How to Tile a Countertop Backsplash

Installing your own tile backsplash behind your sink is one of the easier tiling jobs and a great do-it-yourself project. It's also a chance to show off some of your creativity, using different color patterns or tile styles to make the backsplash stand out. Whatever tile you choose, make sure it's well-sealed against moisture. (High-glaze ceramic is always a good choice). Make sure the wall that you're tiling is solid, flat and dry before you start.

Things You'll Need

• Level
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Tile adhesive
• Notched trowel
• Tile (including enough bullnose tile for the perimeter of the backsplash)
• Tile spacers
• Pre-mixed grout
• Grout float (flat rubber trowel)
• Sponge
• Caulk gun and caulk
• Grout sealer

Instructions

1. Use your level, pencil and tape measure to mark out the backsplash area. Make it a little wider than the sink and about 18 inches high. Determine the exact dimensions by measuring your tiles and calculating how many full tiles will fit in the space (including 1/4 inch additional per tile for the grout lines).

2. Divide your backsplash area in half with a vertical line right at the center, using your level and pencil. Use your notched trowel to spread tile adhesive on one side of the line at the bottom, enough for a row of tiles.

3. Press the first tile into place next to the vertical line, putting tile spacers between the tile and the countertop. Set the next tiles in place alongside the first, spacing them against each other and against the countertop with tile spacers. Build out, spreading more adhesive as needed. For the final tiles at the sides and top of the area, use your bullnose tiles, with the beveled sides facing out, to give the area a smooth border.

4. Remove the spacers, and let the tiles set overnight.

5. Use your grout float to apply grout over the whole backsplash, starting at the top and working your way down. Run the float along the tile face at a 30-degree angle, so it presses the grout into the lines while squeezing it off the tile face. Do all the lines except the horizontal line between the backsplash and the countertop. Wipe down the whole area with a damp sponge to get the excess grout off the tiles.

6. Let the grout set for a day, and then use your caulk gun to run a thin bead of caulk between the countertop and the bottom of the backsplash.

7. After the grout has set for another three to four weeks, apply grout sealer over the grout lines, using the sponge applicator on the grout sealer bottle.

Tips & Warnings

• Ventilate the room when using your tile adhesive and grout.

References

• Lowes.com: Install a Ceramic Backsplash.