When installing tile on a wall, which direction should the tiles be placed?

Placing tiles from the bottom up is considered best practice for wall installations for several reasons. Beginning at the bottom allows for any excess adhesive to ooze down, preventing it from being visible in the grout lines. Additionally, starting from the bottom allows for better control over tile placement, especially when adjustments are needed for alignment.

This approach also helps to ensure that any cut tiles, which may not look as aesthetically pleasing, are positioned at the top where they are less visible. By working upwards, the installer can maintain a level line as they progress, which is crucial to achieving a professional look. The weight of the tiles and the nature of gravity also suggest that if you start at the top, the tiles could slide down before the adhesive sets, leading to a misaligned or uneven installation.

In contrast, horizontally placing tiles may refer more to the orientation rather than the order of installation, while a random pattern lacks the structured approach needed for wall tiles. Starting from the top down could also lead to alignment issues, making bottom-up installation the preferred method.