How to Place Backsplash Tile - Backsplash Kitchen

An In-Depth Guide to Installing a Stunning and Durable Backsplash

Installing a backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom can take the look of the space from drab to dramatic. With a little planning and patience, you can create a gorgeous, functional backsplash that will stand the test of time. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps for planning, preparing for, and installing tile backsplash like a pro.

Planning Your Backsplash

The first step is deciding on the look you want for your backsplash. With so many tile options available, the possibilities are endless. Keep the following in mind as you plan:

Location – Backsplashes are commonly installed in kitchens above counters and sinks, and in bathrooms behind sinks and tubs. Consider the size of the area you want to tile.

Tile material – Ceramic, porcelain, glass, metal, and stone tiles are top choices. Consider durability, ease of cleaning, and style.

Tile size – Smaller tiles mean more grout lines. Larger tiles have less grout but can be trickier to install. Mosaics use tiny tiles.

Tile shape – Squares and rectangles are most common. You can also find subway, hexagon, penny round, and octagon shaped tiles.

Tile pattern – Grid, brick, or staggered patterns are standard. Get creative with mosaics, medallions, or designs.

Grout color – Contrasting or matching grout lines will completely change the look.

Accent tiles – Use special tiles sparingly to highlight niches, edges, etc.

Backsplash height – Standard height is 4 feet, from counter to bottom cabinets. Adjust to your space.

Choosing Your Tile

With a plan in mind for the look you want, it’s time to select the tile. Check out tile specialty shops or home improvement stores. Bring home samples to view in your space before purchasing. Consider the following:

Durability for the location (high-traffic kitchen vs. guest bath)
Ease of cleaning – sealed tiles with smooth finishes are ideal
Slip resistance for wet areas
Size, thickness, and edges that fit your design
Colors, patterns, textures that coordinate with your overall style
Accent tiles that give your backsplash personality

Get at least 10-15% more tile than measurements show. This allows for breakage, trimming, and future repairs.

Preparing for Installation

Once you have all the materials, it’s time to start prepping. Proper preparation helps ensure your backsplash installation goes smoothly.

Gather Supplies

In addition to your selected tiles, you’ll need:

Tile adhesive – Choose polymer-modified thinset for most installations.
Grout – Matches or contrasts tile color. Use unsanded grout for narrow joints.
Trowel – For spreading adhesive. Notch size depends on tile.
Spacers – Keeps tile spaced evenly apart. Get the right thickness for the tile.
Grout sealer – Protects grout from stains.
Wet saw – For precise tile cutting. Can rent if needed.
Rubber grout float – For smoothing grout between tiles.
Grout sponge – Smooth and shape grout.
Mixing bucket – For thinset and grout.
Safety gear – Gloves, goggles, knee pads, etc.

Other helpful items: drop cloths, painters tape, tile leveling system, grout cleaning sponge, rags, sponges, bucket, and tile nippers.

Prepare the Surface

The backsplash goes over your existing countertop, drywall, or whatever surface is there. Ensure it’s clean and ready for tiling:

Clean off any dirt, oils, sealers, or waxes from surface.
Seal porous surfaces like natural stone first so thinset doesn’t absorb.
Sand glossy surfaces to help thinset adhere.
Fill any holes or imperfections with drywall compound if needed.
Paint dark walls with a coat of primer to prevent bleed through.

Layout Your Pattern

Measure the area and determine tile layout to achieve your desired pattern.
Account for focal points like cooktops, sinks, outlets.
Dry lay tiles on the countertop first to confirm desired layout.
Adjust pattern to avoid slivers of tile against walls/edges.
Use painter’s tape to mark layout lines if desired.

Step-by-Step Installation

Once prep work is complete, it’s time for the fun part – installing the tiles! Follow these steps for proper technique:

Step 1: Apply the Thinset

Use a notched trowel held at a 45-degree angle to spread a thin layer of thinset adhesive on the surface, about 60 square feet at a time.
With the trowel notches facing down, scrape any excess thinset off before the adhesive skins over.
Spread only as much adhesive as tiles can cover within 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Set the Tiles

Place your first tile at the focal point, often near the center. Use spacers around all edges.
Set each additional tile in the thinset, using a slight twisting motion to embed in the adhesive.
Check tiles are level and aligned with adjacent tiles as you work. Adjust as needed.
For sheets of mosaic tiles, set perpendicular to the floor and work outward.

Step 3: Grout the Tiles

Let thinset fully cure for at least 24 hours before grouting.
Mix grout with a latex additive for strength and workability.
Spread grout over the tiles using a rubber grout float. Push firmly into joints.
Hold float at a 90-degree angle and scrape excess grout off.
Clean grout residue from the tile surface with a damp sponge.
After grout dries, apply grout sealer to protect from stains.

Step 4: Finish the Edges

Finish off your backsplash with these final steps:

Where the tile meets the counter, caulk that edge with waterproof silicone caulk.
For a finished look, install metal edge trim, bullnose tile, or mosaics along the top and side edges.
If ending tiles against a wall, use caulk to fill the edge gaps for waterproofing.

Caring for Your Backsplash

Follow these tips once your new backsplash is installed:

Allow grout and caulk to fully cure for the manufacturer’s recommended time before washing tiles.
Clean with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh cleaners, acids, waxes, etc.
Re-apply grout sealer every 1-2 years to protect from stains.
Inspect periodically for damaged, chipped, or missing grout. Repair immediately to prevent moisture issues.
For heavy stains in porous tiles, use a specialized tile cleaner.
Replace broken tiles immediately to prevent damage to surrounding tiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about installing a backsplash? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

What’s the best grout to use?

For most backsplashes, unsanded grout is best. It works for narrow grout lines up to 1/8 inch. Use sanded grout for wider joints.

Do I need to seal my tile before grouting?

Sealing natural stone before grouting prevents staining but isn’t needed for porcelain or ceramic. Check manufacturer recommendations.

Should I remove existing backsplash before installing new tile?

Yes, removing old backsplash prevents buildup and uneven tile surfaces. Use care not to damage the wall.

What do I do if my backsplash has an outlet?

Carefully cut around the outlet box with an oscillating tool. Turn off power. Remove outlet, tile over box, then reinstall outlet.

Can I install tile backsplash directly over drywall?

Yes, thinset will adhere tiles directly to drywall. Primer helps prevent discoloration. Cement board adds moisture protection.

How long does it take for thinset and grout to fully cure?

Thinset takes 24-48 hours to cure before grouting. Allow grout to cure for 72 hours before regular use and cleaning.

In Conclusion

Adding a backsplash is one of the best ways to elevate your kitchen or bathroom from bland to beautiful. With proper planning, meticulous preparation, care during installation, and ongoing maintenance, you can enjoy a stunning, functional backsplash. TAking time to lay out tiles, apply thinset and grout correctly, and finishing edges beautifully will lead to many years of enjoyment of your new backsplash.