Tile Stone & Glass
Beautify Your Floors With Tile
Tiling a Backsplash
Want to make a huge difference in your kitchen in just one weekend? Tile your backsplash! This is an inexpensive, simple way to spice up your sink area and protect it at the same time. Adding ceramic tile is easier than you.
Planning
First, decide how far up the wall the backsplash should extend. Usually, a backsplash extends at least 4" up from the countertop and sometimes all the way up to the bottom of the wall cabinets.
Estimating your Tile Needs
Measure the length and width of the backsplash area. Determine the square footage by multiplying the length times the width. Wall tiles are typically available in 4 1/4" to 6" squares. A standard 4' x 1' backsplash requires at least twenty 6" tiles.
Installing Tile
Clean the area with warm water and allow to dry. Turn off the power to electrical outlets in the area where you are working. Remove electrical outlet covers. If your countertop is tiled, plan the layout so the backsplash grout veins line up with the countertop grout veins.
Work in small 3’x3’ areas. This will prevent your adhesive from drying out. Apply the manufacturer's recommended adhesive with a notched trowel. Hold the trowel at a 45° angle and spread a thin, 1/16 inch layer.
Lay the first tile in the center at the base of the backsplash. Use a level to make sure the tile is square. Place a spacer on each corner of the first tile. Cut one end of the spacers off in order to fit them between the countertop and the bottom of the tile. Push the spacers into the adhesive. Working out from the first tile, continue laying the tiles in a row, flush to the spacers. Wipe off any excess adhesive that oozes up between the tiles. Leave enough space to fill in with grout. Occasionally check to make sure the tiles are level.
If you need to cut tiles, score the tile with a tile cutter. Be careful not to score the area of the tile that will show. Use tile nippers or a saw to cut away the area carefully. When you place the tiles around an outlet, be sure that the outlet cover hides the tile edges. Continue tiling as usual.
When you have laid all the tiles, wipe off any excess adhesive with a damp cloth. Use a rounded stick to clean between the tiles.
Allow the adhesive to set according to the manufacturer's instructions. After the adhesive sets, remove the spacers.
Grouting your backsplash
Mix the grout according to the instructions. Wear safety glasses and latex gloves since grout may irritate eyes and skin. Apply the grout using a rubber float. Spread the grout diagonally at a 45° angle across the tiles, packing the grout between the tiles. When the grout sets up firm, wipe off the excess with a damp sponge.
A haze will appear as the grout dries. When it is completely dry, wipe off the tiles and shine them with a clean cloth.
Replace the electrical outlets and switches. You will need longer screws to replace the outlets covers. Use a 1-1/4" to 1-5/8" screws with plastic washers behind the outlet to bring the outlet out flush with the tile.
It's always a good idea to have spare tiles in case you break some or have to replace one in the future. If you have to cut tile, mark the proposed cut on the glazed side of the tile corners. Don't mark on the clay side. The ink can be absorbed and bleed through to the other side.