By Marcus Hale – Artisanal Concrete Craftsman
Uneven walls are more common than most people think. Old plaster, patchwork repairs, framing quirks, and settling all create surfaces that are less than perfect. The good news: you don’t need to rebuild your wall to achieve a clean, modern finish. With the right preparation and method, ModaConcrete’s handcrafted wall tiles, made from sustainable precast concrete, can turn irregular surfaces into sleek, precise modern concrete designs. Whether you’re working behind a concrete sink, around a concrete table, or adjacent to breeze blocks, the approach below keeps installation efficient, durable, and beautiful.
1. Assess the Wall and Mark Problem Areas
Start by determining how uneven your wall really is. Use a 4–6 foot straightedge or a long level to identify dips and bulges. Slide it across the surface and mark high spots and low spots with a pencil. Pay special attention to corners, around windows, and transitions near fixtures like sinks, cabinets, or architectural features.
Pro tip: If you are planning to integrate Moda tiles with a concrete sink or built-in shelving, run your straightedge across those alignment lines first and treat them as your visual reference point.
2. Clean, Repair, and Prime the Surface
Before you level anything, the wall must be clean and sound. Remove loose paint, dust, grease, old adhesive, or flaking plaster. Fill larger holes or cracks with a suitable patching compound and allow it to cure. The goal is to eliminate any failing material that could compromise adhesion.
Once repaired, apply a compatible primer or bonding agent if recommended for your substrate and thinset combo. This step is especially important over painted drywall or old plaster.
3. Create a Level Base with a Skim or Scratch Coat
On uneven surfaces, the best method for installing Moda wall tiles is to create a level base first. A common approach:
- Apply a leveling skim coat or scratch coat using a high-quality modified thinset mortar.
- On particularly uneven or unstable walls, fasten appropriate backer board or mesh to help reinforce the surface.
- Use a straightedge to flatten the coat while it is still workable, bringing the surface within acceptable tolerances.
Allow this coat to cure fully. Light sanding or scraping ridges may be needed afterward to refine the surface. The better this base, the easier the tile setting will be.
4. Lay Out the Tile Pattern Before Setting
With a flatter wall, dry-lay Moda tiles on the floor or against the wall to test your pattern and cuts. Decide where full tiles will be most visible and where cut tiles will be least noticeable. This is important around focal points such as mirror edges, sink backdrops, or feature recesses.
Mark reference lines on the wall using a level or laser. A horizontal line at your starting row and a vertical center or edge line will help keep the tile grid straight, even if the original wall was not.
5. Set Moda Tiles with Thinset and Spacers
Apply a fresh layer of modified thinset mortar over the leveled surface using a notched trowel. Work in manageable sections so the thinset does not skin over before tiles are set.
- Press each tile firmly into the thinset, slightly twisting for contact.
- Use spacers to maintain consistent joints.
- Check level and plumb frequently across multiple tiles, not just one at a time.
Because Moda’s sustainable precast concrete tiles are dimensionally consistent, they will naturally create straight lines if the wall prep was done correctly.
6. Address Any Remaining Minor Unevenness
If you encounter a small low spot, you can adjust tile coverage by lightly increasing thinset under that tile. Avoid overcompensation—build-ups that are too thick can weaken the bond. For a high spot that wasn’t fully corrected, you may slightly reduce thinset or feather around it using a small margin trowel.
The goal is to keep the tile faces in the same plane so the finished wall reads as flat and intentional, even if the original structure was not.
7. Grout, Seal, and Enjoy a Level Appearance
Once the thinset cures, grout the joints with a rubber float, remove excess grout, and clean the surface with a damp sponge. After the grout has cured, apply an appropriate sealer to both tile and grout if desired, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, or near outdoor features where moisture or staining is a concern.
The result is a wall that looks straight and composed, with Moda’s handcrafted concrete tiles delivering the modern, low-maintenance finish your home deserves—even if you started with far-from-perfect surfaces.
FAQ
What is the best way to deal with very uneven walls?
Use a leveling skim or scratch coat with a quality modified thinset, possibly over backer board or mesh, to create a solid, flatter surface before tiling.
Can I install Moda tiles directly on old painted walls?
Only after cleaning, deglossing, and ensuring the paint is sound. Priming or using a bonding agent is recommended, and severely uneven surfaces should still be skim-coated.
Do Moda tiles work on both drywall and masonry?
Yes. With proper surface prep and leveling, Moda’s sustainable precast concrete adheres well to both, making it ideal for renovations and new construction alike.
Are Moda tiles suitable for DIY installation on uneven surfaces?
Experienced DIYers can absolutely tackle this with proper tools and patience. For very uneven or extensive walls, many homeowners choose to work with a professional installer.
Conclusion
Installing ModaConcrete wall tiles on uneven surfaces is less about fighting the wall and more about creating the right foundation. With thoughtful assessment, a good leveling coat, and precise setting techniques, even imperfect substrates can become clean, modern backdrops for everyday life. To find the right texture, color, and format for your project, explore the Moda Wall Tile Collection and bring handcrafted, sustainable concrete into your home—no matter what your existing walls look like today.