Home » Misc » Tile backsplash kitchen installation

Tile backsplash kitchen installation


How to Tile a Backsplash

Install a mosaic tile backsplash for a whole new look in just one weekend.

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

Time

Multiple Days

Complexity

Intermediate

Cost

$101–250

Introduction

Tiling a backsplash above the counter is one of the easiest ways to upgrade an old, tired kitchen on a tight budget. You can choose from the vast array of handsome ceramic tiles available, including the easy-to-install one we show here—mosaic tiles.

Tools Required

Materials Required

Planning, Materials and Tools

Nothing packs more style per square inch than mosaic tile for a kitchen backsplash. So if your kitchen’s got the blahs, this is an easy way to give it a quick infusion of pizzazz. We’ll show you how to tile a backsplash in a weekend! The small tiles are mounted on 12 x 12-in. sheets, so installation of a tiled backsplash is fast. You can install the tile on Saturday and then grout it on Sunday.

Family Handyman

Shopping for Mosaic Tile

Mosaic tiling sheets make it easy to achieve a great backsplash. Layout is a cinch—you can simply cut the mesh backing on the sheets to fit the tile along counters and cabinets. In fact, the hardest part of this or any other tiling backsplash project may be choosing the look—the tiles come in a variety of shapes and materials, and many sheets have glass or metallic tiles built in for accents.

To add to your options, strips of 4 x 12-in. tiles are available for borders. So you can match the existing look of your kitchen—or try something new!

Family Handyman

Project step-by-step (8)

Clean the Wall

Before installing the tile, clean up any grease splatters on the wall (mastic won’t adhere to grease).

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Complete DIY projects like a pro! Sign up for our newsletter!

Do It Right, Do It Yourself!

Originally Published: November 15, 2018

Similar Projects

How to Install Backsplash the Easy Way

We show you the right materials and techniques to use to put up a tile backsplash in one afternoon.

By Tom Silva

Share this story

In this video, Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva teaches a homeowner a simple technique for tiling a backsplash.

Project details

Skill

1 out of 5 Easy

Cost

$100

Estimated Time

2-3 hours

The easiest way to install a backsplash is to use tiling, two-sided adhesive mat, and pre-mixed grout. Using the adhesive mat helps you quickly and accurately put up your tiling. With tile, there are a range options from square tiles to subway tiles, in many different colors, so you can also create the exact look and feel you want in your kitchen. We recommend square tiling for beginners because it’ll be the easiest to cut and align together.

In the video, and the steps below, we walk you through how to decide how big your backsplash should be, selecting your tile, and how to install it from start to finish.

Backsplash Installation in 15 Steps:
  1. Clean the wall thoroughly with the cleaner to remove any grease or other debris.
  2. Secure the drop cloth on the counter using the painter's tape, covering the entire work area.
  3. Mark the two sides of the wall using the painter's tape where the backsplash should start and stop.
  4. Measure the space you plan on tiling. Transfer the measurements to the tile adhesive mat and cut to size using scissors.
  5. Peel one half of the back off of the adhesive mat, and align the unexposed section to a straight surface like the existing countertop. Ensure the side with the thicker gap between glue dots is aligned to overlap the next sheet.
  6. Once the sheet is in the correct position, stick it to the wall. Then peel the bottom half and stick that to the wall.
  7. Repeat this process until the desired area is covered. Use the rubber float to push the adhesive mat to the wall for a permanent bond.
  8. Hold the tile up to the wall to determine where it will need to be cut to size.
  9. Use the utility knife to cut the mesh behind the tile.
  10. Peel the plastic coating off of the adhesive mat, and carefully place each tile section onto the adhesive.
  11. Once the tile is in the correct position, push it in place with a rubber float.
  12. Repeat this process until the wall is covered with the tile.
  13. Fill the gaps between the tile with the premixed grout and the rubber float. Apply it diagonally until all of the spaces between the tile have been filled with grout.
  14. Fill the bucket with water and using a clean sponge, wipe the excess grout off the tile, again diagonally. Be careful to only wipe the grout off the face of the tile, not the grout in between the tiles.
  15. After 24 hours, a haze may appear on the tile. To remove it, wipe the tile with a rag.

