If existing tiles are beyond repair remove the tile and install a piece of wallboard in its place.
Gap to wall for tile.
The large format 18 inch tiles should have inch space in between.
For smaller tiles is advisable to use small spacers.
Current trends are moving towards leaving much smaller grout lines between tiles.
Measure each wall area calculating the width times height.
Add up the wall areas and add 10 so you have extra tile for mistakes or future repairs.
Otherwise you do not have adequate working time.
The tile council of north america recommends at least a quarter inch gap between the tile floor and the walls.
3 gently spread the tiles and place two spacers between them one at the top edge of the.
When using ceramic tile try to find boxes with the same dye lot number.
It must be easy to work with and it must adequately fill in gaps between the tile and the substrate.
Instead fill it with an elastic material capable of sustaining the movement of the floor and the movement of the wall.
Tape measure pencil tile cutter nippers a 1 4 by 1 4 inch v notched trowel a hammer some 6d finish nails 8 lineal feet of straight 1 4 inch wood lattice strip putty knife 3 inch wide bladed scraper grout sponge rubber grout float several buckets accurate 4 foot level.
Fill gaps up to 1 4 inch in width with caulk.
As the tiles increase in size a larger gap becomes acceptable.
Repair any loose or cracked tiles.
To do so make sure all of the tiles are intact and secure.
Tile adhesive is expected to hold the tile in place not just for years but for decades without fail.
Never fill this gap with grout because tile grout is not flexible.
In other cases an experienced tile setter installs wall tiles with the smallest grout joints possible.
Caulking is the best choice for this application.
It cannot cure too fast.
Gently tap down to set them in place.
If you have tile on the wall adjoining the tub select a caulk that matches the color of the grout.
Wash the wall with tsp tri sodium phosphate or an ammonia based cleaner to remove any grease or oil.
Lay the first two tiles of the first row onto the mortar side by side.
Oftentimes the tile material choice dictates the proper spacing for wall tiles.
If your gap is smaller than 1 8 inch in width use.