Lay the Tile. Mix thin-set mortar according to directions. Use the flat side of trowel to apply the thin-set and the comb edge of the trowel to create grooves (Image 1). This will give you a really tight connection to your slab. Set the tiles by gently sliding into place. Use spacers to achieve consistent gaps between tiles (Image 2).
The Costs. Minimum cost of bathroom wall tiling: $2.50-$3.00 per square foot. Maximum cost of bathroom wall tiling: $7.00-$8.00 per square foot. When considering a bathroom wall tiling project, homeowners are often most concerned with the costs associated with the installation.
1 For details see, How Much Does a Tile Floor Cost. 2  Retiling around a bathtub or inside a shower enclosure can cost $800-$2,500 or more, depending on the type of tiles, total square footage, the amount of repairs needed, any special pattern or border, and local labor rates. For example, HGTV.com estimates that tiling a bathroom wall costs about $100 and, including drying time, takes up to three days; while ThisOldHouse.com estimates that tiling around a bathtub is a moderately difficult project that takes eight to 10 hours of work (not including drying time) and costs $400-$1,300.