To prevent water damage to the wallboard behind your kitchen sink, install a ceramic-tile mosaic backsplash. It's a great first tile project for homeowners. At some point in such a project, you'll need to cut tile. A tabletop tile cutter (figure A) is useful for straight cuts. Simply score the tile once or twice, then snap it by pressing down on the lever. A rod saw (figure B) works well for making curved or irregular cuts, and tile nippers (figure C) are useful for rounding off edges and making small cuts. Always wear safety glasses when cutting tile. Materials:
Tape measure
Level
Tile cutter
Rod saw
Tile nippers
Eye protection
Notched trowel
Rubber grout float
Hammer
Mastic tile adhesive
Grout
Decorative tiles
Tiles with rounded edges for use when edges are visible
- Measure the area to be tiled, and locate and mark the center point.
- Perform a "dry run" by placing one tile on the center point, then working outward with additional tiles until you know how many you'll need. By starting from the center, you can make sure both ends of your project will be the same. Because this project will use tiling fragments, extreme precision isn't necessary.
- Place the tiles you plan to break into a towel, and cover all of them completely.
- Use a hammer to break the tiles to the sizes you want. Wear safety glasses while breaking the tiles.
- Lay out the broken and whole tile pieces in a pattern you like (figure D). You may want to lay out the pieces on paper and trace around them to create a template for future reference.
- Remove any electrical-outlet covers from the wall, and turn off the power to the outlets. (If you place tile around an electrical box, make sure the cover plate will hide the exposed tile edges. Leave room to remove the outlets or switches in case it becomes necessary.)
- Use a notched trowel to apply mastic adhesive to the wall. Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle.
- Place your first tile on the center point, and work your way outward (figure E). Use a slight twisting motion when you set the tiles into the mastic. Use tiles with rounded edges anywhere the edges may be visible (figure F).
- As you work, use a level or a straightedge to make sure the surfaces are flush.
- Allow the adhesive to cure overnight.
- Apply grout, using a rubber grout float held at a 45-degree angle (figure G). Work the grout into all the joints. Cover the entire area, periodically wiping off excess grout with a damp sponge. Grout can irritate the eyes and skin, so wear safety glasses and latex gloves when working with it.
- After the grout dries, wipe the haze from the tiles and buff them with a soft cloth (figure H).
- Adjust the position of any electrical outlets or switches to compensate for the thickness of the tile, then replace the covers.
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