How to Tile Inside Corners

Tiling inside corners can be a satisfying yet challenging part of any tiling project. Whether you’re working on a kitchen backsplash or a bathroom renovation, achieving crisp, clean lines in corners requires attention to detail. This guide on how to tile inside corners will walk you through the essential process, ensuring your finished work looks professional and lasts for years.

By understanding the right techniques and preparing properly, you’ll avoid common pitfalls that lead to uneven edges or water damage. From selecting quality materials to applying the finishing touches, you’ll find all the steps you need here. Let’s get started and make your next tiling project a success.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

• Measuring Tape
• Carpenter’s Level
• Tile Cutter or Wet Saw
• Notched Trowel
• Grout Float
• Spacers
• Tiles of Your Choice
• Tile Adhesive (Thinset Mortar)
• Grout
• Sponge and Bucket
• Safety Goggles and Gloves
• Pencil or Marker for Marking Cuts

8 Simple Step-By-Step Guidelines on How to Tile Inside Corners

Step 1: Prepare Your Surface

Before you even open your box of tiles, make sure that the walls are clean, dry, and flat. Remove any old adhesive or debris, and repair cracks or imperfections in the drywall or cement board. A smooth surface ensures that tiles lay flat and adhere properly.

Measure your work area carefully to plan your tile layout, paying extra attention to the inside corners. This preparation will help you anticipate where you’ll need to make cuts and ensure a symmetrical, well-balanced appearance. Take your time with this phase—it’s the most critical part of achieving professional results.

Step 2: Plan Your Tile Layout

Start by dry-laying a row of tiles along each wall, beginning at the center and working your way toward the inside corner. This step helps you visualize the final look, identify the size and position of cut tiles, and minimize slivers or awkward gaps.

Use spacers between tiles to establish even grout lines and mark any tiles that need cutting. Planning the layout in advance makes the installation process much smoother and helps prevent mistakes that are difficult to fix later on.

Step 3: Cut Tiles for the Inside Corners

Using a pencil or marker, mark the tiles that need to be trimmed to fit into the corner. Use a tile cutter or wet saw for clean, precise cuts. Always wear safety goggles and gloves when cutting tile to protect yourself from flying shards or dust.

It’s best to cut tiles slightly smaller than the gap to allow for expansion and grout. After cutting, dry-fit each piece into its place in the corner to check alignment before applying any adhesive. Adjust your cuts as needed for the closest fit.

Step 4: Apply Adhesive

Use a notched trowel to spread tile adhesive (thinset mortar) evenly on a small section of the wall, starting near the corner. Only apply as much adhesive as you can set tiles in within 10–15 minutes to prevent it from drying prematurely. Press each tile firmly into the adhesive with gentle twisting motions.

As you work, insert spacers between tiles to maintain consistent grout lines. Pay close attention to the placement of your cut tiles in the corners, as well as their alignment with the rest of the field. Adjust as necessary for a level and uniform finish.

Step 5: Set Tiles in the Corner

Begin with the full tiles near the outside of the walls and work toward the corner, placing your pre-cut tiles last. Gently press the corner tiles into the adhesive, ensuring the edges are aligned with neighboring tiles for a seamless appearance.

Use your level to check that the tiles are perfectly vertical and flat. Pay extra attention to corners, as minor misalignments can become more noticeable once grouted. Once all tiles are in place, allow the adhesive to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 6: Double-Check Alignment and Spacing

After setting the tiles, go over your work to make sure everything is evenly spaced and properly aligned. Adjust any tiles that may have shifted before the adhesive sets. This is also a good time to ensure your grout lines in the corners are neat and consistent with the rest of the wall.

A steady hand and a good eye are essential in this step. Taking a few moments to perfect your placement now will save you from frustrations during the grouting process and enhance the overall look of your finished tiling job.

Step 7: Grout the Tiles

Once the adhesive has dried fully, remove all spacers. Mix the grout according to the package directions and use a grout float to fill the gaps between tiles, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets. Work diagonally across the tiles to spread the grout evenly and avoid pulling it out of the corners.

