How to Tile Backsplash Subway Tile

Installing a subway tile backsplash can transform your kitchen or bathroom from boring to beautiful. With their clean lines and timeless appeal, subway tiles make a gorgeous and affordable backsplash option. Learning how to tile a backsplash is easier than you may think. With some planning, the right materials, and careful installation, you can add this stylish feature to your home. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to tile backsplash subway tile.

Choose Your Tile

The first step in tiling a backsplash is selecting your subway tiles. These classic rectangular tiles come in a variety of sizes, colors, textures, and materials.

Tile Sizes

Subway tiles are typically 3 inches by 6 inches, but you can find similar rectangular tiles in other dimensions as well. Smaller tiles create more grout lines for a busier look, while larger tiles have fewer lines for a cleaner aesthetic. Some common sizes include:

2 inches x 4 inches
3 inches x 6 inches – standard size
4 inches x 8 inches
4 inches x 12 inches – plank tiles

Consider the scale of your space when choosing size. Smaller tiles suit small spaces like powder rooms, while larger tiles can make a statement in bigger kitchens.

Tile Materials

Subway tiles are available in an array of materials like:

Ceramic – Affordable and durable, ceramic is by far the most popular. It comes in glossy, matte, and textured finishes.
Porcelain – More durable than ceramic and water-resistant. Often has a matte finish.
Glass – Glamorous and shiny but less durable than ceramic or porcelain.
Marble – Elegant with natural patterning but more prone to staining. Needs resealing.
Metal – Adds an industrial vibe. Can be prone to scratches. Stainless steel works well.

Consider your needs in terms of durability, ease of cleaning, and style. Porcelain is an excellent choice for kitchens while glass makes a lovely bath backsplash.

Tile Colors

The most common subway tile colors are white and light grey. However, you can make your backsplash pop with bolder hues like navy blue, emerald green, or rich yellow. Accent colors in small doses can enliven a neutral palette as well.

Keep in mind how the tile color will work with your cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and overall decor. Cool tones complement stainless steel while warm earth tones pair nicely with wood cabinetry.

Tile Finishes

Subway tile finishes have different visual effects:

Glossy – Reflective and shiny surface. Easier to clean but shows imperfections.
Matte – Flat, non-reflective texture. Mutes imperfections but is harder to clean.
Textured – Adds subtle visual interest. Grout lines will be more apparent.
Metallic – Mirror-like metallic sheen for glamour. fingerprints show.
Iridescent – Shimmers and shifts colors in the light.

Consider the level of shine you want and how much maintenance is realistic for your space. Glossy is striking in lower traffic zones while matte is better for heavier use areas.

Calculate How Many Tiles You Need

To determine how many subway tile you will need, multiply the height of your backsplash area by the width. This gives you the total square footage.

Then divide the square footage by the dimensions of your tile. This tells you roughly how many whole tiles are needed. Finally, add 10% extra to allow for cuts, wastage, and breakages.

For example, if your backsplash area is 20 square feet and your tiles are 3×6 inches:

20 sq ft backsplash area
3×6 inch tile = 0.25 sq ft per tile
20 sq ft divided by 0.25 sq ft per tile = 80 tiles
Add 10% extra = 88 tiles

Round up to buy full boxes. Having extras allows for mistakes and future repairs. Consider purchasing tile from different boxes to mix production lots for a blended appearance.

Gather Your Tile Backsplash Supplies

Installing a tile backsplash requires certain supplies and tools. Gather what you need before starting work to make the process go smoothly. Recommended supplies include:

Tile adhesive and grout

Thinset mortar modified for walls/flooring depending on installation area
Grout in a color that coordinates with your tile

Backsplash substrate

Cement backerboard like Durock or Hardiebacker
Fiberglass sheet like WonderBoard Lite

Tools

Notched trowel for spreading adhesive
Bucket for mixing thinset
Grout float for applying grout
Grout sponge
Tile spacers
Tile cutter
Mixing paddle and drill
Utility knife
Carpenters square
Level
Safety gear – gloves, goggles, mask

Other supplies

painters tape
denatured alcohol
grout release if needed
sealer
rags
buckets
sponges
drop cloths

Having all materials and tools on hand will make your installation go faster and smoother.

Prepare the Backsplash Area

Preparing the backsplash area properly is crucial for a long-lasting result. Follow these key steps:

Make sure the wall is clean and smooth. Remove any old backsplash and scrape off debris or globs of adhesive.
Fill any holes or imperfections with spackle and sand smooth. The surface should be as even as possible.
Paint the wall if needed with primer and latex paint. Avoid glossy paints that can impede adhesion.
Apply painter’s tape vertically along the edges to protect cabinets and countertops from thinset and grout mess.
Cut cement backerboard or fiberglass sheet to size and dry fit before final installation. Make sure seams fall between cabinet partitions.

Take time to get the backsplash area prepped. This will prevent headaches once you start tiling.

Install the Backer Board

Cement backerboard provides a strong, stable surface for tile adhesion. Follow manufacturer instructions to cut and install. Here are some tips:

Use proper backerboard screws placed 6 inches apart across the entire surface.
Angle screws slightly and avoid over-tightening to prevent cracking.
Place seams so screws/tiles will not fall along them. Allow 1/8 inch gap between boards.
Cut boards with utility knife by scoring through removing excess. Make straight cuts.
Seal seams and corners with thinset and fiberglass mesh tape. Let dry completely.

