How to Tile a Glass Backsplash

Glass tiles are a functional way to add beauty to your kitchen backsplash.

Mosaic glass tiles are popular as backsplash materials for many homes. Homeowners love these mosaic glass tiles because they are contemporary, easy to install and look great. Thanks to 12-by-12 inch sheets of mosaic tiles, these are just as easy to install as standard tiles. Mosaic glass tiles come in a wide variety of colors and designs. You can also combine mosaic tiles with larger decorative glass tiles for a unique kitchen backsplash.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Measuring tape
• Mosaic glass tile sheets
• Scissors
• Glass nippers
• Thinset mortar
• 1/4-inch notched trowel
• Wood block
• Hammer
• Damp sponge
• Grout
• Grout float
• Caulk

Instructions

1. Shut off the power to your kitchen. Unscrew the faceplates on the kitchen outlets and switches where the backsplash will be installed with a screwdriver.

2. Decide where the focal point of the backsplash will be. Many homeowners choose a focal point over the stove or kitchen sink. Find the center line of this focal point with a measuring tape and mark it with a pencil. This will be your starting place on the wall.

3. Conduct a test run with the glass tile sheets to make sure they will fit, as desired, in the space. Leave a 1/8-inch gap along the perimeter of the backsplash. Cut the sheets to size by trimming off mosaic tile pieces with scissors or making cuts to the tiles with glass nippers.

4. Spread thinset mortar on the wall with a 1/4-inch notched trowel. Use the notched end of the trowel to level the mortar and then the flat side of the trowel to smooth out the notches. This will make it so the notches don't show through the glass tiles.

5. Begin installing the tiles. Press the glass mosaic tile sheets into the thinset mortar. Start at the marked center line of the focal point. Work from the bottom of the wall up. Set a block on top of the tiles then hammer it. This will even out the tiles on the wall. Let the mortar sit for 30 minutes then remove the paper facing with a damp sponge. Allow the tiles to set in place for 48 hours.

6. Grout the tiles. Apply grout to the tile joints and pull up the excess grout by running a grout float diagonally across the tiles. Clean the top of the tiles with a damp grout sponge. Let the grout dry overnight.

7. Apply caulk around the perimeter of the glass tile backsplash. Spread a bead of caulk and smooth it over with your finger.

References

• This Old House: How to Install a Glass Mosaic Tile Backsplash