Installing a Kitchen Backsplash

A new backsplash can transform a tired kitchen décor in just a few short hours. There's a wide range of beautiful tiles available in a variety of exciting colors and patterns. Design the right look for your space by choosing a single tile or several that you can place in an interesting pattern. You can achieve stunning effects by spacing detail tiles here and there among your base tiles or perhaps build a border to define the outside edges of your design.

Tools:

Tile Float

Notched Trowel

Sponge

Bucket

Tools (cont'd.):

Tape Measure

Tile Cutter

Utility Knife

Materials:

Tile

Tile Adhesive

Grout

Follow These Steps

Steps 1 - 5 of 5

Step One

Measure

Measure your wall space to determine the best fit for your tile. Use a straight edge to draw one or more horizontal reference lines to help you align the tile as you work.

Step Two

Apply Adhesive

Apply wall tile adhesive to a small area. Don't try to work too far ahead or your adhesive may dry.

Step Three

Install Tile

Ensuring that your tile is straight, firmly press it into place.

Step Four

Apply Grout

Mix grout in an appropriate bucket and apply to tile surface using a sweeping pattern on a 45 degree angle to tile joints.

Step Five

Remove Excess

After allowing a few minutes for drying, fill a clean bucket with water and sponge the surface grout off the tile. Repeat until the tile surface is visibly clean.

After the grout is fully dry, wipe it down once more with a dry cloth then apply a grout sealant if desired.

Be sure to apply a bead of mildew resistant silicone caulk at the base of your backsplash where it rests against your countertop.

Steps 1 - 5 of 5