I'm taking down those plastic wall coverings that look like tiles and installing ceramic tiles.

I'll use the water resistant (green/blue, depends where you buy it) drywall.

Here's a question, can I start installing tiles from the side/top/bottom instead of middle, so pieces are only on one side and the rest are whole tiles (I just like the way it looks that way)?

Also, what to use on the top since the wall where the tiles will be (including the drywall) will be thicker now than the little way left on top, so how to seal that area so water doesn't get in, silicone..

Any other tips for a first time tile installer?:)

If area u are tile is a wet area (tub or shower) u should use wonderboard, concrete board or similar product.

If greenboard gets wet, will fall apart and u will lose the tile and wall.

Tile should be centered with cuts on both sides. If wall is not perfectly plumb, u may have a problem with tile reaching corner.

This is one way to start.
Dry set tile to see how much is left over to cut. Add full tile size to cut tile size and divide by 2. This will give u a good size cut tile on each side.


(Also, what to use on the top since the wall where the tiles will be (including the drywall) will be thicker now than the little way left on top, so how to seal that area so water doesn't get in, silicone.. )

Are u leaving existing wall finish up and installing over it? What is it?

Chuck

I agree with Chuck. Lay from the enter out. Find the center of the wall. Space tiles out to corner. If the last tile is less than 1/2 tile, shift starting point either left or right by 1/2 tile. That will make each tile in the corner more than 1/2 tile. The thing you want to avoid most is having little bitty pieces. They are hard to cut and don't stick very well.

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Originally Posted by hkstroud

I agree with Chuck. Lay from the enter out. Find the center of the wall. Space tiles out to corner. If the last tile is less than 1/2 tile, shift starting point either left or right by 1/2 tile. That will make each tile in the corner more than 1/2 tile. The thing you want to avoid most is having little bitty pieces. They are hard to cut and don't stick very well.

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Yes I agree but if it's a wet area you should take out the drywall and replace with cement board. If it's outside the shower you can tile over the drywall without replacing it. If the walls are painted with anything other than flat paint you will need to put a couple coats of water-based primer over the paint for the thinset to adhere better. Dry lay your tiles in front of the wall and see where they fall for the best use of the tile. If you have never tiled before it's easier to do a brick pattern and if your lines stray a little it won't be as noticeable.
If it's a wet area tile up at least 6' from the drain. Start from the bottom when tiling walls. The bottom row of tiles holds the next row. You can use masking tape to help hold them but if you back butter the tiles and the wall and press firmly and flat it will create a suction and the tiles shouldn't move.