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How to tile a bathroom wall

Freshly laid white tiles on bathroom wall.

Overview

Tiles are a great way to bring colour and style to a bathroom renovation. If you can do the tiling yourself, the whole project will be a lot more affordable. We'll teach you how to lay your tiles in neatly spaced rows. You will also learn how to trim around window gaps and keep your rows horizontal.

Steps

1Draw a datum line one row above the bathroom floor

Measure your tile height, and mark a point on the bathroom wall that is 20mm below that height. Then use your spirit level to draw a horizontal line, known as a “datum line”, at that height all the way around the room. The height is reduced by 20mm just in case there is a low point in the floor that needs covering.
Person holding spirit level against wall.

2Install a temporary timber shelf on the datum line

Get a long, straight piece of timber and mount it on the bathroom wall so its top edge lines up with your datum line. Then drive a screw through the middle of the timber into a wall stud. Now use a spirit level to check the timber is horizontal and screw the two ends into wall studs as well.
Person holding temporary shelf against wall.

3Check your tile glue is safe to use with waterproofing

Building regulations require the walls of your bathroom to have a waterproof lining installed. Once that lining is in place, you can start tiling. Check the information on the side of your packet of tile glue to make sure that it is safe to use with waterproofing. 
Person pouring powder mastic into bucket.

4Find out the width of the last tile in a row

To work out the width of the last tile in a row, lay one tile in position on the timber shelf you have installed. Then move it down the shelf one tile-width at a time, plus the width of a spacer, until you reach the end of the row. If the final tile needs to be short, you can pre-trim one for each row before you start tiling.
Person holding tile against wall and marking the wall with pencil.

5Mix up the tile glue

Pour some tile glue powder into a bucket with some water in it, then use a power drill with a mixing paddle to blend the mixture together. Keep mixing until the glue has the consistency of toothpaste. If you find that it's too runny or dry, then balance it out with a little more powder or water.
Person pouring water into bucket containing powder mastic.

6Lay the first row of tiles

Spread some glue on the back of the first tile using the notched edge of your trowel. This makes trenches in the glue so the tile sticks better. Then place the base of the tile on the timber shelf and flatten it onto the wall. Clean off any excess glue and push plastic wedges under the bottom corners of the tiles. Repeat for every tile across the row, putting spacers between each tile as you go.
Person laying tiles against bathroom wall.

7Level up the first row of tiles

Once the first row of tiles has been laid, put a spirit level on top to check that they are horizontal. This is where the wedges are helpful. If any of the tiles need adjusting, simply shift the position of the wedges to lift or drop the tiles so they line up correctly.
Person holding spirit level against wall.

8Lay more rows of tiles on the bathroom wall

Put enough glue on the wall to cover a couple of rows of tiles. Once again, use the notched side of your trowel to put trenches in the glue as you spread it. When you have spread the glue, work quickly to put your tiles in place before the glue starts to cure. Lay them one row at a time, using plastic spacers to keep the gaps between each tile the same. If you need to trim a tile before you lay it, leave that area free of glue and do that tile as part of the next step.
Person using tool to spread tile glue on the wall.

9Trim and lay edge and corner tiles

When you need to trim a tile before you lay it, put the tile in place on the wall, mark your cutting points and use a tile cutter or angle grinder to trim the tile to size. Then put your tile in place again to check the cut is right, put some glue on the back and lay it in position.
Freshly laid white tiles on bathroom wall.
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.