How to Install Bathroom Wall Tile | DIY For Beginners

Today I'm doing a simple wall tile job in my new bathroom. I'm sharing everything I know about how to approach a project like this so you can better understand how to approach yours. Cheers! Watch the entire project 👉🏼 • Soaker Tub Renovation ...
0:00 Intro
0:13 Vertical Orientation
1:27 Horizontal Orientation
3:28 Spacers VS Leveling Clips
4:37 Start on High Side of Room
5:58 First Tile
9:23 Making Cuts
10:41 Leveling First Row
13:55 The Finger Trick
15:06 Remove Protective Tile Glue
16:02 Clean Tools
17:57 How to Tile Around a Power Outlet
25:37 How to Deal With a Chipped Tile
29:09 Bonus Tip: Protect Your Finished Surface
31:28 How to Deal With a Curved Wall
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[@blgraham00]

Just a wife here, no intention on trying something like that myself, but you kept me captivated for the entirety of the video, and now I know where I'm coming if I ever did want to attempt some home repairs 😊

[@terrific804]

You mean you'll know how to nag hubby until he does.....😂

[@nathanhachey]

No such thing as "just a wife." Just ask my wife.

[@Zibby2]

Jeff literally explains everything in such a fiendly DIY manner. Its so good, it'll make you tear up with joy.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@iron3624]

go watch TileCoach

[@kmully8873]

Great, clearly explained as usual. I keep having to translate 1/8 ", 3/4 " etc.

[@jonharper5240]

Watching for 5 hours in uk. U taught me so much. Thx. JH

[@kathleencrisp1]

@homerenovisiondiy thank you so much Jeff for all you share with us. I feel empowered by watching your videos. All the best to you and yours and to everyone reading this.

[@answerwithtruth7182]

Jeff, That chipped tile goes on the top row You had it out of order. Remember the Trim? Thanks, your my favorite goto to learn this stuff.

[@noreasteroverland]

You should find another go to!

[@andresytsma866]

another great tutorial!! thanks Jeff!!

[@MeoWZe6u66]

"Never install tile on tile" nearly had me in a cold sweat after watching your tiling over tile video luckily i get ya meaning on the rewatch *phew*

[@sandraferreira6911]

I'm studying your videos and taking notes! We had a leak in the builder grade acrylic bathtub and are now converting to walk in shower. The best thing about learning this stuff the right way is giving me the confidence to complete a job well done. Thanks for the videos!

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

You can do it!

[@tbone2451]

Nice job! I think I prefer the stacked looked as opposed to staggered.

[@ToddSchofield]

Jeff is the best! The only thing I would do here is tape the joints before laying the tile. The reason being is the grout can eventually crack if it's not sealed up. Have had that happen before.

[@matthewpicklesimer293]

Mr Remodel Em All! Knows The Deal! You Can Do This!

[@jeffreyadams75]

Love your videos, anyone who has basic experience in tiling can relate and understand the why and how you produce your videos the way you do. Very well done. Us diyers thank you! Keep the videos coming!!

[@peter.g6618]

Hi Jeff. Great job 👍. Looks amazing. 👌

[@harshadsonaje]

Very helpful tutorial..

[@LIGHT7CODE7]

Awesome video, personally I would never due till since it's so hard to clean.

[@patmash]

Job looks good to me. Tile is beautiful.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks 👍

[@rinzler9775]

Back buttering the wall instead for awkward peices is an awesome idea.

[@davidicousgregorian]

I don't think he knows he should have back buttered all of them big pieces. If you don't and water gets back there😢

[@rinzler9775]

@@davidicousgregorian I've learnt to always back butter anything greater than say 15cm.

[@edrinkalema1114]

Wonderful work ❤❤❤watching live from japan 🇯🇵🇺🇬🙏🌺👍🏼

[@benjaimhelber]

I've done 4 showers with the 12x24 wavy white tiles and the spin doctor leviling clips work well with it.

