How to Lay a Back Splash

Create a whimsical back splash with tiles.

A back splash offers protection from water splashing out of the sink when washing dishes or doing other kitchen work. Although the back splash material can match the surrounding counters, it can also be crafted out of contrasting materials to add character and whimsy to the area.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 80-grit sandpaper
• Level
• Mastic
• Putty knife
• Notched trowel
• Tile
• Tile spacers
• Prepared grout
• Grout float
• Damp sponge
• Soft cloth

Instructions

1. Measure the area that the back splash will cover and select tiles that are appropriate for the design of the kitchen. When ordering or purchasing tiles, leave room for mistakes by adding an extra 5 to 10 percent of the total number of tiles needed.

2. Sand the wall with 80-grit sandpaper to scuff the surface and allow the adhesive to work better. Dust the wall with a soft brush or cloth to remove debris from the sanding process.

3. Mark the center of the wall space with a pencil for the beginning point. Ensure that the center line is even by checking it with a level. Check the level of the tiles periodically while installing them as well.

4. Apply a layer of mastic to the wall with a putty knife. Hold a notched trowel at a 45-degree angle and drag it across the wall in a horizontal fashion, dragging the mastic out to leave raised rows of adhesive on the wall. Different tiles require different groove depths; be sure to check the specifications for the tile in use. Enough mastic should be applied to the wall so that 75 percent of the back of the tile is covered.

5. Place tiles against the wall beginning at the center point, wiggling each one slightly to embed it in the mastic. Hold a tile spacer next to the tile and position the next tile in place. The spacers will maintain even spacing and will remain between the tiles until the mastic is set. Clean away any mastic that comes up between the tiles with a damp cloth. Continue setting tiles until the back splash area is covered.

6. Remove the tile spacers after six hours have passed, but allow the mastic to set for 24 hours before continuing.

7. Spread a layer of prepared grout across the tiles with a grout float, held at a 45-degree angle. Carefully push the grout into the grooves between the tiles, filling them completely. Allow the grout to set for two hours.

8. Clean excess grout off the tiles with a damp sponge, rinsing it often to avoid scratching the tiles. Allow the grout to dry for another four hours so it will set firmly. Once the grout is completely dry, buff the tiles with a soft cloth so they will shine.

References

• Galt: Tile Backsplash
• This Old House: How to Install a Tile Backsplash