DIY Vertical Tile Wall: Steps to Transform Your Garden
Vertical gardens have grown in popularity over the last few years, as they allow you to create stunning green spaces in compact areas. One innovative approach to vertical gardening involves installing a vertical garden tile wall, which combines the beauty of living plants with the elegance of tiles.
We enlisted the help of Beaumont Tiles to share their steps and top tips on creating, installing, and maintaining the perfect vertical garden tile wall.
Step 1: Planning and Design
Before diving into the project, it’s essential to plan and design your wall. Start by considering what look and feel you’re trying to achieve. Then you should assess the space, lighting conditions and the types of plants you want to include. Once you’ve determined the look and feel that you’re going for, take measurements and determine the number of tiles that you’ll require. Before you move onto the next stage it’s important to sketch out your design on paper or use an online design tool, so you can visualise the final result.
Step 2: Purchase Materials and Tools
Before you can get started on creating your wall, you’ll need to purchase all the materials and tools. Make sure you visit a Beaumont Tile store to purchase the following:
Ceramic porcelain, or glass tiles: Choose tiles that are suitable for outdoor use and can withstand moisture. Consider your style and make the most of your space by choosing decorative tiles that speak to your tastes. Whether you want to add a pop of colour, subtle texture or some fascinating patterns and shapes, at Beaumont’s you’ll find the perfect decorative and patterned tiles for your wall. Check out the range available here.
Waterproof membrane: It’s really important to protect the wall behind the tiles from moisture and water damage. When purchasing all your materials for your wall make sure you discuss with your Beaumont Store to see that you buy the correct products for your specific needs.
Planting pockets or modular vertical garden systems: These are specifically designed containers that hold the plants and fit into the tile grid. These can be purchased at your local Bunnings store.
Potting soil and plants: Select plants that thrive in vertical gardening conditions, such as succulents, ferns, herbs or trailing vines. These can all be purchased at your local Bunnings.
Tile adhesive and grout: Use adhesive designed for outdoor use and select a grout colour that complements your tiles and doesn’t stand out. Visit the Beaumont tiles website here to view their tile adhesive advice and here for their range of grout colours.
Basic tools: Having the right tools for the job is so important for the successful and timely completion of your garden wall. You’ll need the following tools: a brush, roller, sponge, tile cutter, level, trowel, grouter and a drill with appropriate attachments. Check out what is available on the Beaumont Tiles website here for all the tiling tools required.
Step 3: Installation Process:
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install a vertical garden tile wall:
Prepare the wall: The first thing you need to do is thoroughly clean the wall surface and repair any cracks or imperfections. Apply a liberal coating of primer with a brush, roller or sponge, and let dry. Time for the neutral cure silicone to bead along the edges/internal corners of your space. Then brush or rollar on the waterproof membrane that you purchased to ensure long-lasting protection.
Layout the tiles: While the waterproof membrane is drying, determine how you want the tiles laid out based on your design by doing a dry lay. Then after the waterproofing has dried, carefully mark the positions of the tiles on the wall using a level and pencil (don’t damage your hard work waterproofing!).
Install the tiles: Spread the adhesive on the wall with the trowel running the notches horizontally across the wall. Press the tile into the adhesive with a sliding motion. You can use tile spaces to ensure you’re maintaining consistent spacing between the tiles. Check flatness and levels, and clean off excess adhesive as you go. Cut tiles as needed to fit around corners or edges.
Grouting: Once the adhesive has dried, it’s time to remove the space and apply the grout to fill the gaps that you have left between the tiles with a float. Make sure you clean off all excess grout using a damp sponge. Allow the grout to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Install the planting pockets: Once the grouting has dried it’s time to attach the planting pockets or modular vertical garden systems to the tiles. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation.
Planting: Fill the planting pockets with potting soil and carefully insert the desired plants.
Step 4: Maintenance and Care:
To keep your vertical garden tile wall thriving, it’s important that you care for it. Make sure you’re regularly watering your plants and ensuring proper drainage to prevent water build-up on the wall. It’s also important to periodically clean the tiles and remove any debris or dust that may accumulate overtime.
With a little planning and effort, installing a vertical garden tile wall can be easy and transform any space whether indoor or outdoor into a green and vibrant oasis. Please share your DIY projects with us by tagging @thegardenhustleaustralia and @beaumont.tiles in your before and after shots on social media.