The majority of all tiles installed are used in inviting entryways, hallways, low-maintenance bathrooms and kitchens, and decorative terraces and balconies. Whatever the area, all materials must be carefully considered for the end result to be both appealing to the eye, protected and useful for its chosen purpose.
Many things must be considered; from the foundation and adhesive, to the type of tile and grout to be used. The surface must be prepared to receive preparation and tile, layout must be made, setting sequence (straight, diagonal, intermittent, etc), alignment, grouting and finishing.

WALL INSTALLATION

Wall installation can even be a challenge for professionals. Although there are similarities with floor installations, walls pose the problem of gravity. Floor tiles tend to stay where they are placed. Wall tiles tend to want to shift downward due to gravity pull. Cement backers or mortar may be used as a setting bed for wall tiles.

COUNTERTOP INSTALLATION

Countertop tile setting is much like setting tile on floor, except in smaller scale. Adding a backsplash would be like setting wall tile. Seeing as they will be in an area where food acids, grease, water and spills occur, to help keep mold, mildew and bacteria from growing, non-porous tiles and latex or acrylic-modified adhesive grouts are recommended as are cement backer boards and mortar beds.