How to Lay Ceramic Tiles As a Backsplash

Ceramic tiles are a stylish addition to a kitchen or bath.

As well as being attractive to look at, tiles as a backsplash serve an important function in "wet rooms" (kitchens, bathrooms, etc.), preventing excessive moisture from entering the fabric of the walls, which could lead to mold or rot. They are also very easy to clean, so any spillages can be wiped up quickly and effectively. Many who want a wall tiled will hire a contractor, but you can do the job yourself with relative ease.

Things You'll Need

• Ceramic Tiles
• Spacers
• Tile glue
• Grout
• Grout trowel
• Flexible sealant
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Tile saw
• Bubble balancer

Instructions

1. 

   Backsplashes behind sinks are common and practical.

   Decide on the area you would like to tile. Backsplashes in the kitchen normally go from the countertop to the underside of any wall units; above basins, they normally run to the height of one or two tiles.

2. 

   A tape measure will come in handy.

   Choose your tile size. This will determine the amount you need to buy, taking into account breakage and wastage.

3. 

   Kitchen worktops are usually level.

   Ensure that the base is level. For kitchens, the countertop is usually horizontal, and this serves as a sound reference. Clean the wall to be tiled, to allow the adhesive to bond.

4. 

   Endeavour to cut as few tiles as possible.

   With a pencil, mark the center line of the area you are tiling, and work outwards from it, to avoid an irregular pattern. "Dry fit" your tiles to the wall, or on a flat space that is the same size, in the order or pattern you would like them in, to check that the edges are even.

5. 

   Apply the adhesive using a trowel.

   Spread the glue onto the wall, three square feet at a time. Gently press the tiles onto the wall, ensuring a good bond, and place spacers between tiles to ensure that the grout lines will be uniform. Choose a spacer that complements the size of tile used; sizes range from 1/16 to 3/8 inch.

6. 

   A balancing bubble will avoid uneven tiling.

   Using the balancing bubble, press all the tiles onto the wall, ensuring that they are level and straight. Clean the joints as you go, to prevent any residue from hardening on the tile.

7. 

   You may also wish to tile the sill.

   For cutting around windows or fixtures, carefully use a diamond blade tile saw to cut tiles, after measuring the tiles to the correct dimensions, taking into account the spaces between them.

8. 

   Damaged tiles are a nuisance to replace.

   Remove all spacers using a small screwdriver and a pair of pliers, being careful not to chip any tiles.

9. 

   Protect sanitary ware from splashes of grout.

   Mix the grout and apply it carefully between the tiles with a rubber grout trowel. Clean off any excess grout with a wet sponge. Do not use grout between the kitchen countertop or bathroom basin and the bottom row of tiles.

10. 

    Care and patience are required when tiling.

    Between the countertop or basin and the bottom row of tiles, use a flexible sealant in the color of your choice. This will allow for any movement between the tiles and the countertop.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to buy waterproof grout if tiling in a wet area.

• Protect your hands by wearing rubber gloves.

• Seek assistance from sales staff when purchasing tile; they can recommend a tile suitable for your needs.

• Handle any cut tiles carefully.

• Carefully arrange the pattern beforehand to avoid extensive alterations later.

References

• Help With DIY: How to Lay Ceramic Wall Tiles
• Renovation Robot: How to Lay Ceramic Tiles