Backerboard prevents moisture damage and keeps walls from flexing to support tile long-term. Take time to install it securely.

Lay Out Your Tile

Dry laying tiles is an important planning step before installation. Follow these tips:

Mix tiles from several boxes for an even appearance.
Play with arrangement options like herringbone, stacked, or brick look.
Determine tile cuts needed at edges and around openings. Mark cuts needed with painters tape.
Choose your starting point based on focal area and to minimize small edge cuts. Measure for central alignment.
Use spacers between tiles to gauge placement and grout line width.

Take a photo of your layout before removing tiles to follow as your guide. Adjusting at the dry layout stage prevents setbacks later.

Mix and Apply the Thinset

Proper application of thinset mortar adhesive is key for a durable install. Follow these best practices:

Choose unmodified thinset for walls, modified for floors. Latex-modified is preferred for most tile jobs.
Mix thinset per product instructions, to a toothpaste-like consistency. Do not mix too runny or too thick.
Use a notched trowel to “back-butter” each tile’s backside with a thin layer of adhesive.
Apply additional thinset to the wall using the trowel’s flat side, pressing firmly.
Spread only 1-2 square feet of thinset at a time to prevent drying out before tile is applied.

Take care to achieve full thinset coverage between tile and wall. This prevents gaps, cracks, and loose tiles later on.

Install the Subway Tile

Now comes the fun part of seeing your design come to life. Follow these tips for installing the tile:

Work in small sections, completing one area fully before moving to the next.
Place spacers between tiles to maintain even grout line width.
Push tiles firmly into the thinset, then slide perpendicularly to collapse the ridges and ensure maximum adhesion.
Use a level and carpenter’s square to check plumb and alignment periodically as you go. Adjust as needed.
Be thorough in back-buttering tiles, using the appropriate trowel size to fully coat the backside.
Clean excess thinset from grout lines promptly using a damp sponge. Be neat, not sloppy.

Take your time for straight, properly spaced tiles that adhere solidly. Don’t rush the installation or you’ll regret the outcome.

Cut and Fit Border Tiles

Install whole tiles first, then measure and cut border and accent tiles. Here’s how:

Measure each space needing a cut tile and transfer dimensions to the tile.
For straight cuts, use a tile cutter for clean, precise edges.
For curved cuts, use a tile nipper pliers or wet saw with a diamond blade.
For intricate cuts like outlets or pipes, make a template from cardboard then trace onto tile.
Finish cut edges by sanding or rubbing smooth to ensure proper fit.

Fitting the border tiles neatly truly finishes off your backsplash. Take time to get custom cuts right for a polished look.

Apply the Grout

Grout fills and seals the joints between tiles. Follow these tips for best results:

Allow thinset to dry completely per manufacturer directions before grouting, usually 24 hours.
Apply grout release or sealer if needed on polished tiles prone to grout haze.
Grout small sections at a time, holding float at a 45 degree angle to force grout into joints.
Let grout sit 10 minutes, then scrub off residue with a damp sponge. Clean diagonally across tiles to avoid pulling grout out.
After grouting, check for missed spots and smooth over as needed. Remove any haze with cheesecloth.
After final cleaning, allow grout to cure fully, usually 72 hours, before using fixtures.

Grout completes your backsplash, so take time to apply it carefully and thoroughly.

Seal and Protect the Finished Backsplash

Sealing the grout and tiles is the final step for a lasting backsplash:

Allow grout to cure fully before sealing, generally 3-7 days.
Apply a penetrating grout sealer per product instructions. Reapply yearly or as needed.
For natural stone tiles, apply a stone sealer to repel stains. Use a product compatible with grout sealer.
Avoid harsh, abrasive cleaners which can damage grout or scratch tiles over time.
Re-caulk trim sealant if needed around edges to prevent moisture from seeping behind tiles.

Proper sealing protects the beauty and durability of your new backsplash tile. Keeping it maintained will give you years of enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tiling a Backsplash

Still have questions about how to tile your backsplash subway tile? Here are some common FAQs:

Should I use different grout for the floor vs the wall?

Yes, it’s recommended to use a floor grout rated for higher durability on the floor. For walls, standard unsanded wall grout is fine in most cases. Match grout color but get the right product for each location.

What kind of thinset should I use?

On walls, unmodified thinset is okay but latex-modified thinset is better for a stronger bond, especially with large format tiles. For floors, always use latex-modified thinset. Additives improve adhesion and flexibility.

How long does thinset take to dry before grouting?

Thinset drying time depends on factors like temperature and humidity but is usually 24-48 hours. Test a tile to see if it moves at all before grouting. If unsure, wait longer rather than risk dislodging tiles.

Should I seal subway tile before or after grouting?

Sealing is always done after grouting. The grout will not adhere as strongly to sealed tile. But do use grout release on very porous tiles before grouting.

How do I cutcurves and holes in subway tiles?

Use a rotary tool for gentle curves. For tight curves, small circles, or holes, make a paper template, trace onto the tile, then drill holes along the lines with a carbide bit to weaken before snapping tile.

Conclusion

Installing a subway tile backsplash brings style, function, and value to your kitchen or bath. With careful planning and preparation, the right materials, and good tile setting technique, you can achieve professional-looking results DIY-style. The finished product will provide a durable, easy-to-clean focal point you’ll enjoy for years to come. With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the information needed for tile backsplash success. So pick out your perfect tiles and get ready to upgrade your space with this gorgeous and timeless backsplash option.