How to Put Up Backsplash - Backsplash Kitchen

Backsplashes not only protect your walls from water damage and stains, they can also add style and visual interest to your kitchen or bathroom. Putting up a backsplash is a relatively easy DIY project that can make a big difference in the look of your space. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to put up backsplash tile in your home.

Choosing Your Backsplash Tile

The first step is selecting the tile you want to use. There are countless backsplash tile options out there, so consider the look you’re going for as well as your budget.

Material

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are very common choices. They come in a wide variety of styles, are durable and easy to clean. Glass tile can give a sleek, modern look. Natural stone like marble, travertine or slate provide an elegant, high-end look. There are also metal and faux metal tiles if you want something more industrial.

Size

Small tiles like mosaics can give a busy, mosaic look. Large tiles create a more seamless, clean look. A brick pattern using rectangular subway tiles is also popular. Decide if you want to do a full wall of uniform tile, or use a combination of shapes and sizes.

Color/Pattern

Consider the existing color scheme and style of the space. For a pop of color, choose a vivid glass or ceramic tile in your accent color. For a more neutral, organic look, choose stone tiles. Mosaic tiles allow you to create patterns.

Finish

Matte tiles refract less light and can hide flaws or stains better. Glossy tiles have a shiny, reflective finish. Textured tiles like stone add more visual depth. Glass tiles have a naturally glossy finish.

Cost

Ceramic and porcelain tiles tend to be the most budget-friendly options. Natural stone and glass tile are on the pricier end. Consider how much you need to purchase for the space.

Planning Your Layout

Once you’ve selected the tile, map out the layout. Here are some things to consider:

Decide if you want the tiles to go edge to edge or leave a small border of countertop showing. This can help contain the tiles visually.
Plan any focal points, borders or accents. For example, a strip of mosaic tile or glass tile border can nicely frame a field of subway tile.
Look at areas that need tile cut, like around windows, outlets or switches. Minimize small sliver cuts for a cleaner look.
For a brick pattern, sketch a layout to determine spacing and ensure the pattern is centered.
Account for grout lines in your planning. Cut tile edges won’t align perfectly.

Gathering Your Materials

Before starting, make sure you have all the necessary materials on hand:

Tile and quantity needed for your space
Tile adhesive (thinset mortar)
Grout and applicator bottles
Trowels for spreading adhesive
Tile spacers
Tile cutter and/or wet saw
Grout sealer
Tile sealant (for natural stone)
Mixing bucket
Notched trowel for backsplash height
Grout float
Grout sponge
Safety gear like gloves and eye protection

Preparing the Surface

To ensure your backsplash tiles adhere properly, start with a clean, smooth surface:

Remove existing backsplash if there is one. Scrape off any remaining adhesive.
Thoroughly clean the wall surface. Remove any oil, grime or soap scum.
Fill any holes or imperfections with spackle and let dry completely.
Sand any bumps for a smooth finish. Wipe away dust with a dry cloth.
Prime the surface if painting (use primer designed for tile/masonry).
Let primer fully dry before tiling.

Your backsplash surface should be as smooth and dust-free as possible for proper thinset adhesion.

Applying the Thinset Mortar

Thinset mortar (also called adhesive) is used to affix the backsplash tiles to the wall. Follow all manufacturer instructions for application and dry time.

Key Steps

Mix powdered thinset with water to a toothpaste-like consistency. Let it slake for 10 minutes.
Use a notched trowel to apply a layer of thinset to the wall, holding at a 45° angle.
With the notched edge, use even strokes to create straight rows of adhesive.
Spread only 1-2 square feet at a time to prevent drying.
Press tiles firmly into adhesive for a good bond, using spacers to align.
Check periodically that tile is making good contact with thinset.
Let thinset fully cure for 24-48 hours before grouting.

Applying the adhesive properly is key to getting a long-lasting bond for your new backsplash.

Cutting the Tiles

For most projects, you’ll need to cut some tiles to fit properly, like around receptacles or perimeter edges.

With Tile Cutters

Score and snap tile cutters are quick and easy for straight cuts. Position the tile so the score line is where you want to cut. Use the cutting wheel to score the tile face. Place the scored edge over the cutter bar and press down firmly to break the tile along the line.

With Wet Saws

For detailed cuts, L-shapes, or porcelain, use a wet saw. These have a diamond blade that cuts through tile while cool water lubricates. Work slowly and steadily for clean cuts. Let tiles dry before setting.

Applying the Tiles

Now comes the fun part – applying the tiles! Follow these tips for best results:

Work in small sections so thinset doesn’t dry before tiles are applied.
Be sure tiles are aligned and evenly spaced using plastic spacers. Remove spacers before grouting.
For sheets of mosaic, use a trowel to press sheets into adhesive. Use spacers between sheets.
Cut border and accent tiles to appropriate size as you go using tile cutters.
Press each tile firmly into the thinset to ensure proper adhesion and alignment.
Check periodically for full adhesive contact and straight alignment. Adjust as needed.
Clean excess adhesive and spacing lines using a damp sponge as you work.
Let tile set undisturbed for 24-48 hours before grouting.

