DIY Network

Kitchen: Setting the Backsplash Tile From "Tiling Techniques" episode DTIL-104

	Paul adds color and splash to this white-on-white kitchen by...
	tiling, of course!
	The countertop backsplash features this glass tile.

Host Paul Wilson sets the backsplash tile.

Materials:

carpenter's pencils
razor knife
steel tape measure
grout float
notched trowel
margin trowel
hydra sponges
two 5-gal. buckets
tile cutter
wet saw
saw for cutting plywood
backerboard cutter
rubber gloves
dry masonry saw
1/2" drill motor
rod-type mixer
rubber mallet and beating block
carpenter's square
6' level
chalk line and chalk
safety glasses
ear protection
dust mask
heavy gloves
sealant gun

The tiling was extended to the border of the kitchen window.

An eye-catching final touch was this mosaic tile design above the stove.

advertisement

Applying the Backsplash Tile

1. For a diagonal layout like this one (figure A), dry run the tile layout on a separate piece of backerboard and make your cuts for the tiles immediately below the cabinets.

2. To cut the backsplash tile on a diagonal, use a speed square and cut from corner point to corner point. Cut only as much diagonal tile as you need. The backsplash tile for this particular project was 6" x 6" -- so after being cut on a diagonal, each piece measured 8-1/2" (figure B) diagonal point to diagonal point. This meant that Wilson only needed about 1-1/2 diagonal pieces per foot of backsplash.

3. Once the majority of the backsplash tile has been cut to fit, apply your thin set.

4. When you come to the edge of the layout and need extra support to hold the edge tiles in place, you can use nails (figure C) lightly tapped into the wall to temporarily hold the tiles in place while curing. Also, 1/8" spacers were used for the backsplash.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

RESOURCES :

Kitchen Tiling Products Information (Home Depot)

Daltile (Sonterra Collection)
Color: Kihea blue
Model #: 283-208

Daltile (Sonterra Collection)
Color: Terra cotta
Model #: 283-208

Artisan II Collection "Beacon"
13" x 13"
Color: 600 terra cotta
Model #: 384-058

Grout (Custom)
Quarry Red Clay (sanded for the field tiles and non-sanded for the glass tiles)
Sanded Model #: 123-980 (25 lb. bag)
Non-sanded Model #: 123-979 (10 lb. bag)

Modified Thin-set Mortar (Custom)
Note: Modified thin-set mortar was used for the countertop and mastic for the backsplash and wall.
Mastic Model #: 610-062
Thin Set Model #: 399-727

Backerboard (Hardi Backer)
1/4" Model #: 180-869
1/2" Model #: 202-225

The Home Depot U.S.A. Inc.
Website: www.homedepot.com