Order extra tile to allow for a certain percentage for breakage.

Check and clean the wall before beginning work, to ensure a smooth working surface. Use a duster, spackling paste and putty knife as necessary.

Choose an object to serve as a tile spacer. This will give the tiles a regular, even spacing.

Use a level, marker and tape measure to draw snapping lines onto the wall, and then insert pushpins at desired intervals. These snapping lines should be intersecting horizontal and vertical lines spaced to match the tiles plus an extra bit of space to match the size of your chosen spacer on all sides. For example, if the tile is a square that is 3 inches on a side, and the spacer is 1/4 inch, then these marked channels will all be 3 1/2 inches. The pushpins serve as a visual aid after applying adhesive to the wall, helping you keep the tiles on straight lines.

Apply adhesive with the trowel over an area about 3 feet by 3 feet to 4 feet by 4 feet.

Lay the tile by pushing it into the adhesive, giving it a slight twist for a grip, and then aligning it properly.

Cut tiles to fit irregular spaces as you go, using a tile saw. Use power hand sander to polish rough spots.

Once all the tile has been laid, remove the push pins and wait overnight for the adhesive to properly set.

Mix the grout the next morning.

Apply the grout into the channels between the tiles with the float. Wipe away any grout not in the channels with a dry cloth.

Wait overnight for the grout to dry.

Clean away grout residue with a sponge and a bucket of a 50-50 water and white vinegar mix.