[@TPN_MeDS]

Nice clean work

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jk12428]

Jeff’s the Man💯🌟‼️🙌👏🙏

[@Lomy1_tile]

Excellent 👏

[@thehound1359]

Glad to see I’m not the only one that gets the wet saw money shot when I first turn it on.

[@stevenperry4941]

So glad to see you using directional troweling! Still seeing tile guys on a lot of the television, hgtv type shows swirling and circular troweling!

[@fabianmckenna8197]

Quick point when using a wet saw.........Make sure the water reservoir is constantly filled up. Used a wet saw for the first time when tiling my son-in-law's bathroon with large tiles and after a while noticed little edges being nicked off the tile corners. Opened up the reservoir and there was no water left but full of red mud. Cleaned it out, fresh water and no more corner chips when cutting. Love the videos......

[@brianleb]

Thanks Jeff, love your videos and teaching style, thanks for all the hard work. Why are the videos out of order though? I get lost keeping up with the progress of your projects.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

we edit to cover the steps more than the actual vlog style of the day to day. Cheers!

[@BattlestarCanada]

'Just the Tips' Thorman!😂

[@txreal2]

Over the years I had doubts about some of his methods compare with other Pros

[@dad1432]

Isn't that how life is? Many ways to approach a project, and Jeff produces beautiful, reliable results.

[@obiwanbill5506]

Jeff, buddy, your thinset will dry too quickly on that wall. The tile handbook recommends “a wet sponge rub on drywall” to ensure the drywall doesn’t suck the moisture out of your thinset before it cures. You’ll get a better bond.

[@robs1852]

I also wet the back of the tile, especially large ones

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

do not wet the tile. if you want to wet the wall fine. but primer is still going to absorb it before bonding. that is why I am using the allset from schluter it always works.

[@stevenperry4941]

@@robs1852Never wet the tile.! I use a wet saw and thoroughly dry the tile after every cut! The water will cause a bonding problem with the chemistry of the thinset!

[@SuperAngela1226]

This guy is great

[@GodFirst607]

Jeff love your videos, you make it simple, and understandable. Thank you for taking the time to make these. I'll be watching a lot more of you, and your projects.

[@eloisecamire3741]

Fantastic Jeff. Let's say you wanted to install the same marble tile 24 x 24 on the wall, would you use the same leveling system you used on the floor or only the rubber spacer? same thinset or you need something stronger?

[@craigbarrett171]

Alright i’ve done tile like this, and I need to see your trick on grouting it now. That textured tile is like grouting a gravel driveway! lol

[@chriscolameco6850]

It’s a pain in the balls to keep clean too. I only do dark slate grey flat with dark grout for that reason

[@rudishafakian]

Another one for the books! This bathroom reno of yours has helped make so many useful videos! How come you didn’t you a 1/2” x 1/2” trowel? Thought this qualified as large tile and that’s what you use. I’m a few weeks out from starting tile and I was going to use 1/2x1/2 for my 12x24 tile.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

on a floor definitely. on a wall , it depends how flat it is. Cheers!

[@issacsantana8795]

GOD BLESS YOU

[@matthewpicklesimer293]

Amen

[@Russ92]

I don't need tile redone in my shower. But after this video, i want to lol.

[@binaryagenda]

Do you need to do anything special to level the tiles, or is it just about being consistent with the amount of thinset? I'm looking to re-tile over a brick wall (en suite) but all the videos I can find are for tiling over drywall. Should I just get a plasterer to come in and plaster the brick to give me a flat surface to work with?

