DIY Tumbled Stone Backsplash

The backsplash behind a kitchen sink protects the wall from moisture, preventing mold, mildew, “soft walls” and other problems. It's also an opportunity for you to show off some decorating skills and experiment a little, since it's a relatively small area. One form of tile you may use for the backsplash is tumbled stone, which is stone tile that has been tumbled with sand or small pebbles in order to give it a smooth, weathered look. Start with a clean, smooth, flat wall.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Level
• Square
• Pencil
• Tile adhesive
• Notched tiling trowel
• Tumbled stone tiles
• Unsanded grout
• Grout float
• Sponge
• Caulk

Instructions

1. Mark out the dimensions of the backsplash where you want it, using a square, level and pencil. Set the borders so you can use full tiles without making cuts.

2. Spread tile adhesive over the marked area using a notched trowel. Completely cover the area to a depth of 1/8 inch.

3. Set the bottom course of tumbled stone tiles into the adhesive along the countertop. Space the tiles from the countertop and from each other by 1/4 inch, estimating the space visually to give it a natural, slightly random look.

4. Hang up the next row of tumbled stone tiles above the bottom row, again spacing them visually. Repeat and continue, hanging each new course of tiles above the one below it.

5. Let the adhesive set for 12 hours.

6. Grout the tiles with unsanded grout, spreading it on with a grout float and pressing it into the spaces between the tiles. Wipe up the excess grout with a damp sponge.

7. Let the grout set for 48 hours. Caulk the line between the bottom of the backsplash and the countertop.

References

• "This Old House"; Tiling a Backsplash; Joseph Truini