How to Install a Backsplash on Countertops
A backsplash is the wall covering that sits behind a sink or stove above your countertop, protecting the wall from moisture. It's traditionally made of tile, which is still among the most versatile, durable and easy-to-clean surfaces you can install. Get wall tiles, not floor tiles, for a backsplash. Also check that they're sealed, so they will hold out moisture. The wall must be solid and flat to properly hold the tiles. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Level
- Pencil
- Electric sander
- Tile mastic
- Notched trowel
- Bullnose wall tiles (self-spacing)
- Standard wall tiles (self-spacing)
- Grout
- Rubber grout trowel
- Sponge
- Caulk
Instructions
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1
Mark out the dimensions of the backsplash using a pencil, tape measure and level. Make it big enough to encompass all full tiles with no cuts. The backsplash can be as big as you want, but make it at least as wide as the sink and higher than the faucet.
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2
Run a vibrating sander over the wall within the marked out area to get it clean and dull.
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3
Use a notched trowel to spread tile mastic over the marked out area.
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4
Press a bullnose tile in place along one vertical edge of the marked out area at the bottom along the countertop. The finished edge of the tile should be sitting on the vertical line and facing outward from the marked area. The self-spacing tabs at the other sides of the tile will create a space between the tile and the countertop.
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5
Set the rest of the bottom row of tiles, using standard tiles and building across to the other side. End the row with another bullnose tile, facing in the opposite direction as the first (so it's still facing outward from the marked out area.) The tabs on the tile will separate them from the countertop and each other.
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6
Press the second row of tiles above the first, starting and ending with bullnose tiles. Repeat, working your way up the wall. At the top row, use all bullnose tiles, with the finished edges facing upward.
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7
Let the mastic set for 12 hours. Spread grout over the tiles with a grout trowel, using the long edge of the rubber trowel to press the grout into the spaces. Grout all except the joint between the bottom row of tiles and the countertop. Leave a space there, along the countertop, but grout everything else. Use a damp sponge to wipe up the excess grout.
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8
Let the grout set for 24 to 48 hours. Caulk the joint between the bottom row of tiles and the countertop.
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