How to Tile a Wall's Backsplash
A backsplash is the finishing touch on any bathroom or kitchen tiling installation, helping protect the wall from water or grime and providing an extra decorative element in the room design. Tiling a backsplash is much like tiling other walls, however, typically you won't need to use ceramic tile backerboard as the drywall should already be in place if you are tiling a backsplash. Use mesh-backed tile sheets for easy installation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Gloves
- Detergent
- Sponge
- Chalk line
- Level
- Thinset mortar
- Trowel with notched edge
- Mesh-backed tile sheets
- Tile nippers
- Goggles
- Grout
- Rubber grout float
- Grout sponge
- Caulk tube
- Tile sealer
Instructions
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1
Remove all light fixtures or plumbing fixtures that are in the backsplash area of the wall using a screwdriver if necessary.
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2
Clean the wall with detergent to remove any grease or grime build up. Wear gloves. If the wall is newly constructed a heavy clean may not be necessary, but at least give the wall a wipe-over to remove any dust particles settled from construction.
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3
Snap a vertical chalk line every foot along the backsplash as a reference to ensure your tiles go on straight.
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4
Mix thinset mortar to a peanut-butter-like consistency, following the manufacturer's directions. Pre-mixed thinset brands are available, however the bond from self-mixed thinset is generally superior.
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5
Sweep thinset onto the backsplash in small sections using the trowel. Comb the thinset with the notched edge of the trowel to furrow it and achieve an even thickness of around 1/8 inch.
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Set a sheet of mesh-backed tile onto the thinset, beginning from a vertical chalk line so that the tiles are straight. Gently press the tiles into the thinset to ensure a uniform bond. Continue spreading and combing small sections of thinset and setting the backsplash tiles in place until the only tiles left are those needing to be resized to fit the backsplash design.
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7
Put on safety goggles and use tile nippers to individually cut the remaining tiles to size. Spread thinset on the backs of these tiles and put them in place on the backsplash. Leave the backsplash for 24 hours to allow the mortar to set.
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8
Mix grout to a peanut-butter-like consistency, following the grout manufacturer's directions. Like thinset, pre-mixed grouts are available, but the self-mix varieties are generally superior.
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9
Sweep grout into the joints between the tiles using a rubber grout float. Work in small sections at a time, wiping off excess grout as you go with a grout sponge. Leave the joints around plumbing and light fixtures un-grouted, as well as the joint between the bench/vanity and the first row of tiles. Ensure all the joints are uniformly filled with grout before wiping off the remaining grout haze with a clean and slightly damp grout sponge.
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10
Squeeze a line of caulk from a caulk tube into the joints left without grout. Work in one foot sections at a time, smoothing over the caulk with a damp finger as you go. Caulk tubes are more effective in this application than a caulk canister and gun, allowing for more accurate application. Leave for three days to cure.
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Seal the backsplash with a tile and grout sealer, following the manufacturer's instructions for recommended coats and drying times. Reinstall plumbing and power fixtures once the sealer is dry.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
