can prevent the adhesive from properly bonding, risking the stability of your tile installation.
2. Improper Layout Planning: Plan the tile layout carefully to avoid issues like uneven spacing and awkward cuts around doors and windows, which can lead to lippage and potential tile damage.
3. Incorrect Trowel Size: Use the correct trowel size that matches the size of your tiles. Using the wrong trowel size can compromise the adhesive bond, potentially causing tiles to detach from the wall.
4. Tile Cutting Caution: When cutting large-format tiles, use appropriate tools and take your time to prevent cracking or damaging the tiles. Mark the tiles accurately before cutting to ensure clean edges.

5. Applying Grouting Early: Wait at least 24 hours after placing tiles on the wall before applying grout. Applying grout too early can result in improper spread and an unprofessional finish.

Wrapping Up

By following the above guide, you can successfully install large-format tiles on your bathroom walls, enhancing both aesthetics and durability.

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Whether you're renovating your bathroom wall tiles and floor tiles or other living spaces like hallways, dining areas, or kitchens, our tiles offer seamless continuity and durability. Discover more about our exclusive offerings now!

FAQs

1. How to clean bathroom walls easily? 

Regularly clean with a mild detergent and water. For tougher stains, use a mixture of baking soda, vinegar and water.

2. Which tiles are best for bathroom walls? 

Generally, high-gloss ceramic tiles are the best bathroom wall tile choice, as they can be wiped off with water and soap stains. However, you can use matt-finish and rocker tiles in dry areas.

3. Is ceramic tile good for bathroom walls? 

Yes, ceramic tiles are suitable for bathroom walls because they are resistant to moisture and easy to maintain, making them a great choice for spaces with a lot of traffic.