Carefully applying the tiles helps prevent uneven joints or tiles popping off later on.

Grouting the Tile

Grout fills the spaces between tiles, giving your backsplash a finished look. Closely follow all grout manufacturer instructions.

Key Tips

Let thinset fully cure behind tiles before grouting, often 24-48 hours.
Apply grout sealer to porous tiles like natural stone first to prevent staining.
Mix grout with water to a thick peanut butter consistency. Let slake 5-10 minutes.
Use a rubber grout float or squeegee to spread grout over the tile surface, pressing into joints.
Hold float at a 45° angle to prevent dragging grout out of the joints.
Let grout dry until hazy, 10-15 minutes. Then sponge off excess gently.
Rinse sponge frequently and change water often for best results.
Avoid wiping tiles completely clean of grout initially to prevent pulling grout out of joints.
Once grout in joints becomes firm, do a final clean-up of tile surface with a damp sponge/towel.
Let grout dry 72 hours, then apply grout sealer evenly over entire surface.

Proper grouting improves water resistance and enhances the look of your tile.

Caulking the Perimeter

Once grouting is complete, finish your backsplash by applying caulk along the top and side perimeters. This helps seal and prevent moisture getting behind the tiles.

Run a smooth, consistent bead of silicone caulk along all edges, using a caulk gun.
Use a dampened finger or caulk tool to smooth the bead and remove any excess.
Wipe area with a clean damp sponge to remove residue.
Let caulk fully cure 24 hours before exposing to water.

Caulking creates a subtle finished edge between your backsplash and walls.

Caring for Your Backsplash

Follow these tips to keep your new backsplash looking great:

Seal natural stone tiles annually to prevent staining and increase water resistance.
Quickly wipe up spills to avoid stains setting into grout lines.
Use a gentle cleaner designed for tile instead of harsh cleansers.
Re-apply grout sealer on cement grout every 1-2 years.
Avoid hanging anything directly on tiles to prevent damage to grout.

Proper care will extend the life and beauty of your backsplash tile.

With the right tools and techniques, installing a tile backsplash is an achievable DIY project for most homeowners. The end result can make your kitchen or bathroom look more high-end, as well as being easier to clean. Just take your time, follow proper thinset and grouting methods, and you can enjoy a stunning new backsplash that adds artistry, function and style.

Frequently Asked Questions About Putting Up Backsplash

What is the easiest backsplash to install?

Self-adhesive backsplash tiles or panels provide one of the quickest and easiest backsplash solutions. They have a peel and stick backing, so no thinset or grout is required. Simply cut panels to size, peel off adhesive backing, press onto the wall and smooth.

What backsplash goes best with white cabinets?

White cabinets provide a neutral backdrop that can pair well with almost any backsplash tile. Choose white subway tiles for a classic look. Or go bold with navy, black, or dark green glass tiles. Natural stone like marble or travertine also complements white cabinetry beautifully.

How do I cut glass tile for backsplash?

Cutting glass tile requires patience and care. Use a glass cutter to score the tile face, then use tile nippers or a wet saw with a diamond blade to snap the tile along the scored line. You can also have glass tile professionally cut when purchasing. Avoid using a snap tile cutter, as this can shatter glass tile.

Can I put backsplash tile over existing tile?

It is not recommended to tile over existing backsplash. The layers of old adhesive and grout limit how well new thinset can adhere. The extra thickness also makes aligning and leveling difficult. Removing old backsplash completely provides the best surface for new tile installation.

Should backsplash go all the way to ceiling?

Backsplashes typically end around 4 inches from the ceiling. This prevents water from running behind the tiles. Backsplashes can extend to the ceiling for a seamless look, but the top edge will need to be caulked well and grout lines will need extra sealing to prevent moisture issues.

How do I cut a hole in tile for an outlet?

Use a carbide grit hole saw designed for ceramic tile. Mark the center point for the hole. Start drilling slowly with light pressure. Let the drill do the work, pulling it out periodically to clear dust. Drill until pilot bit just pokes through, then carefully knock out the plug from the back. Use sandpaper or a file to smooth the hole edge.

Conclusion

Installing a backsplash is one of the simplest ways to update the look of a kitchen or bath. With proper planning, materials, and techniques, you can achieve a dramatic transformation in a short time. Pay close attention to preparing your surface, cutting any specialty tiles, and applying thinset and grout correctly. The end result will be a stunning, high-end looking backsplash adding artistry and function to your space for years to come. With a little know-how, you can do it yourself and enjoy the satisfaction of enhancing your home with beautiful tile.