Ceramic wall tile installation is done by many skilled people. It is often left to the professionals, but that is mainly because it seems to be too complicated. People have been installing ceramic tile for hundreds of years. The professional tricks are mainly useful to go faster. Take your time and installing tiles is not that difficult. You can also learn many of the professional tricks.

The real key to a successful tile project is starting right. That means you need a plan for where you’ll lay the tiles and where you’ll make the cuts. Start right and the hardest part is done.

Before laying the first tile, make sure you have a firm base. A tiled wall is fragile. If the tile base moves, it is likely that the tile or grout will break. Often an easy way to get a rigid foundation is to lay down a cement board as a base. Apply a cement board and you have a rigid surface that also accepts adhesive well. With a good foundation, it’s time to decide where the first tile goes.

Usually, in ceramic tiles, the first row is placed close to the floor. Score a horizontal line to level the first row of tiles. This line should be at a point that allows the cut shingles to fit under the first course. The easiest way to straighten the first course is to nail a straight board flat to serve as a guide.

Then you need a vertical mark to decide where that first tile goes. Lay the tiles along the guide board to see how the tiles will be cut to fit the ends. Move the tiles around until you get the best fit. Remember to leave room for grout lines.

Getting a solid foundation and measuring are the keys to getting started with a tile project. Getting the first tile in the correct position is the most critical part of a project. It takes some time and some thought, but it’s not difficult. Now there are some tricks that make the design easier. It’s especially helpful if you can see the layout done at least the first time you try it out.