Installing a backsplash in your kitchen can transform the look and feel of the space, while also protecting your walls from splashes and spills. However, there are several factors to consider before starting your backsplash installation project. Having the right tools, materials, and knowledge will ensure the job goes smoothly from start to finish.
Selecting Your Backsplash Materials
The material you select for your backsplash will impact the overall look, durability, and cost of the project. Here are some of the most popular options to consider:
Tile
Tile is a classic and versatile choice for kitchen backsplashes. Ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles come in a vast array of colors, textures, shapes, and sizes. Lower-cost ceramic tiles start around $5 per square foot, while premium porcelain, stone, and glass tiles can range from $15-$50 per square foot.
The pros of tile are that it is water-resistant, easy to clean, and highly durable. Tile also allows you to get creative with patterns, mosaics, and accent strips. The downside is that installation takes more time and tile may require periodic sealing.
Glass Tiles
Glass backsplash tiles are available in an array of colors, finishes, and grades. They have a sleek, modern appeal. Glass tile costs $15-$30 per square foot installed.
The benefits of glass tile are that it is waterproof, lightweight, and adds a reflective, shimmery appearance. However, glass can chip or crack if impacted. Select tempered glass varieties for improved strength.
Metal and Mosaic Tiles
Metallic backsplashes like copper, stainless steel, tin, and aluminum make a bold statement. Prices range widely from $15 to $50 per square foot. Handcrafted mosaic tiles using materials like marble, glass, and ceramic are also an artistic option starting around $50 per square foot.
The pros of these decorative materials are that they create a custom, upscale look. However, they require more precise cutting and installation expertise. Mosaic sheets are also more prone to cracking and moisture damage if not sealed properly.
Stone and Marble
Natural stone like marble, granite, travertine, and slate deliver an elegant, timeless look. Prices vary around $40-$100 per square foot. While beautiful, stone is porous and requires regular sealing to prevent stains and water damage. The weight of full stone slabs also makes installation challenging for DIYers.
Engineered Quartz
Engineered quartz is fabricated from crushed quartz blended with resins and polymers. At $50-$100 per square foot installed, it is on the higher end for backsplash materials, but provides a durable, low-maintenance option that does not need regular sealing. With a myriad of color and pattern options, quartz offers the look of natural stone without some of the hassles.
Gather the Needed Backsplash Installation Tools
Installing a backsplash is considered an intermediate to advanced DIY project. Having the proper tools for each step will ensure proper preparation, accurate cuts, level installation, and grouting. Basic tools you will need include:
- Tile cutter – Manual cutters with a carbide scoring wheel are suitable for most ceramic and porcelain tiles under 1/4″ thick. Use a wet saw for natural stone, glass, and thicker tiles.
- Notched trowel – For spreading tile adhesive onto the installation surface. Choose a trowel sized for your tile with appropriate notch depth.
- Grout float – A tool with a rubber edge used to work grout into the joints between tiles.
- Sponges – For wiping away excess grout and smoothing joints. Have grout sponges and a soft wiping sponge.
- Bucket – For mixing grout and cutting tiles that need water.
- Safety gear – Gloves, goggles, knee pads, and a dust mask are recommended.
- Utility knife – For precision cutting, scraping, and smoothing.
- Carpenter’s square – Ensures tiles are aligned in a grid and installed at proper angles.
- Level – To check for evenness and plumb.
Having the right adhesive (mortar, thinset, mastic) for the tile material is also crucial. Talk to a tile retailer about recommended adhesives and grouts for your project.
How to Prepare the Surface for Backsplash Installation
Proper prep work ensures your backsplash tiles or panels adhere correctly to the wall surface. Follow these key steps:
Clean the surface – Use a degreasing cleaner on the area, especially for kitchen backsplashes. Rinse and let dry fully.
Repair and fill – Fix any holes, cracks, uneven areas, or damage on the wall surface. Use drywall compound, spackle, or joint compound as needed. Allow filler to dry completely.
Create a smooth surface – Sand any bumps or dried filler smooth. You want the area flat for good tile adhesion. Wipe away dust with a damp sponge afterward.
Prime – For highly absorbent surfaces like new drywall, apply a coat of primer. This helps prevent the adhesive from drying too quickly before tiles are applied. Allow primer to dry fully.
Mark the tile layout – Map out the tile layout using a pencil and level. Mark the midpoint and point where full tiles should start and end. Draw reference lines between the marks to follow when installing.
