How to Tile the Backsplash in a Kitchen

The backsplash in a kitchen refers to the few inches directly above the countertop or the entire wall behind a sink or appliance. Either way, when you apply ceramic tile to the area, it adds a decorative accent and helps protect the wall from water damage. Plan your backsplash layout before choosing and applying the tile to help the project go as smoothly as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Tile
• Drywall patching compound
• Sandpaper
• Thinset mortar
• Grout
• Caulk
• Trowel
• Tile spacers
• Rubber mallet

Instructions

1. Measure the space where you want the tile. Subtract 1/8 inch at the top of the backsplash to allow for a margin between the top of the tile and the bottom of the cabinets. Divide your total length and width measurement in inches by the size of the tiles you are purchasing to determine how many you will need. Buy a few extras to account for cutting mistakes.

2. Prepare the wall for the tile. Strip wallpaper, if applicable. Fill any nicks or low spots with drywall patching compound, and sand it to level. Sand down any high spots. Wipe the wall with a cloth to remove any dust. Turn off any circuits in the area, and remove outlet plates.

3. Apply thinset mortar with a trowel with groove sizes that match the mortar manufacturer's recommendations. Scrape the trowel's teeth gently along the surface of the wall to ensure even application.

4. Place each tile in the mortar, surrounded by a tile spacer on each side to ensure correct spacing. Place tiles in position as close as possible to avoid sliding tiles into place in the mortar. After you have placed several tiles, step back to look at the wall and check the tiles' alignment.

5. Tap each tile with a rubber mallet once they are all installed to ensure adherence into the mortar. Wipe away any mortar that squeezes to the outside of the tiles. Allow the mortar to dry according to manufacturer's instructions. Remove the spacers.

6. Apply grout to the backsplash, and work it into the seams between tiles. Wipe away excess grout from the surface of the tiles. Run a line of caulk where the backsplash meets the countertop, cabinet, appliances and other exterior barriers. Replace wall fixtures.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to cut tiles to fit around electrical outlets or other barriers, try using tile nippers and cutting the tile in small increments. Many wall tiles are thinner and softer than flooring tiles, so they can be cut without using a tile saw.

• Caulk, don't grout, the exterior seams of wall tile. Caulk allows for natural expansion and contraction that occurs from temperature and humidity changes. Grouting the exterior seams can cause the tiles to crack.

References

• "Lowe's Complete Tile and Flooring"; David Toht, 2004

Resources

• Utah State University Cooperative Extension: Selecting Ceramic Tile