Shop Tile at Home Depot

Related

Installing Decorative Tiles
All About Ceramic Subway Tile

Tools: 90,000 laying of tiles in the kitchen with your own hands

Tables Table:
Features of a kitchen apron of tiles
Requirements for surface
What tiles are suitable for a kitchen on a apron
mosaic
Ceramic tile
Bucker
Cerammary border solutions
apron size?
Where is the best place to start?
Laying instructions
Material and tools for laying the backsplash
Preparing the wall surface
Marking
Electrical wiring before laying the apron
How to make holes for sockets
Preparation of adhesive solution
Methods of cutting tiles
Technology for laying tiles

Features of a kitchen apron of tiles


Along with skinals, a kitchen apron made of ceramic tiles is a popular method steam, spatter and grease deposits. However, unlike skinals, this solution is more durable and environmentally friendly. In order for a ceramic apron to serve for many years and invariably please the eye, some rules must be followed when designing and laying it. nine0025

Surface requirements

The final result is affected by the quality of each stage of work. It all starts with surface preparation. From the wall, you need to carefully remove the old decorative coating and knock down those areas of plaster that seem fragile. It is also necessary to level all protrusions (for example, the remnants of old glue) and putty the existing recesses. The result should be a flat surface that needs to be degreased and primed. The closer the result is to the ideal, the easier it will be to finish. nine0025

Which tile is suitable for a backsplash kitchen

When choosing a tile, you should focus not only on its appearance. It is important to remember that the apron is constantly exposed to intense pollution. Therefore, a ceramic tile that is not too difficult to care for is a good option - samples with a smooth glazed surface are best suited. Size also matters, because dirt is the hardest to remove from the seams. So the larger the format, the better. The color should be in harmony with the interior of the kitchen, if the replacement of the apron is not the beginning of a global renovation. nine0025

Mosaic

Small tiles (usually 10x10 or 20x20 mm) glued onto a mesh base. Sold in sheets or rolls. Attached to the adhesive mixture, like a regular tile. After the glue dries, grouting is required. This solution may look very interesting, but it has a significant drawback - a huge number of seams. Caring for such an apron will be very laborious, even if you use a hydrophobic grout.

Ceramic tiles

A classic as it is, and for good reason. From an ergonomic point of view, this is the most advantageous option. It has been present in most kitchens since time immemorial. And today you can choose a larger format than usual, and caring for an apron will become even easier. The main thing is not to be tempted by the originality of tiles with a deep complex relief. nine0025

Wild boar

Quite an acceptable option: it looks original, but if it has a glazed surface, it will not cause any special difficulties in care. However, the hog has a smaller format than a traditional tile, which means that there will be a lot of seams. Although not as much as when using a mosaic.

Clinker

Would look great in a loft style kitchen. However, clinker imitates brick and has a porous and rough surface. It is well suited for outdoor decoration, but for an apron in the kitchen - not so much. Care will be too laborious. Another drawback is the limited color gamut. nine0025

Porcelain stoneware

Why not? Solidity and low coefficient of moisture absorption will not allow this material to absorb pollution. In addition, porcelain stoneware is available in large formats, which will reduce the number of seams to a minimum. Rectification allows you to stack it with gaps of only 0.5-1 millimeter. Well, the choice of design is now very wide.

Decorative solutions

Those times when you bought the tiles that were available, and the wallpaper, furniture and everything else was selected in unison with it, are long gone. Now you can develop a kitchen design without limiting your imagination, and you will definitely find a suitable tile! Adherents of the traditional approach will choose a monochrome apron design: both the main surface and the borders are made of one-color ceramics. nine0025

Modern tiles look completely different than they did when you were a child, in your grandmother's kitchen! Another good option is porcelain stoneware with imitation of natural stone. We choose a larger format, perform seamless laying and install suitable stone countertops. The working area will look like a very stylish monolith. However, you can try to play on contrasts, alternating, for example, light and dark tiles in a checkerboard pattern, or creating more complex patterns.

