How to Install Slate Tile on a Vertical Wall

Slate tile is one of the more durable natural stones you can use in your residential construction projects, and it is ideal for bathrooms, hallways and other areas for vertical surface coverage. The overall principles of installing slate wall tile are the same as any other type of tile. As long as you follow the proper installation methods, you will have an end result that brings beauty to your home while at the same time adding value. With the range of colors and selections, you can decorate any vertical area with slate tile.

Notched trowel
Tile spacers
Tile wedges
Thinset mortar
Level
Tape measure
Pencil
Tile wet saw
Safety glasses

Instructions

- 1
  Start at the bottom of the wall and work your way up. Take several pieces of tile and measure the distance between them to determine where a joint is, roughly 2 feet. Mark that measurement on the wall with the level for a horizontal guideline for smearing the thinset mortar.
- 2
  Spread the thinset mortar onto the wall with the notched trowel. Use the notched side of the trowel and apply pressure to the trowel as you comb the thinset with the trowel held at a roughly 45-degree angle. Cover the area from multiple angles to ensure total coverage and then comb off any excess.
- 3
  Install the bottom two rows across the entire length of your vertical installation area. Use tile spacers and wedges between the pieces to keep them roughly straight for the grout lines. Draw some vertical lines with the level to help guide your installation up the wall and another horizontal line at roughly 2 feet up, wherever the joint terminates. Follow this process up the wall until you are finished.

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