How to Create a Decorative Tile Backsplash

Four-inch tumbled marble being installed on a backsplash.

From rustic to chic, cold and clean to soft and country, the design choices and material options for a decorative tile backsplash vary according to a homeowner's taste and personality. A decorative tile backsplash has the ability to completely change the look of a do-it-yourselfer's kitchen.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Builder's chalk line
• Construction pencil
• Decorative tile
• Thinset
• Grout
• Rubber grout float
• Notched trowel
• Buckets
• Sponge

Instructions

Design and Planning

1. Select a main, or "field," material for the decorative backsplash. Travertine in 4- or 6-inch squares is a good choice for a diverse number of design themes in a home. Granite tiles fit extremely modern settings, as do porcelain tiles. Staggered black and white 3- by 6-inch subway tiles highlight 1920s-inspired art-deco designs. A variety of soft-edged tumbled stone also fits numerous design choices.

2. Choose a design, layout and pattern. Many decorative backsplashes in kitchen areas have a mural or design showcase piece prominently featured above the stove area. A hand-painted mural portraying a countryside scene fits an overall country-themed design. An angular, simple pattern fits a modern theme. Decorative backsplashes often feature simple, straight tile highlighted with a decorative "listello" or deco piece at eye height throughout the entire length of the backsplash. Other decorative tile backsplashes accentuate or match the tile elsewhere in the room.

3. Consult a professional for design help. Many local tile suppliers operate design showrooms that offer affordable design consultation. Additionally, a tile supply company may offer design help and drawings free of charge if you purchase the decorative backsplash tile at their location.

4. Measure the backsplash area and order the tile. Measure the length and the width of the area. Multiply the length times the width to come up with the necessary square footage. Purchase an additional 10 percent to allow for cutting and waste during installation.

Installation

1. Install the tile, either on your own or with the help of an experienced tile setter. The adventurous do-it-yourselfer -- especially one that has some construction experience or is creative and crafty -- is perfectly capable of installing a decorative tile backsplash.

2. Measure for the layout of the backsplash. Measure the top of the first course of tile. For instance, if the tile is 4 inches wide, measure 4 inches above the horizontal counter top surface. Use a construction pencil to mark 2 points across the distance of the backsplash at the first-course height. Connect the points with a builder's chalk line. Find the center of the backsplash. Use a construction pencil to mark a vertical line at the center point. Start your first piece of tile at the intersection of the first-course line and the vertical center line. Mark areas where special design pieces will be installed.

3. Mix thinset mortar in a bucket. Use a notched trowel to apply the thinset to the wall. Install the first piece of tile, pressing it snugly into place. Check for a good bond to the thinset by carefully removing the first piece. Check the back for good thinset coverage.

4. Continue installing full pieces of tile. Avoid areas where listellos, patterns, decos or liners will be installed. These will be installed immediately after the cut pieces are installed. Use a wet tile saw to make your cuts. Dry each cut piece before installing. Install decorative pieces after you have installed all of the cut pieces. Allow the area 24 hours to dry before grouting.

5. Mix a matching-color grout in a bucket, following the manufacturer's directions. Apply the grout to the surface of the tile with a rubber grout float. Focus on avoiding excess grout application on the surface of the tile, instead filling the grout lines. Allow 30 minutes for the grout to dry before washing. Use a sponge with a bucket of clean water to wash excess grout off the surface of the tile. Allow an additional hour to pass. Use fresh, clean water and a sponge to perform a final, clean wash. Allow 24 hours to pass before sealing the backsplash.

Resources

• The Tile Doctor: How to Tile Interior Walls
• Custom Building Products: How to Tile Walls in Dry Areas