A batten board is nothing more than a 1 x4 or 1 x2 board screwed directly into the wall horizontally.
Where to start tile on wall.
Make a mark directly in the middle of the wall above the countertop.
With the mortar ready to go you can start placing your tiles.
In this example the tile ends at the corners instead of wrapping onto the small wall with the doorway.
Place your spacers between each tile as you go.
Start applying the adhesive in a bottom corner about 1 tile length away from the bottom and side of the wall leaving space for the edge tiles.
Scoop out a golf ball sized amount of adhesive onto a notched trowel and spread enough adhesive in a thin layer over the wall to hang 2 3 tiles at a time.
Set tiles from botom as some tiles are heavy.
Fill the gap between your bottom row and skirting floor with cut tiles.
Start with level edge and base line.
This is where you will center the first tile to start the backsplash project.
This enables you to work your way outward in rows to keep the lines symmetrical and even.
Just twist them into place sticking to the small area that you prepared for yourself.
For the vertical layout begin your pattern at the top of the wall so there ll be full uncut tile at the top.
Starting at the center point lay tiles along one line from the center to the wall.
If the countertop is tiled locate the tile that.
Some people prefer to begin their tile work in the center of the wall.
Don t start it at the floor.
If you have out side edge bullnose trim you make your cuts inside.
The wider the spacer the wider the grout line between the tiles.
That way if you do have to cut tile to fit they ll be at the bottom where the tub or shower pan might be slightly out of level.
Insert tile spacers between the tiles.
A batten board helps you start your bottom most course or row of tiles.
Place your tiles on the wall.
Tile spacers come in a variety of widths.
Use a gauge rod to work out the position of the lowest horizontal row then mark the top row s position on the wall.
If you plan to cut the bottom row of tile start your installation with the second row.
Remember you don t want them too small so move your top row if they re less than half a tile.
This method works well when installing both a basic subway tile as well as larger tile sheets.
If it did wrap onto that wall the two sides of the door would be hard to balance and likely a bit awkward.