How to Install a Tile Backsplash

Installing a tile backsplash adds so much to a room. Installing them takes some effort and precision, but the outcome is well worth the work. Home improvement stores offer a wide variety of tile choices that will enable you to add a new dimension to your decor. The following steps will help you install your new tile and create the perfect backsplash for your room.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Tile nippers
• Pencil and marker
• Tile spacers
• Drop cloth or paper towels
• Sealant
• Masking tape
• Rubber float
• Rounded stick
• Snap cutter or wet saw
• Notched trowel
• Sponge
• Dry towel
• New screws
• Water
• Caulk and caulking gun
• Level
• Screwdriver

Preparation

1. Turn off power in the area that has working electricity.
2. Remove any outlet face plates in the area.
3. Mask the outlets with tape to prevent the tile adhesive and grout from entering the exposed outlet boxes.
4. Sand painted walls.
5. Clean the wall with water and allow it to dry.
6. Plan the layout of the backsplash.
7. Pencil the layout on the walls
8. Mark the tiles that need cutting with a marker.
9. Score the curved cuts with tile nippers.
10. Score the straight cuts with a snap cutter.

Installation Instructions

11. Spread a thin amount of adhesive on the wall with a notched trowel.
12. Press tiles into place with a twisting motion, starting at the bottom of the wall.
13. Wipe the excess adhesive to fill in with grout later and insert the tile spacers.
14. Clean between the tiles with a rounded stick.
15. Verify that the rows are level after completing each one.
16. Allow your work to sit for 48 hours or longer depending upon what the adhesive container suggests.
17. Remove the tile spacers.
18. Mix the grout.
19. Use a rubber float to spread the grout between the tiles. Do this diagonally at a 45 degree angle.
20. Remove excess grout with a damp sponge when the grout is at a firm stage.
21. Remove the dry haze with a dry towel when the grout dries.
22. Shine the tile a few hours later when the grout is dry.
23. Caulk between the counter top and backsplash four to five days later.
24. Remove the masking tape from the outlets.
25. Replace outlet covers. You'll probably need longer screws now that the tile is in place.
26. Wait at least one week, then seal the grout.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have several cuts to make, you may want to rent a wet saw.
• Complete small areas at a time--the adhesive dries quickly.
• Have a few extra tiles on hand after the job.
• Score the area with the side of the tile that you cannot see.
• Protect the countertop by setting the adhesive on top of a drop cloth or paper towel. Adhesive dripped or wiped on the countertop could damage it.

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