Installing kitchen wall tiles

A tiled wall is the perfect way to bring fresh style and colour to the redesign and redecoration of your kitchen. Follow these 7 simple steps to install kitchen wall tiles easily and effectively.

1. Make sure you have everything you need

The essentials are:

Tile
Tile adhesive
Tile cutter
Grout
Grout spreader
Plastic spacers
Gloves
Trowel
Spirit level

2. Don't forget your switches and sockets

On the area of wall to be tiled, locate all electrical outlets and remove their covers. Turn off the power to the outlets and then clean the wall with a wet sponge.

3. Apply adhesive in manageable sections

Dry the wall with a clean rag and apply the adhesive to a small area using the trowel. If you apply adhesive to the whole area at once, you may not have time to place all the tiles before it dries. The key here is to work in small areas from the centre of the wall towards the edges and take your time. Rushing will only lead to mistakes and wonky tiles!

4. Lay the first tile on the adhesive

Lay the first tile on the adhesive and apply a gentle pressure to ensure it holds steady. Place plastic spacers on all corners of the tile. The spacers help to line up the surrounding tiles but it is also a good idea to use your spirit level. Continue with another tile and add spacers as you go. Repeat the process of adding further tiles and spacers. When necessary, apply adhesive to the next small area to be tiled and continue.

5. Allow yourself plenty of time

When you reach the edges or corners of the wall, use the tile cutter to cut the tiles to fit. When all the tiles are in place, allow several hours for the adhesive to set. Remove the plastic spacers.

6. Be smooth with grout

Your tiles are now in place and it’s time to fill in the spaces with grout. Use the grout spreader in a smooth motion across the tiles to fill in the grooves and continue until there are no spaces left unfilled.

7. Finishing touches

Take a damp sponge and wipe any excess grout from the tile before the grout has time to set. Allow several hours for the grout to dry before polishing the tile with a wet sponge. Then pop the kettle on, sit back, and admire your newly tiled kitchen wall.

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