Tools and Materials

• To install the wall tile, you'll first need to gather all of the necessary tools and materials, which include a hammer, flathead screwdriver, tape measure, cordless drill, notched trowel, grout sponge, rubber trowel, tile cutter, level and caulking gun. You'll also need to calculate the total square footage you'll need to cover with the tile. To account for waste and broken tiles, add 10 percent to the total surface area to be covered.
  
  

Old Tile Removal

• If you are replacing old wall tiles with new ones, you'll first need to remove the old tiles, which is a tedious job but can be accomplished with a flathead screwdriver and a hammer. You'll first want to place a dropcloth down on the area below where you'll be removing tiles and put on safety goggles. Start in one corner of the wall, and put the tip of the screwdriver in the grout line and hit it with the hammer, which will dislodge the grout. You can then pry the tiles off the wall with the screwdriver.
  
  

Installing Cement Backer Board

• If you are replacing tile and cement backer board is already in place, there is no need to replace the old backer board. For first-time tile applications, the cement backer board will need to be installed to provide moisture from seeping through the tiles and behind the wall. The board can be attached directly to the wood studs in an unfinished bathroom or on top of the existing drywall. When putting it over drywall, you'll need to use a studfinder to mark where the wood studs are so you can screw it into the studs for a solid grip.
  
  

Measuring Where to Start

• Before laying a tile, you need to carefully measure where to lay the one on the wall. By doing this, you will have the same size tiles on all edges of the wall. Measure the height of the wall, and mark the middle point. Calculate the number of tiles it will take to reach the bottom of the wall. The goal is to have at least one half of a tile on the bottom of the wall; if there is less than one half of a tile, adjust the mark higher on the wall. You'll also need to measure the wall width and mark the middle point. Use the level to mark a straight vertical line up the wall. The point at which the two lines intersect is where you should lay the first tile.