Before you begin, remove the old tiles and smooth out the walls. You’ll want a flat surface to lay your tiles on. Also make sure you’re comfortable completing the skills needed for this project, such as cutting tile, grouting, and caulking. You can expect to spend a weekend installing the tile, but total times will vary based on the size of your bathroom. Bathroom Subway Tile Ideas

What You Need

SandpaperAll-purpose cleanerScrewdriverPainters tapePremixed thinset mortarV-notch trowelSubway tiles (we used Daltile Finesse tiles in Bright White)Wet tile saw1/16 tile spacersMicrofiber clothGrout (we used Delorean Gray Simple Premium)Rubber floatLarge spongesLarge bucketBright white tile caulkCaulking gun

Step 1: Prep the Walls

Make sure your walls are smooth and flat. If you have any holes, patch them and smooth out with sandpaper. You don’t want anything protruding, or else the subway tiles will look rocky. Clean walls with all-purpose cleaner, and unscrew all the outlet and switch covers. Mark the outer boundaries of the tile installation area with painters tape.

Step 2: Attach Tile

Apply mortar to the wall using the V-notch trowel, then stick the tile on the mortar bed by pressing it in. Scoop up some mortar with the flat side of the trowel, then spread the mortar evenly on the wall with the notched side. Comb the mortar to form parallel lines. Apply mortar in small sections. If there are spots the trowel won’t fit, apply an even layer of mortar directly on the back of the tile. Use the wet tile saw to cut tiles as needed. When cutting, make sure you take into account room for the spacers. Editor’s Tip: Standard subway tiles are 3x6 inches. In other words, the short side is half the length of the long side. This is helpful because you can use the short side as a ruler to mark the halfway point of the long side. This is a time-saver if you’re laying your tile in a brick pattern like we did and have to cut a lot of tiles in half. 8 Ways to Arrange Subway Tile

Step 3: Insert Spacers

Make sure everything is parallel by placing two spacers per tile side. Wiggle the tile to make sure the spacers fit snuggly.

Step 4: Let Dry

Dry overnight. Clean up any unwanted mortar that got onto surrounding surfaces.

Step 5: Remove Spacers

Take out the spacers and wipe down the tiles to make sure there is no dust on the surface. We used a microfiber cloth and some all-purpose cleaner.

Step 6: Apply Grout

Scoop up some premixed grout with the rubber float. Then sweep the grout over the tile at a 45-degree angle. This will get the grout into the spaces. Go over the same area in different directions to make sure the grout is packed evenly. How to Paint Grout

Step 7: Clean Tiles

Clean the tiles with a sponge about an hour after applying the grout. Fill a bucket with warm water, and go back and forth between cleaning the grout and rinsing the sponge. Editor’s Tip: Don’t worry if you can’t remove all of the excess grout in one go. You may need to go over the same area several times to remove all the haze.

Step 8: Apply Caulk

Caulk where the tile meets the countertop and under any cabinets. Tape off any areas where you don’t want caulk, apply the caulk, then go over it with your fingers or applicator tool. Remove tape before caulk fully dries. Bonus: How to Recaulk Your Shower

We chose to install our subway tile in the classic running bond pattern. It’s reminiscent of traditionally laid brick and works well in kitchens and bathrooms alike. However, there are many options for subway tile arrangements, including vertical patterns, herringbone designs, basket-weave arrangements, and more. Follow the link below for eight ways to arrange subway tile.