Use a damp sponge to wipe away excess grout from the surface of the tiles, rinsing frequently. Take care not to drag grout out of the corners as you clean. Allow the grout to cure for the recommended amount of time before subjecting the area to moisture.

Step 8: Final Inspection and Touch-Ups

When the grout is dry, inspect the entire surface for spots that need touch-up. Look for missed sections of grout or uneven lines, and add grout as necessary. Wipe down the tiles with a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining haze or residue.

Finish by applying a grout sealer if recommended, especially in areas exposed to moisture. This step helps protect your hard work and keeps the tiled area looking clean and fresh for years to come.

Following these steps on how to tile inside corners will result in a professional and polished finish to your tiled walls or floors. With the right tools, materials, and techniques, you can easily tackle this home improvement project on your own. And once you have mastered tiling corners, you can confidently take on larger tiling projects throughout your home.

Additional Tips

• Always purchase extra tiles to account for mistakes or future repairs.
• Use plastic tile spacers to keep grout lines straight and consistent.
• For corners in wet areas like showers, use waterproof backer boards instead of regular drywall for added protection.
• If your walls are not perfectly square, plan your cuts carefully to minimize the appearance of uneven gaps.
• Take frequent breaks to check your work from different angles and lighting, ensuring no mistakes go unnoticed during installation.
• Consult manufacturer recommendations for curing times and adhesive compatibility for best long-term results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing through surface preparation or skipping it altogether.
• Neglecting to use spacers results in uneven grout lines.
• Cutting tiles inaccurately or failing to double-check the fit before installing.
• Allowing the adhesive to set before the tile placement is finalized.
• Forgetting to seal grout in wet environments reduces tile longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What’s the Best Way to Get Straight Lines in the Corners?

Achieving straight lines in corners starts with thorough surface preparation and careful planning. Use a level to guide your layout and place spacers consistently between each tile. Double-check every row before moving to the next, especially near corners, to prevent cumulative errors.

If you notice unevenness as you work, adjust the tiles before the adhesive sets. The key is to move slowly and check your work frequently, ensuring a crisp, professional appearance when finished.

Q2: How Do I Prevent Tiles from Cracking Near the Edges?

The most common cause of cracked edge tiles is incorrect cutting or rough handling. Always use a quality tile cutter or wet saw to create clean edges, and handle tiles gently during both cutting and installation. Make sure tiles are fully supported wherever they sit near the corner.

Additionally, do not overtighten spacers or press excessively on the tiles, as this can cause stress and cracks over time. Proper technique reduces the risk of breakage and helps your finished project last longer.

Q3: Is It Necessary to Use a Grout Sealer in Inside Corners?

While not always required, applying a grout sealer is highly recommended, especially in high-moisture areas like bathrooms or kitchens. A sealer protects the grout from absorbing water and staining, which prolongs the life of your tiling work and keeps it looking fresh.

Read the instructions for both grout and sealer, as compatibility and curing times can vary. Sealing takes only a little extra effort but significantly enhances the durability and appearance of your tiled corners.

Q4: Can I Tile Directly Over Painted or Textured Walls?

Tiling directly over painted or textured walls is not recommended unless the surface is properly prepared. Paint can reduce adhesive strength, and uneven textures make it hard for tiles to sit flat. Always sand down paint and smooth out texture, or better yet, install cement backer board for the most secure base.

Proper wall preparation saves you time and money by ensuring the tiles stay put and look even. Investing effort here pays off with a more beautiful and lasting finish.

Conclusion

Tiling inside corners may seem daunting, but with careful planning, patience, and the right tools, you can achieve outstanding results. Following these step-by-step guidelines on how to tile inside corners ensures each tile is placed perfectly, and your finished project is durable and visually appealing.

Remember to avoid common mistakes, use the right materials, and seek advice when needed. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll bring your tiling vision to life—corner to corner.