How to determine the size of the apron? nine0027

The functional purpose of an apron in the kitchen is to protect the wall in the working area from soot, splashes and other contaminants. To do this, at least it should start 2-3 centimeters below the surface of the cutting tables, and end at the height of the hood. For electric stoves, the recommended installation height of the hood is at least 65 centimeters, for gas stoves - 75. If finances allow, you can start laying the apron from the floor, and bring it to the ceiling. So you can more clearly highlight the kitchen area in the studio apartment. In length, it should cover all work surfaces, as well as the sink and stove. nine0025

Where is the best place to start?

From the beginning, that is, from the calculation of the amount of materials. The main thing is to buy tiles with a small margin. If it’s not enough, you can, of course, buy more, but the batch in the store will be different, and the shade will be different. And the repair itself is a rather laborious process. Why interrupt him in the middle and break into the store? For an accurate calculation, you need to decide on the installation method. If you are going to lay tiles for the first time, it is better to choose the traditional way, when the tiles in each next row are strictly above the tiles of the previous row. To get the number of tiles, you need to divide the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe apron by the area of ​​\u200b\u200bone tile - it's logical, but that's not all. nine0005
Now you need to decide how much stock you need. With the traditional method or laying with an offset (like a brick), 10% should be enough. This will cover material costs for trimming, factory defects and damage to tiles during installation. If we lay the tiles diagonally, then the required margin will be already 10-15%, and in cases where you need to customize the pattern - all 20%. All roundings are done up!

Installation instructions

The process itself is not as complicated as it seems. So that the result does not disappoint, the main thing is not to rush and do everything as carefully as possible. For the first experience, it is better to choose the traditional layout scheme. nine0005

Apron installation material and tools

Material list:
Tool list:

Preparing the wall surface

This step is the foundation. The more thoroughly the surface is prepared, the easier the laying will be and the more perfect the final result! nine0005

Removing the old coating

It all depends on what was on the wall before. To remove wallpaper, you can use a special tool or prepare a solution of washing powder in warm water. Next, just wet the wallpaper with a rag or sponge, let it soak a little and carefully remove it with a spatula. To remove the paint, it is most convenient to use the same spatula and a building hair dryer: under a stream of hot air, it will begin to move away from the wall itself, it is enough to help it a little. nine0005
Removing the old coating is a more complicated procedure. Perhaps part of it has almost fallen off, but there are always tiles that, despite their advanced age, sit firmly. And there will be traces of old glue or mortar on the wall, and all this must be removed. That's what you need a hammer drill for. They need to work carefully, trying not to damage the plaster. However, if in some place it is already barely holding on, this part should be removed.

Wall plaster for backsplash

After we have removed everything superfluous from the wall, it needs to be dusted with a damp cloth and primed. We apply the primer according to the instructions: in one or two layers. Then, if required, you need to plaster the wall, especially in those places where we knocked down the plaster by accident or intentionally. You can also correct the flaws of past plasterers. After the mixture has dried, prime the wall again. Everything, the base is ready!

Marking


Another important step (they are all like that). Using the level, we outline the upper and lower boundaries. Left and right, as well as additional auxiliary vertical lines, we draw along a plumb line. On the lower border, we install a barrier made of a bar or an aluminum profile. It will support the tile until the adhesive sets and prevent it from sliding off. After marking is completed, we evaluate it again by eye from a distance. If any lines are in doubt, they need to be rechecked in terms of level and plumb, and, if necessary, corrected. nine0025

