Can you use leveling clips on walls?
Short answer
Yes. Clips and wedges work on walls the same way as floors, and they help most with 12×24 and larger wall tile and with large panels in showers. Start the first full row on a straight ledger board, clip each row as you go, and knock the clips off along the joint with a rubber mallet once the thinset has set. Small subway tile and mosaics only need spacers.
How many clips for a shower?
Three walls of a standard tub or shower surround come to roughly 80–90 sq ft. In 12×24 tile on an offset that's about:
| Surround | Area | Clips | Packs of 100 | Wedges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tub surround, 3 walls | 88 sq ft | 146 | 2 | 146 |
| Walk-in shower, floor to ceiling | 120 sq ft | 199 | 2 | 199 |
Wall tips
- Screw a straight ledger board one tile up and set the first full row on it. Cut the bottom row last.
- Clip each row as you set it, so the tile doesn't slide while the thinset grabs.
- Use a thinset rated for the tile size and for wet areas in showers.
- Knock clips off with a rubber mallet along the joint. On walls you can't use your foot.
- Subway tile (3×6, 4×12) and mosaics usually only need spacers.
Frequently asked questions
Do leveling clips work on walls?
Yes. They work the same as on floors and are most useful with 12×24 and larger wall tile.
Do I need leveling clips for subway tile?
Usually not. Small tile like 3×6 subway shows little lippage, so spacers are normally enough.