Apply adhesive – Spread your chosen tile adhesive evenly across the installation area, following the coverage recommendations. Use a notched trowel held at a 45 degree angle.
With these preparation steps complete, you are ready to begin setting tiles!
How to Install a Tile Backsplash
Follow these tips for proper tile installation:
Set the bottom row first – Start with the lowest course of tiles along the bottom edge. This gives you a straight, level line to build off of going up.
Apply adhesive and set tiles – Spread adhesive over one section at a time. Set tiles into the adhesive firmly and evenly. Push them in a back and forth motion to embed them.
Check alignment – Use spacers between tiles to maintain even grout lines. As you go, place tiles along the reference lines and use the carpenter’s square to check their alignment.
Cut tiles as needed – Measure and mark tiles that need cutting to fit around outlets, corners, or edges. Cut with the tile cutter or wet saw.
Let adhesive cure – Allow the thinset adhesive to cure fully (usually 24-48 hours) before grouting. This prevents tiles from shifting.
Take care to work in small sections and continually check for level and plumb. Allow the adhesive to cure fully before grouting or walking on the new tile.
How to Grout a New Backsplash
Grout fills the joints between tiles, sealing and finishing the installation. Follow these pro tips:
Mix grout – Prepare grout by mixing powder with water in a bucket, following package directions. Let it slake for 10 minutes before using.
Apply grout – Use the grout float to spread grout over the tile surface, pressing it deeply into joints. Hold the float at a 30 degree angle and work in small sections.
Wipe away excess – Let grout sit briefly, then hold the sponge flat and wipe in a circular motion to remove excess grout from the tile surface. Rinse sponges frequently.
Shape and smooth joints – Once grout is only left in the joints, go back with a lightly damp sponge and shape the joints. Carefully wipe diagonally across tiles to finish.
Allow to cure – Let grout dry 48-72 hours before exposing to water or heavy use. Avoid walking on tiles during this time.
Seal grout – Once fully cured, apply a penetrating grout sealer. This adds waterproof protection in moisture-prone areas. Reapply yearly.
Proper grouting takes practice. Work in small sections for best results. Thoroughly cleaning excess grout from the tile surface before it dries prevents haze.
FAQs About Installing a Backsplash
How difficult is it to install a backsplash?
For an experienced DIYer, installing a basic backsplash is considered an intermediate project in terms of difficulty. Large format tiles like 12″x24″ are the easiest for beginners. Intricate patterns, natural stone, and glass raise the challenge. Hiring a pro is recommended if you are not comfortable with the tools, techniques, or time involved.
What thickness of tile should I use?
1/4″ to 3/8″ thick tiles are best for backsplashes. Thinner mosaic sheets are also common but require a more careful application process. Don’t use tiles over 3/8” thick for a backsplash – the extra weight can cause the tiles to detach over time.
How are backsplash tiles cut?
Tile nippers are used for quick small cuts on ceramic or porcelain less than 1/4” thick. For most precise cuts, use a manual tile cutter with a carbide scoring wheel. A wet saw is needed for natural stone, glass, and thicker tile materials.
Should backsplash go all the way to the ceiling?
It is recommended to install backsplash tile from the countertop up to at least 4 inches above the highest point on the back wall. Often the bottom edge of upper cabinets serves as a convenient finishing line. Going all the way to the ceiling is optional – it depends on your design preference.
How do you attach backsplash tiles?
Use a notched trowel to apply a thin, even layer of tile mastic or thinset adhesive. Press tiles into the wet adhesive firmly, moving in a back and forth motion. Allow adhesive to cure fully before grouting.
Can I install backsplash tile over existing drywall?
In most cases, you can install ceramic, porcelain, or glass tile directly onto clean, dry drywall. Prepare the surface with degreaser and patching compound as needed. Priming also helps adhesion. Be sure to use appropriate tile adhesive compatible with drywall.
How do you end a backsplash?
To transition a backsplash down to a countertop, install an edging strip, trim tile, or small accent listello tiles along the bottom edge for a clean finish. Bullnose tiles and metal edge trim are also good options.
Conclusion
Installing a new backsplash tile transforms the look of a kitchen or bathroom. With the right tools, materials, and preparation, it can be a manageable DIY project. Key steps include proper surface prep, establishing level layout lines, careful tile-cutting, allowing adhesive to fully cure, expert grouting, and sealing. Follow the techniques described here to achieve beautiful, long-lasting results. From selecting tiles to smoothing the final grout joints, take your time and relish in the satisfaction of improving your home with a stylish new backsplash.