Andrea Kessler / Getty Images
Installing atile backsplashis an easy way to add style to kitchen walls.
It’s also highly practical: tile protects the wall from damage and simplifies cleaning.
you’re free to install a tile backsplash by yourself.
Andrea Kessler / Getty Images
Learn how to tile a backsplash, plus tips for making the job easier.
They fit within the confined space of a kitchen wall better than larger tiles.
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Tape plastic sheeting or cardboard to the countertop to protect it.
Then, remove the faceplates by unscrewing them with a flat-headscrewdriver.
Finally, test each receptacle and switch with a voltage tester to verify that they are no longer live.
Remove Existing Backsplash
Remove existing backsplash materials from the wall with a putty knife or chisel.
Scrape off thinset mortar or adhesive.
Do this as carefully as possible to avoid damaging the drywall.
Finish by running the edge of the knife over the joint compound.
Clean the Wall
Mix TSP into warm water.
Dip a sponge in the mixture and thoroughly squeeze water from the sponge.
Wipe the wall clean.
Plan the Layout
Dry lay the tiles on the countertop, just below the installation area.
Add tile spacers to maintain tile seams.
Slip metal tile edging under the tile layout on each side.
Measure the layout’s width with a tape measure.
Tip
Aim for symmetry.
Center the tiles side-to-side across the installation area.
The width should equal the width of the tile layout.
Install Tile Edge Trim
Cut the metal tile edging trim to the required height with a hacksaw.
Spread a thin strip of thinset mortar on the wall, just inside the pencil marks.
The thinset strip should be about the width of the edging trim.
Press the trim firmly into the thinset mortar.
Press the tiles by hand into the thinset.
If you’re installing mesh-backed mosaic tile sheets, spacers are needed between sheets but not between individual tiles.
Lay Remaining Rows
Tile the backsplash by working upward.
Insert tile spacers between rows to maintain seam width and prevent the tiles from sliding down.
Tile Around Receptacles
Tile around the receptaclesand light switches with full tiles, if possible.
Finish the Last Row
Lay the top and final row of the tile backsplash.
Cut the tiles if necessary to fit under a cabinet or exhaust hood.
Let the Thinset Harden
Let the thinset dry and harden for about 24 hours.
Spread Grout Across the Tiles
Add pre-mixed grout to a tile hawk or drywall mud tray.
Scoop up some thinset with the edge of the rubber tile float.
Holding the float at a 45-degree angle, spread the grout across the tile face.
Spread the grout diagonally across the tiles.
Wipe gently to avoid gouging out the wet grout.
Add Receptacle Extensions
Screw plastic receptacle extensions onto the fronts of the outlet boxes.
Required by electrical code, the front edges of boxes must be flush with the backsplash.
