A tile backsplash can add value and enjoyment to your home. The designs and tile color combinations can be tweaked to fit any decor and taste. The good news is that you don't need to hire anyone to do the job for you. Just follow these step-by-step instructions and you will be able to tile your own backsplash in a weekend.
Instructions
Laying Out the Tile
1. Lay out your design on the drywall. Start by putting a full tile on top of the countertop and work your way up to the bottom of the cabinets, cutting the last piece to fit. Remember that the tile joints need to be offset by half a tile. Start in the corner so you have a full tile and a half-tile pattern in the corner.
2. Another option is to turn the second row of tile 45 degrees to the first row. This adds a nice detail and breaks up the rows of tile. Another option is to use a different color tile in the diagonal row.
3. Behind stoves and sinks, use the field tiles to create a frame and fill it in with either decorative tiles or tiles of another color or composition. If you chose to put a row of tile on diagonally, you can continue that up into the framed-in area for a cohesive look.
4. Once you have everything laid out, pre-cut any pieces that you can. This will save time and make the installation process go a lot smoother.
Installing the Tile
5. Remove any outlet or switch covers. Take your trowel and fill it with mastic. Apply the mastic to the wall, keeping the trowel at a 45-degree angle to the wall. Only apply enough mastic to install a few square feet of tile at a time.
6. Press the tile firmly into the mastic, starting with the bottom row and working up. Use spacers between the tile to help maintain a uniform look. Use either a tile saw or a manual tile cutter to make any needed cuts.
7. Once the tile has been installed, wait until the mastic has cured. Check the label to see how long it takes, as different products have different drying times. Apply the grout using a grout float, making sure to get fill every joint.
8. Using a large sponge and clean water, wipe down the surface of the tile to remove any grout residue. This may take two or three passes.
9. Wait until the grout has cured, checking the packaging for cure time, and apply sealer. Ceramic tiles are already sealed, so only the grout will need this. Natural stone and terra cotta tiles will need to be sealed along with the grout. Usually you just flood the surface with sealer and wait five to 10 minutes and remove the excess from the surface with a sponge or cloth and repeat as needed. Follow the directions for the particular grout sealer that you are using, as some have very specific methods for application.
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