How to Hang Slate Tile

Locate the studs in your wall by running the stud finder. along the wall. Nail sheets of backer board to the wall through the studs. You must secure the slate tile to backerboard rather than drywall.

Divide the wall into workable sections using a pencil and a level. By applying mortar and tile in sections, you ensure that your mortar will not dry out by the time you install the slate tiles. The size of each section is a matter of personal preference, but Lowe's recommends that each section measure approximately 3 feet by 3 feet.

Mix the portland cement mortar with water following the directions on the package. Choose a starting section in a corner or at the far side of one wall. Apply a 1/4-inch thick layer of mortar to the wall in the starting section with the flat side of a notched trowel.

Comb the wet mortar with the notched side of the trowel – creating uniform, grooved lines throughout the wet mortar.

Lay the slate tile in a line starting at the floor. Press each tile gently into the mortar. Place 1/8 inch spacers between each tile to ensure a uniform appearance.

Place a level over the row of tile to ensure that it is level. Continue installing tile in the same manner until you complete the section, checking each row with the level as you go.

Spread mortar and install tile in the remaining sections of the wall in the same manner until you have completely tiled over the desired area. Let the tile cure for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer – typically 24 hours.

Remove the spacers. Spread a generous amount of sanded grout across the tiles with a flat trowel. Scrape away excess grout with the trowel as you go. Grout the entire wall. Let the grout cure.

Wipe away any remaining grout haze from the tile with a dry cloth.