How to Install Your Own Backsplash
paul halferty
A backsplash is a simple way to bring color, pattern and texture to your kitchen. With a few tools and a little know-how, you can install it yourself! Are you ready to get started?
What you will need:
tile
thinset
sandpaper (80 grit)
notched trowel (to spread adhesive)
margin trowel (for mixing material)
sanded grout
sanded grout caulking
rubber grout float (for applying grout)
level
tile sponge
disposable gloves
water
5-gallon bucket
tile wet saw
Prepare Your Walls
Preparing a smooth and uniform surface is the most important step before any tile installation project. This surface is the foundation for your beautiful backsplash, so take a few minutes to make sure that your wall is structurally sound. Lumps and bumps lead to misaligned tiles.
1. Remove any molding, switch plates, outlet covers and other hardware attached to the area being tiled.
2. Scrape away any loose or peeling paint or wallpaper.
3. Remove any remaining dust, oil, or grease.
4. Spackle any cracks/holes and sand smooth. Sand the area with medium-grit sandpaper until even, and vacuum up the dust. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust and allow to dry.
Lay it Out
Before you start cutting tile and spreading thinset, it’s worth taking some time to make sure that you have your layout worked out. In fact, experts agree that the difference between a professional looking tile job and an amateur’s work is revealed in the layout. Layout your tile on a table or floor prior to installation.
Confirm quantity. First and foremost, you want to make sure you have enough tile for your project; laying out your project can confirm if you are ready to go.
Blend and arrange your tile. Some color variation is inevitable no matter the tile you choose. Lay out your tile to make sure you're spreading out the variation for a clean, evenly blended installation.
Determine where cuts will be made. For a backsplash to look its best, it must be balanced so cut tiles hide beneath cabinets and in corners.
Layout is especially important when you are working with more than one color.
Mix the mortar
You'll need thin set mortar to adhere your tiles. Thin set is available powdered or pre-mixed. If you opt for powdered, a general rule of thumb is to start with the powder in a bucket and just add water slowly and mix until the consistency of the mortar becomes like peanut butter. Mix your adhesive in small batches, only making the amount you will need for 30 minutes, otherwise it will dry out.
With your mortar mixed, you are now ready to start setting your tile!
Applying your tile
Now is a good time to cover your work surfaces. Place a layer of cardboard or heavy-duty craft paper over your countertop to protect it from debris.
1. Using a margin trowel, scoop some mastic adhesive out of the tub and put it on the wall (no technique involved here!).
2. Working towards the corner, use a notched trowel to spread the mortar. Press at a 45-degree angle to ensure the mortar fully adheres to the wall.
3. Slightly rock the tile up and down, perpendicular to the trowel lines, to collapse the ridges and help the tile settle into place.
4. Check your installation and make sure all of your pieces are level.
5. Make your cuts. All backsplash installations will have some cut tiles to contend with. Outlet boxes, windows, focal areas and decorative tiles all require some adjustments and cuts to fit the space. The fastest and easiest way to make these cuts is on a tile wet saw.
6. Take a break. Let tile sit for at least 24 hours before grouting.
Grout
Start by checking your work. Look for high spots where thin-set has oozed out and dried, use a sturdy-edged tool to scrape it out and then vacuum.
Pour some grout out of the bag into a mixing bucket. Pour water in a little at a time and start mixing by hand using a margin trowel. Be sure to scrape any dry, unmixed grout from the bottom of the bucket.
Keep mixing until all the powder has been absorbed and it has the consistency of peanut butter.
2. Let the grout slake (rest) for about 10 minutes. After slaking, the grout will feel a bit stiffer, but don't add more water.
3. Smear the grout diagonally across the tile to force it deep into the joints and prevent it from being sucked back out as your float slides along.
4. After you've filled all the joints, make your first “cleanup” passes with the float. Your goal is to get as much excess grout off the face of the tile as possible.
5. Sweep a damp (not wet!) sponge diagonally across the tile. Rinse your sponge often and repeat.
6. Finally, allow the grout to cure for three hours or whatever amount of time is recommended on your product directions. Then, give your tile one final wipe down with a dry rag to clean off any remaining residue.
You made it! How did you do?
Leave a comment below, or better yet, send us a picture. We would love to see your completed projects!