How to Tile a Knee Wall
- 1). Plan the pattern you want for the tile before beginning.
- 2). Measure the wall length and height to determine the center point. Determine the height from the top of the knee wall down to the baseboard, or from the point the knee wall joins an angled ceiling wall down to the baseboard. Snap a chalk line at the center length and width to give you a guide to follow.
- 3). Spread tile mastic at the bottom of the wall beginning at the center mark. If you are using an elaborate pattern, you can work out from the center going up and to the sides, and use the center lines as guides. If you are just doing rows, then use the lines to keep the first row straight and properly placed, and then work off the first row to add the one above it.
- 4). Set the first few tiles, and insert spacers in between them to ensure they are evenly spaced. Repeat by applying more mastic with a notched trowel.
- 5). Cut tiles when necessary to fit around a corner, obstacle or along an edge. Cut the tile with a power saw after you mark it with the proper measurements.
- 6). Let the tiles set up until the next day.
- 7). Spread grout over the wall surface at an angle to the grout lines using the grout spreader. Clean the tile surface of grout as you work. Do not grout the top edge of the tiled knee wall. Clean off any grout that gets along the top edge or between the knee wall and the angled ceiling. Let the wall dry for a day.
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