How To Install Tile Backsplash In 8 Simple Steps

A tile backsplash not only protects your walls from splashes and spills, but it also adds an extra layer of color and style to your kitchen.  You would be surprised how much of a difference a tile backsplash will make to the overall look of your kitchen.  But you may be wondering how to install tile backsplash.

Tile Backsplash Ideas For Kitchen

If you are confident enough about your skills, you can certainly install tile backsplash yourself. Let us first begin with your wall type.   If for instance this is a painted drywall, tiles can be installed right over its top. Meanwhile if the wall already has an installed tile backsplash, it must be removed totally by cutting the existing backer or drywall and then installing a new one.  Now we may begin discussing how to install tile backsplash.

You will need:

• tape measure
• level
• tile cutter
• tile nippers/tile saw
• goggles
• notched trowel
• rubber grout float

How To Install Tile Backsplash

1. Detach all the switch plates and outlet covers from the backsplash. Using sandpaper, hand-sand the wall in order to roughen the painted surface.  Once your finished, wipe off the dust using a damp rag. Then measure and mark the precise center of the room’s visual focal point at the counter level and then draw a perfectly plumb starting line through the center mark with the use of a sharp pencil and a 2-foot level.

2. Having accomplished the step above, scoop using a V-notched trowel some tile mastic or thinset out of the bucket then, with sweeping motion, spread the mastic across the wall making sure that the covered area is large enough for eight tiles. Check whether there are areas which are not totally covered and fill them in with mastic.

3. Begin setting the field tiles by initially placing them at the bottom of the vertical center line making sure that the first tile is right on the line while the base of the tile is parallel with the edge of the counter. Firmly press the tile into the mastic. Once again, set tiles in both directions from the center line. Continue doing this with the ensuing rows up to the point when you reach the row against the cabinets or one requiring decorative tiles.

4. Eventually you will reach a cabinet or pattern edge that will necessitate the trimming of a tile with a single straight cut. Do this by putting down a full tile in the space then marking it. With the use of a score-and-snap tile cutter, score the tile once with the cutting wheel and with careful effort snap the tile.

5. You are now ready in setting the decorative tiles. One crucial thing to do in order to ensure that you were able to cut all the pieces according to their right size is to dry-fit all them first. After having ensured that everything is correctly cut, you are now ready to apply mastic to the particular area and then set the tile into the mastic, using the original plumb line, which you set earlier, to center the design.

6. If there are tile that needs to be notched around a cabinet corner, switch box, or electrical receptacle, mark them. Cut this with the use of a motorized wetsaw and by using tile nippers, remove any material in the notch. You will then proceed in finishing the tiling.  Allow the mastic to dry overnight.

7. Having done the steps above you are now ready to fill the tile joints with grout.  Mix a batch of unsanded tile grout in a clean bucket as directed on its packaging. With the use of a rubber grout float, get some grout out of the bucket and then smear it across the surface of the tile diagonally to the grout lines. Make sure that you pack the grout deep into the joints but make sure that you do not get any into the seam between the tiles and the counter top.

8. After you have finished grouting the entire backsplash you are now ready to clean the surface using a soft sponge and clear water. To do this properly wipe diagonally to the grout lines in order that you do not pull any grout from the joints. You should then wait 30 to 45 minutes for the grout to set. You may see a hazy film over the tile.  This can be cleaned using a dry cloth until the tiles shine. Then put a thin bead of tub-and-tile caulk into the joint at the very bottom of the backsplash, in the corners, and between the tiles and the cabinets. Make sure it the same color. With a wet finger you can smooth the caulk.

Congratulations, you’ve just tiled your own kitchen backsplash!