DIY Network

Tile Backsplash

If you like to cook, you're sure to welcome anything that makes cleanup easier. Adding a tile backsplash will do that for you. It’s much easier to wipe grease splatters off of tile than from painted walls or wallpaper. Home improvement expert Brad Staggs gives the rundown on installing a tile backsplash.

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Tile Backsplash Installation

Materials:

Tiles
Adhesive
Notched trowel
Wet saw
Grout

Steps:

1. Use four inch square tiles...they are easiest to work with. These tiles also have built in spacers. If you match the notches on the sides of the tile then there is no need to put spacers in between for your grout lines.

2. Make sure the surface of the wall is clean and smooth before you begin tiling.

3. Check the level of the countertop and if it is level, use it as the reference line for your first row of tiles. If your countertop isn’t level you need to establish a straight reference line. Here, set the tiles against it and cut them to fit against the counter.

4. Mark a starting point.

5. Remove any trim so you don’t have to cut around it. Also, remove the covers of the electric outlets in the room.

6. Spread the adhesive. Use a notched trowel and spread it thinly and evenly. The key is to spread only as much adhesive as you can cover with tile in 15 minutes. After that it’ll be too dry to use and you’ll need to scrap it off the wall.

7. Place the first tile at the starting point and press firmly. Continue working across the row making sure that you push all the tiles into the adhesive. Adding the tiles goes rather quickly. It’s the cutting and trimming that slows down this process.

8. To mark the tile for trimming, turn it over and hold it across the empty space. Make your trim marks on the back of the tile. Then cut the tile to fit.

9. The easiest way to cut tile is with a wet saw. Hold the tile firmly and push it through the blade. Tip: When making a cut that doesn’t go the full length of the tile, don’t pick up the tile at the stopping point. Instead, back it up. Once it’s clear of the blade lift it and set it into place.

   Safety Alert: Always wear safety goggles so you don’t get hit in the eye with tiny bits of tile that fly off the blade.

10. The process for the rest of the tile is the same. Don’t worry if all the lines do not line up perfectly. The grout will hide any small imperfections.

11. Grouting is a messy job. Put the grout on the wall with a rubber grout float. Hold it at a 45 degree angle and spread grout over the tiles. Spread in several directions and make sure you force it into the grout lines.

12. Wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge. It’s not all going to come off with the first wipe or two. You may need to wipe the area five or six times before moving on. Make sure you use clean water and that you don’t hollow out the grout lines.

13. Let the grout dry for about 24 hours, then wipe off the grout haze with a clean dry cloth.

14. The last step is to run a bead of caulk where the countertop meets the tile. Move along evenly, never stopping the flow of caulk or lifting the tip from the countertop. To give it that really smooth look, once you’ve finished, wet your finger and run it along the caulk line.