Installing tiles is one of those jobs that is easy if planned well, and frustratingly difficult if planned haphazardly.  Make sure you select the correct type of tile for the job.

You should treat each surface, or section of a surface, as a separate layout. This way you can choose the best layout for visibility.  The basic principle of any tile installation is to layout full tiles in the open areas of a wall or floor, and hide cut tiles in less visible areas.  Use chalk lines to create visual references to keep you layout parallel and level.

Start by doing a dry-fit layout of the tiles, before beginning installation.  You can judge the overall affect, make changes, measure tiles to be cut to fit and identify missing materials before you have cemented the tiles in place.  If you are working on a floor, place your first tile in the center of the middle of the most open area of the floor. Next, layout the rest of the tiles on the floor. 

If you are working on a backsplash or bathtub enclosure, put your first tile in the center of each wall section along the top edge of the countertop or bathtub.  The tiles will then be centered on the wall and cut tiles will be hidden in the corners.

Tools you will need: a level, chalk line, ruler, tile spacers, tile, cement trowel, grout trowel, tile cement, tile grout, a sponge and a bucket.