[@rachaebby]

hahaha i loved the mock comments in the video 😂

[@nicolasdesjardins9751]

cool

[@myrdaal]

Hi. I'm a professional tiler, and have a few observations to share, especially as the title is 'for beginners'. You started with measuring full tile from one side, and observed it would leave an unsightly sliver to the other side, so marked a half-tile back to give a better cut. It works, but still has a smaller cut to one side. Just find the centre of the wall horizontally, and work outwards from the centre.(either grout line, or centre of the tile), Same cut either end, aesthetically pleasing. Also, its rarely a good idea to start full tile against one side, as 95/100 walls are NOT plumb and you end up with a gap growing or narrowing, which is another reason why you shouldnt cut ALL the tiles beforehand. Use a manual tile splitter rather than a wet saw..(even dry) unless theres a reason.. (very prominent pattern, very thick or super hard tile, visible edge and more)..much quicker. Lastly, directional spreading great, leaning the serrater over, bad. Those teeth are 6mm/8mm/ 10mm for a reason, keep the serrater at 90 degrees to the wall to maintain ridge depth and therefore even collapse when the tile is set. Overall, not bad.

[@z01sne]

do you have any advice or videos that address different thickness tiles? my subway tile(4x16) is about 2mm thinner than the 13x36 accent tile going in my bath surround. How do i flush them up?

[@user-gv7je9nu2i]

do you use the glue to install the wall tile ?

[@rascomoss9308]

yo jeff my man what kind of mud do you use

[@Holdem0111]

What 7" wet saw blade do you suggest for porcelain tile? I bought a DeWalt diamond blade it's brand new but chips the tile pretty bad. I do have some diamond polishing pads but really need a cleaner cut.

[@ArcConAK]

I just went through this and I think the smaller 7” tile saws just suck. They cut through the bottom first unlike a lot of the more expensive saws and always chippy, I tried a few diamond blades too. If it’s porcelain tile get a big snapper that will do 24” or bigger cuts, they are awesome for the price.

[@C2IT678]

1/4 or 1/2 notch trial? How do you decide when to use each one

[@markgeezey1809]

Hi Jeff, Love the vids, but noticed a glaring issue with what you said on tiling levellers. You said on the uneven tiles you used, not to use levellers as they won’t work and will cause issues ? However as this vid is before you did the shower area vid on 23rd of October. Where here you used the same uneven tiles in the shower area and used the Lash levellers and the tiles came out perfect!Only reason I highlight this is I have ridged tiles and will be using the lash levellers on watching that vid. Just wanted to point it out as maybe confusing for people following your series on tiling. Love the series and keep up the good work 👍👍

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

I would suggest using the leveler system that dials a cone on the tile to make positive contact on the top if the ridges. that will line up better. Cheers!

[@markgeezey1809]

Thanks Jeff, but it was more that on the latest vid you posted you said not to use the levellers and on the shower enclosure vid using exactly the same tiles, you used them. So it was just a bit confusing on whether you should or not. Thanks again. 👍

[@frankdutton8448]

Hi Jeff, Great video and job. I have one question, why didn't you waterproof behind the vanity and backsplash areas before tiling?

[@obiwanbill5506]

Only the Shower wall needs waterproofing, according to my participation in Schluter Workshop training I & II (2 full day sessions each). I recommend you attend. It’s FREE, but it’s always full.

[@Zibby2]

Unless your throwing gallons of water at that dry wall tiled space, you don't need too.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

behind a vanity is not considered a wet area. for extra protection use a grout with a sealer of add it after application. Cheers!

[@frankdutton8448]

Thanks Jeff, I appreciate the location you are in has this standard. But, in other locations there may be a requirement to waterproof all wet area walls and a strip at a certain height about the floor water barrier. That's why I asked the original question. As you have an audience in other parts of the world and can use your knowledge and apply, by adding a statement to check the local requirements would be a benefit outside your locations. Thanks for providing informative videos.

[@tammywood3684]

Jeff,what steps and products do you use to tile on cement board in a bathroom? Tiles are the same size as yours is in this video.

[@Zibby2]

Jeff, I hope this year you can demo a second floor bathroom (on osb or ply subfloor) and turn it into a full water proof wet room, like the ones they have in asian countries. Two floor drains needed Im guessing.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

1 drain is sufficient. I prefer the linear drain in that scenario. Cheers!

