Walls are where lippage is easiest to see. A shower wall lit by a vanity light or a backsplash under cabinet lights shows every step between tiles as a shadow. A tile leveling system works on walls just as it does on floors, with a few changes: tile wants to slide down, the mortar has to hold it, and corners, niches and trim need their own approach. This guide covers how to use a wall tile leveling system on showers, tub surrounds and backsplashes.
Can you use a tile leveling system on walls?
Yes. Tile leveling systems work on walls, showers and backsplashes the same way they work on floors: clips under the tile edges and wedges on top hold neighboring faces flush while the mortar cures. On walls they also help hold tile in position, though support for the first row still comes from a ledger.
The Next Level system is designed for vertical as well as horizontal installs; the product page lists shower walls, tub surrounds and kitchen backsplashes among its uses. The clips you need depend on the joint you want: see leveling clips for wall and backsplash tile.
How do you keep wall tile from sliding?
Keep wall tile from sliding by starting on a straight ledger board, using a non-sag mortar rated for walls, back-buttering larger tile, and working up one row at a time. Leveling clips and spacers then hold joint width while the mortar grabs.
- Fasten a ledger one tile-height up from the tub, shower pan or countertop so the first full row is perfectly level. Fill the bottom row last.
- Use a mortar that resists sag. Standard thin-set can let heavy tile slump; non-sag mortars are formulated to hold tile in place on vertical surfaces.
- Back-butter tile larger than a standard subway tile so it grabs instantly.
- Set clips along horizontal and vertical joints as you go, and tighten wedges once each row is placed.
Wall tile slip is usually a mortar problem, not a clip problem. If tile keeps creeping, check that the mortar is mixed to the right consistency and that you are not spreading more than you can set within its open time.
Which clip size works for subway and backsplash tile?
For subway and backsplash tile, 1/16 inch clips give a tight, clean joint on consistent tile, and 1/8 inch clips suit tile with more size variation or a look with a visible grout line. 1/32 inch is a specialty joint for very precise rectified wall tile where the tile maker allows it.
| Wall tile | Suggested clip | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 3×6 or 4×12 subway, consistent size | 1/16 inch | Tight, crisp joint |
| Handmade-look subway, zellige-style | 1/8 inch or wider | Absorbs size and edge variation |
| 12×24 and larger rectified porcelain | 1/16 or 1/8 inch | Depends on tile maker’s minimum joint and warpage |
| Rectified slab-look wall panels | 1/32 or 1/16 inch | Near-seamless look, only if the maker allows it |
For a deeper comparison of joint widths, see 1/16 vs 1/8 grout line.
How do you level tile around niches and corners?
Around niches and corners, place clips on every flat joint you can reach, use plain spacers or tape where a clip base will not fit, and plan cuts so the niche frame lines up with grout joints. At inside corners, leave a movement joint instead of clipping into the corner.
A shower niche interrupts the field, so lay out the wall so niche edges fall on full grout lines. Clip the tiles around the opening first, then set the niche back, sides and sill. At outside corners, use bullnose tile or an edge trim; clips cannot go under a mitered or trimmed edge. In a wainscot, run clips up to the top course and finish with a trim piece.
Why does lippage show more on shower walls?
Lippage shows more on shower walls because light usually comes from above or from the side and grazes the tile, turning tiny steps into long shadows. Glossy glazes, large tile and wavy wall framing make it worse.
This is the same raking-light effect described in what is tile lippage. The wall substrate matters as much as the tile: studs that are out of line or a wavy backer board will telegraph through big tile. Straighten the wall before tiling, and use leveling clips to keep each edge flush with its neighbor.
When should you skip leveling clips on a wall?
Skip leveling clips on mosaics, very small tile, irregular handmade tile meant to look uneven, and areas where the clip base cannot fit, such as tight cuts at corners. Clips also add little on small tile set with wide joints on a flat wall.
Zellige and other handmade looks are supposed to have variation; leveling every edge removes the character. Instead, set them in mortar with a wider joint and judge by eye. For mastic-set tile, many tile makers limit mastic to small tile in dry areas, so check the tile adhesive’s label before using it with large tile in a shower. Step-by-step instructions for floors and walls are in how to use a tile leveling system, and the clip size chart covers joint choice by tile size.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best tile spacers for shower walls?
For 12×24 and larger shower tile, leveling clips in your joint width are the most effective. For small wall tile, plain or horseshoe spacers are usually enough.
How do you remove tile leveling clips from a wall?
Tap the clip top with a rubber mallet in line with the joint once the mortar has cured; do not pry against the tile face.
How do you keep wall tile level when installing?
Start from a level ledger, check each row with a level, and use clips to keep neighboring edges flush.
Key terms
- Backsplash: the tiled wall area behind a countertop, sink or range.
- Subway tile: a rectangular wall tile, classically 3×6 inches, usually set in a running bond pattern.
- Shower niche: a recessed shelf built into a shower wall.
- Ledger: a straight temporary support fastened to a wall to hold the first full row of tile.
- Wall tile slip: tile sliding down a wall before the mortar grabs.
- Sag: mortar or tile slumping downward on a vertical surface under its own weight.
- Non-sag mortar: a mortar formulated to hold tile in place on walls without slipping.
- Wainscot: tile covering the lower part of a wall, finished with a cap or trim at the top.
- Bullnose: a tile with one rounded finished edge used at outside corners and exposed ends.
- Edge trim: a metal or PVC profile that protects and finishes exposed tile edges.
- Wall substrate: the surface tile is bonded to on a wall, such as cement backer board or a waterproofed panel.
- Tile adhesive: any product that bonds tile, including cement mortars and premixed adhesives.
- Mastic: a premixed organic tile adhesive used mainly for small tile in dry areas.
- Shower pan: the waterproof, sloped floor base of a shower.
Tiling a shower or backsplash? The Next Level tile leveling system is sold nationwide by quote. Request a quote for wall-ready leveling clips and wedges.