Is DIY Bathroom Tiling Within Reach?

Tiling a bathroom wall is one of the more achievable intermediate DIY projects. It requires patience, the right tools, and careful planning — but you don't need professional experience to get a clean, lasting result. This guide takes you through each stage from planning to grouting.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

  • Wall tiles (plus at least 10% extra for cuts and breakages)
  • Tile adhesive (wall-specific, waterproof for wet areas)
  • Notched trowel (size matched to tile format)
  • Tile spacers
  • Spirit level and chalk line
  • Tile cutter or angle grinder with diamond blade
  • Grout (unsanded for joints under 3 mm, sanded for wider joints)
  • Grout float and sponge
  • Tile trim strips for exposed edges
  • Silicone sealant for corners and floor junctions

Step 1: Prepare the Wall Surface

Tiles need a solid, flat, and clean substrate. In bathrooms, cement board (also called tile backer board) is the preferred base — it's moisture-resistant unlike standard plasterboard which can swell and fail behind tiles in wet conditions. If you're tiling over existing tiles, check they are firmly adhered with no hollow spots. Sand the surface lightly to improve adhesion.

Fill any voids and ensure the surface is plumb (vertical) and flat. Humps and hollows greater than 3 mm should be corrected before tiling.

Step 2: Plan Your Layout

Never start tiling from a corner — corners are rarely perfectly straight. Instead, find the centre of the wall and work outward from there. This ensures cuts are equal on both sides, creating a balanced, professional look.

Dry-lay a row of tiles along the floor to visualise your layout and identify where cuts will fall. Avoid ending up with a sliver of tile less than half a tile wide at either edge — this looks poor and is difficult to cut accurately. Adjust your starting point to achieve better proportions.

Mark a level horizontal datum line with a spirit level and chalk line. This is your baseline for the first row — don't trust the floor to be level.

Step 3: Apply Adhesive and Set Tiles

Mix or open your adhesive according to manufacturer instructions. Apply it to the wall using the flat edge of your notched trowel, then comb through it with the notched edge to create ridges. Work in sections of no more than 1 square metre at a time to prevent the adhesive from skinning over.

Press each tile firmly onto the adhesive with a slight twisting motion to ensure full contact. Place tile spacers at every corner to maintain consistent joint widths. Use a spirit level frequently — check both horizontally and vertically as you go. Any tile that's even slightly off will compound the error along the row.

Step 4: Cut Tiles for Edges

Measure each cut tile individually — walls are rarely perfectly square, so dimensions can vary. Score and snap with a manual tile cutter for straight cuts. Use an angle grinder or wet saw for L-shaped or curved cuts around fixtures. Always wear eye protection when cutting tiles.

Fit tile trim strips to any exposed tile edges (such as where the tiled area ends in the middle of a wall) for a neat, finished look.

Step 5: Grout the Joints

Allow adhesive to cure for a minimum of 24 hours before grouting — longer in cold conditions. Remove all tile spacers. Mix grout to a smooth, lump-free consistency. Apply with a rubber grout float, pushing grout firmly into the joints at a diagonal angle to the grout lines. Remove excess grout from the tile face promptly with a damp sponge, rinsing frequently.

Once the grout has hazed over (usually 20–30 minutes), buff the tiles with a dry cloth to remove the residue. Allow grout to cure fully before exposing to water.

Step 6: Seal with Silicone

Never grout the junction between the wall tiles and the floor or bath — this joint will flex and grout will crack. Instead, apply a flexible silicone sealant in a colour matched to your grout. This accommodates the slight movement between surfaces and keeps water out.

Tile Format Tips

  • Large format tiles (300mm+): Create a seamless, contemporary look and are easier to keep clean, but require a flatter substrate.
  • Metro / brick pattern: A classic, versatile choice with an offset joint for visual interest.
  • Mosaic tiles: Great for feature areas or curved surfaces but more labour-intensive to install and grout.

Tiling a bathroom wall well is a skill that rewards careful planning and patience. The result — a waterproof, durable, and beautiful surface — is worth every hour invested.