[@debrawehrly6900]

Can wall tiles be installed in a mobile home bathroom?

[@Sirricardo6]

Is there a reason you dont slide the tiles left and right to collapse the ridges?

[@DavinderSinghDhir]

I have question can we install tiles on drywall sheet without kerdi sheet or paper?

[@TheFiftyQuid]

About to tile a finished bathroom. Anything I need to know about putting thinset on a painted wall? Will it bond the same as on new unpainted drywall?

[@billm.8220]

I’d probably do a coat of Killz as a bonding primer just to be on the safe side.

[@Zibby2]

Maybe sand it down a small notch, just so its a little rough to the toch. Will make a better bond than a smooth surface.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

As long as you use the Allset from Schluter you will be fine. Cheers!

[@andrewshenton6541]

Will the drywall not suck the moisture out too quickly,and are you using allset?

[@Sean-zr7vs]

He said in the video allset from Schluter

[@IsaacJohnsonCompaniesLLC-vl3qt]

Have to install a piece of tile for my mother-in-law.

[@barbarajoycemossop5210]

Hi Jeff, I thought I had to finish the seams and paint the drywall before tiling. I could have saved so much time skipping those steps.

[@pauldoe9420]

Why are you Not staggering the tile ??

[@TylerJohnson-li8yt]

What thin set did you use? Most that I see say not over 8” or 12” long side. My tile is 12x24

[@chriscolameco6850]

SCHLUTER all-set

[@wrenchboostboi8994]

Why end with a 3 inch sliver…? Start with a 15.5 inch and then you will end with a 15.5” lol that way the difference is more balanced. Your wall will start and end with what appears as basically a half tile. I’ve done tiling this way for years… it just takes some planning ahead and measuring. Obviously with grout line gaps considered those measurements will change but im just simplifying here. Those dimensions are from this: Half of 28” tile = 14” Half of 3” remaining gap = 1.5” 14”+1.5” = 15.5” starting and finishing tile

[@chriscolameco6850]

🤯

[@EduardoRodriguez-or2tq]

It is correct to install tile in a regular drywall ? Why in bathrooms people use concrete sheets?

[@roxytocin_216]

Oh Jeff, you're too cool to be square 😎

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

LOL, that is not what my kids say!

[@Tyranwyn]

welp, wish i had this video when i did my toilets

[@billcheung2555]

Is it ok if I use 24" x 36" tile?

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

sure but then use the 1/2" x 1/2" trowel. Cheers!

[@josephkelly4893]

All over the place in this video

[@user-wv8zz1iv5v]

No it’s not easy, any reno. You guys make us looking and say, ok it looks easy. I’m burn! Big thanks for the advices, excellent videos.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

each large project is just a series of little steps. take your time and it will be easy. Cheers!

[@user-wv8zz1iv5v]

Thank you so much, I have my phone looking at your video all the time. I had hire people to do the jobs, if you see what they did and left me with. I did not did worst yet…Although I will not be capable without your priceless cours. I’m so slow:(

[@henleylouie3761]

Comment #2

[@anthonyrochon3907]

My Sh*t Don't Sink. Anyone know if a low flow residential toilet can be converted back to the regular water volume we use to once have?

[@chriscolameco6850]

What do you mean by low flow? GPF? The more you raise the bobber in the flush kit the more water per flush. As someone who owns and manages rentals for a living and pays for the water bills, getting 1.28 gal high efficient modern toilets will pay for themselves in a matter of months. I use the American Standard Champion 4. A little pricier than the builders grade ones, but they’re energy efficient AND can flush 12 golf balls in a single flush. They use a 4” drain on the inside, not a 3”

[@d3fr4g17]

Why did he use vertical trowel lines on the wall but when he had to do the tiles around the electrical outlet, he used horizontal trowel lines. Also, I dont think he ever explains why to trowel vertical vs horizontal.