Electrical wiring before laying the apron


If wiring is supposed to be under the future apron, it's time to do it. Strobes break through the wall according to a predetermined pattern. For this, a puncher, grinder (angle grinder) or a hammer with a chisel is suitable if the length of the wiring is small. We remove dust with a vacuum cleaner and a damp cloth and prime the strobes themselves and the surface of the wall next to them. Now you can lay the wires. We fill the strobes with a solution of building gypsum and align flush with the wall. nine0025

How to make socket holes


A conventional concrete drill with a Pobedite tip will not suffice here. Most importantly, the holes must be made before laying the tiles on the wall. Firstly, it is more convenient to work this way, and secondly, if the tile still cracks, you can simply take a spare one, and not remove the damaged one from the wall. For drilling tiles, special diamond bits are sold. You need to drill at low speeds and be sure to turn off the impact mode.

Preparing the adhesive solution

This is one of the simplest steps, the main thing is to follow the mixture manufacturer's instructions. Pour the composition into a bucket or basin, fill with water in the required amount and mix with a drill or screwdriver with a mixer attachment.

Ways to cut tiles


Some craftsmen cope with the task with a glass cutter, but this is the lot of the elite. The easiest way to buy a lever manual tile cutter, it is quite inexpensive. However, if you plan on laying according to a non-standard pattern, the kitchen has a complex shape, or you plan to lay tiles somewhere else, you can invest in a model with an electric drive. And on sale you can find special beds that can turn a simple angle grinder into a kind of electric tile cutter. By the way, when cutting and drilling, for marking, you can stick masking tape on the tile and draw lines along it. nine0025

Tile laying technology


Excessive haste is always harmful, but you should not hesitate when laying tiles. Before starting work, look at the glue package for how long it takes to set. That is how much head start you have for leveling, tapping and other manipulations with the laid tiles. Everything should be at hand: there are enough crosses in your pocket, the tiles for laying are laid out nearby.

Lay whole tiles first. After that, you can start working with outlet outlets, and those areas where pruning is needed. The fact is that the marking of tiles for laying in these places must be done at the place of laying, without estimates and calculations. After marking, we use a tile cutter and a cutter. It is better to drill holes on a piece of drywall: the tool will not be damaged, and the tile will not crack. After laying, all seams must be cleaned of excess mixture and removed with a dry cloth of dirt from the front side. nine0025

After the adhesive has dried, you can proceed to grouting. This process deserves a separate article. One thing needs to be mentioned now. If you are laying tiles for the first time, select the grout that matches the color of the tile as closely as possible. Despite the best efforts, crosses or a tile alignment system, discrepancies in the opening of the seams are still possible. And so they will be less noticeable.

Sources:
travelerscoffee.ru/en/beets/kak-sdelat-fartuk-na-kuhne-svoimi-rukami-vybiraem-iz-chego-sdelat-fartuk/
valenteshop.ru/en/kak-sdelat-fartuk-na-kuhne-svoimi-rukami-vybiraem-iz-chego-sdelat/
24segodnya.ru/en/technique/kak-sdelat-kuhonnyi-fartuk-iz-plitki- plastikovyi-fartuk-na-kuhnyu-s/
santorpack. ru/en/school-of-design/tehnologiya-ukladki-kuhonnogo-fartuka-iz-plitki-na-stene-i-po.html

do-it-yourself tiles: a laying master class

The main purpose of an apron in the kitchen is to keep the walls pristine clean and easy to wash them from the inevitable splashes of grease and water. There are several options for making it, but in this article we will focus specifically on a tile kitchen apron, since it is easiest to do it yourself. nine0025

The apron should cover the area of ​​the walls above the work area from the worktop to the wall cabinets (usually at least 60 cm), and go slightly under the worktop. Above the stove, it must be done to the level of the hood.

Plan ahead for the design and dimensions of the apron

If you have not bought a kitchen set yet, make the calculation directly from the marks on the wall. Knowing the dimensions of the selected tile and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe apron, it will not be difficult to calculate the required amount by drawing up a drawing. But you need to buy material with a margin of 10-15%, in any case there will be marriage, uneven undercuts and cutouts for sockets. nine0025

Fast navigation under Article