How to Apply Tile Backsplash
Creating a beautiful kitchen involves more than buying brand new appliances and keeping the area clean. The best kitchens include cohesion and style in all of the details, including the walls. The backsplash area of the kitchen includes little more than the wall between the countertop and the cabinets but can help to make a kitchen look its best. According to builder Tim Carter, ceramic tiles can serve as colorful and easy-to-maintain materials for a kitchen backsplash, adding texture and life to a flat wall. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- Tack cloth or rag
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Tile adhesive
- Water
- Trowel
- Sponge
- Tile cutter
- Grout
- Grout float
- Caulk
Instructions
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1
Remove any shelves, outlet covers and other obstructions from the backsplash wall.
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2
Sand the backsplash with 80-grit sandpaper to prepare the surface for the tiles. This will also remove the top layer of wall, which can remove stains or other contaminants that can ruin the bond between the wall and the tile adhesive.
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3
Wipe the backsplash with a damp rag or tack cloth to remove residual sanding dust.
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4
Measure to the exact center of the backsplash area and draw a vertical line through that point that encompasses your whole backsplash. This will give you a starting point for your tiles.
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Mix tile mortar or thin-set with water per product instructions. Some tile adhesives, such as mastic, do not require mixing. Follow all specific product instructions regarding adhesive preparation.
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Scoop a thin layer of adhesive onto a notched trowel. Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle, with the flat, long edge contacting the wall. Spread the adhesive over an area large enough to accommodate eight tiles. Working in a small area will ensure that the adhesive doesn't dry before you can apply the tile.
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Place the first tile directly against your center line, ensuring that it is parallel with the top edge of the counter. Leave an area of 1/2 inch to 1 inch below the tile to allow for caulk sealant.
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Set all of the tiles in place, firmly pressing each one into the adhesive. Clean excess adhesive that squeezes out between joints with a moist sponge. Work from the bottom up and center out, using your center line as a guide. Apply more adhesive as necessary.
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Cut tiles that abut cabinets or obstructions with a tile cutter. Be sure to carefully measure the size of the space you need to fill before cutting the tiles. All edges should include a thin area in which you will add caulk. Allow all tile adhesive to dry overnight.
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Mix tile grout and water in a bucket per specific product instructions. In general, use unsanded grout if the areas are less than 1/8 inch thick and sanded grout if they are larger.
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Apply grout to all areas between tiles with a grout float. Avoid adding grout to the areas for caulk. Spread the grout evenly across the tiles, and remove excess grout with the float or with a moist sponge.
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Apply caulk to the areas where the tiles butt against the cabinets and counters. Smooth the caulk into place with your finger. Allow all grout and caulk to dry for 24 hours before cooking near or cleaning the tile backsplash.
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Tips & Warnings
For best results in an area that includes constant cooking and cleaning, use only glazed tiles. Unglazed tiles are porous and can absorb grease and stains easily.
Lay out your tile design on the counter or floor before applying it to the wall, so that you can carefully choose the placement of each tile.
As tile adhesive dries, it may form a thin skin that will not stick to the tiles. If this happens, scrape the adhesive off of the wall with the trowel and reapply the adhesive.
Do not apply tiles over a water-damaged wall. If the wall in your kitchen is prone to water damage, correct the moisture problem first, or you risk ruining the wall and tiles.
References
- Photo Credit the kitchen. image by guiney from Fotolia.com