[@TB-ki1ux]

ThumbItUp &LeaveAnyComment 4AIgozAll

[@BonBon770]

You're gonna have a gap at the bottom. And you think that's better than actually cutting in the tiles? But the real problem here is that when you installed the dry floor it's not perfectly level or you didn't fix the substrate...... You also did not key in the substrate..... You're using the wrong trowel size. Should be 1/2 in. With that size tile........ Also, you could use the wedge and clip systems on those tile. The surface will eat up the average because it is flat. Even though but no it's not flat in a tiny piece. But I kind of agree with you on that. You don't need clips on that particular wall. But you also didn't make sure that the wall was plumb Or you didn't show it...... Also directional troweling should Be in the direction of whatever the shortest side of the tile is so the air can escape out the shortest side whichever way that is....... Also doesn't matter that it's not a wet area. You forgot or didn't mesh tape, Or tape and seam the joints....... It's part of the reason when you pulled off the tile. At first that you didn't have a good bond was not only because you didn't flash or fix the wall and make it flat, not necessarily plumb, You need more mortar especially since your wall is not flat. You should have flashed it..... I can also tell that those tiles are very porous and should have been wiped down with water, but not soaking before back buttering. You can see the little 4 dots on the back of each tile. That's the spacing from the factory. Usually it's a chalk/glue, etc, or a residue and you gotta wipe that off.... You talking about the outlet and directional and how it's hard you got me laughing man.😂😂😂....... Usually it's 10 or 15 or 20% waste depending on like you. Said size of tile layout, etc. I do 15% no matter what. It's always good to have extra tile because after 3 or 4 years you're never gonna find the exact make and model, and even if you do, it's gonna be a different dialot, and it's not going to match, so always buy extra tile..... You're absolutely right about buying schluder board. I have random sheets for protecting my PVC liners and for trays for cutting glass on my wetsaw , etc.........at 31:25, You can literally see on the right side of the screen at the bottom. It touching the wall and it grows in the 6 and a 1/2 or 7 feet to about. I don't know, I'd say that's 5/8. And you said you built the walls right..... I understand you might be putting Crown molding and base but that doesn't take care of the corner. And even if you have a reason for that, it should have been tighter, but not as tight to not leave room for expansion and contraction, around 1/32-1/16....... You just said the goal for this tile is to not fall off the wall. Dude, you're out of control.😂😂😂😂😂...... You do not have a immaculate Substrate😂😂😂, and porcelain is a better tile all the way around, and porcelain or ceramic makes no difference on the size of trowel. You should have used a 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch. That is a large format tile anything over a 15 inch edge, On any one side..... Thank you for this video. I'm going to bed.👋

[@massiveimprovement]

man, thats a wall of text for sure

[@BonBon770]

@@massiveimprovement Yes, it sure is.

[@Lehjet]

New camera man? He needs to learn how to focus a camera.

[@Sean-zr7vs]

Cry harder.

[@Lehjet]

Your comment is literally a wanna-be cool guy comment. He's doing detail work so being out of focus makes the video useless.@@Sean-zr7vs

[@BitsnBobs-hk5iy]

Sounding a liitle hoarse there Jeff. I hope you're ok!

[@Bigbacon]

What ever happened to the church?

[@robcanisto8635]

omg that "smart guy" voice about coverage...

[@francosantarossa8006]

What's with all the white Jeff? Looks like an "asylum" if you know what I mean.

[@pqrstsma2011]

21:40 aw, i wanted to see how you did the tile cutting for that outlet 🫤

[@stephen-boddy]

He uses an angle grinder with a diamond cutting disc for complex cuts. He has a video somewhere on the channel going into great detail.

[@Zibby2]

I never did tile in my life. Doing a bathroom floor now with ditra.I Learned how to use a wet tile saw, manual cutter, and angle grinder in a few days. If i could attempt it, so can you!

[@jlmn0]

I bought that tile saw for our bathroom job. Hate it. The blade it came with wasn’t true (probably what you ran into, too), and the power switch started failing after a few days. 🫣