How To Install Glass Tile Backsplash Like A Pro!

Glass tile backsplashes are great decorative enhancements to many home kitchens and bathrooms which is why they are among the popular materials being used today. But aside from their aesthetic contribution, glass tiles can also serve a number of functional purposes like making an area brighter or making a room appear less confined or bigger than it actually is. Another advantage of these materials is that, similar to the ceramic kind, how to install a glass tile backsplash is a task that can be done rather easily and without necessarily getting the services of a skilled worker. This article will provide you with simple and easy to follow instructions on how to successfully accomplish this undertaking.

First, there are certain basic things you need to do, as well as information you need to know before you can proceed in installing glass tile backsplash by yourself. In terms of design and style, glass tiles for backsplash are available in a wide range of options. You can therefore search and select from a lot of concepts and themes and then implement what would be the perfect design for your kitchen. Local outlets together with numerous web pages (like this one) offer plenty of glass tile patterns and colors.  Finding your perfect design is the first task.

Installing Glass Tile Backsplash - Mounted Tile

You need to also know that glass tiles are classified into two major types. There is the mounted glass tile and the unmounted glass tile. The first one is usually pre-mounted on mesh backing while the other is not. What a mesh backing does is keep the tiles uniform and precisely placed.  An example of mounted glass tiles are the mosaic tiles. Unmounted glass tiles on the other hand do not have a mesh backing. This makes them more time consuming and rather painstaking to install. However the advantage of this type is that it provides a wider flexibility and range of choices when it comes to designs and styles. Stained and recycled glass are examples of unmounted tiles. Mounted tile is more advantageous if you are installing glass tile backsplash by yourself.

Having chosen and bought the appropriate material, you are now ready for the next step. Below are simple and easy to follow procedures which will be helpful to your goal in successfully improving the look of your kitchen.

How To Install Glass Tile Backsplash – Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare And Complete Your Tools
For this particular task you will be needing the following tools.

• 3/16” square notch trowel
• gum rubber or green epoxy float
• glass mosaic tile nippers
• level, metal straight edge
• chalk line
• masking tape
• spacers
• oversized polyester sponge
• clean bucket

Step 2: Determine the area size and lay out of the backsplash
Measure the size of the area to tile from the top of the counter to the bottom of the cabinets.  This will give you a precise estimate as to the required number of tile rows.   One important thing that should be remembered is that 1/8” grout lines must be part of the measurements. Then begin to develop the layout design as you have contemplated it. Find the center point of this wall and then mark it. Using the level, draw a horizontal line across the wall from end to end.   Next is to determine if the tiles at the either end of the wall or for the row adjoining the upper cupboards or cabinets need to be cut.

Step 3: Prepare and Spread Over The Thin-Set Mortar
Prepare according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer the thin-set mortar. Mix the mortar with water gradually while continuously stirring until you obtain a creamy peanut butter like consistency. Let the mixture set for about 10 minutes before you spread over the wall in a smooth manner and in even strokes using the notched trowel.  You should cover about a 2-square-foot area at a time. For about 45 minutes, a thin layer of the mortar will remain workable. Use a sponge and water to clean any surface.

Step 4: Begin Laying The Glass Tiles
Beginning from the bottom row, start laying the glass tiles on to the thin-set. The right way to do this is to press and wiggle every tile so that it would set into the mortar. See to it that they are kept flat and level. With the use 1/8-inch spacers, put uniform and consistent distances between tiles. These spacers can be removed once the mortar begins to dry. Always examine with the use of a level if the vertical and horizontal lines are uniform and even.

Step 5: Cut and Polish Tiles

How To Install Glass Tile Backsplash - Rubi Cutter

You can have the option of manually cutting glass tiles using a Rubi cutter or a wet saw. The latter would be a practical thing to do if you have a lot of cutting to do or you have several difficult components to cut. For the manual process adjust the tile stop to the correct width, pull the cutting blade down and then score the tile with one smooth motion.  Pull down the handle to divide the tile into two pieces. Polish and smooth the cut end tiles if they are to be exposed using a grinding stone.  (If you purchase mounted tiles, you can likely just cut the mesh holding the tiles together)

Step 6: Put Grout On Tile Backsplash
After the mortar sets and the tiles have been cleaned, you can start applying the grout.  Using the type of grout without sand to avoid scratching the glass surface, apply with gentle pressure the grout using a float gliding over the tiles at a 45-degree angle. Make sure to examine and see that no tiles have moved and all of them are evenly laid out. If the grout is dry enough wipe the grouted tiles clean with a wet sponge. Then polish the haze left behind using a soft cloth.