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Kitchen Backsplash

Picture of Cristy Gies

Cristy Gies

Designer and Founder - DIYGirlfriend

Adding a tile back splash in your kitchen is an easy way to protect your wall from water or other kitchen grime. A simple backsplash can also add style to your kitchen. There are so many tile options available that you can transition your kitchen into a Tuscan getaway or a modern geometric space.

One of the hardest things to decide is what type of tile is best for you and what pattern you want.

Here are some options to think about:

Classic White

One of the most popular backsplash options is a classic white style. White can make your kitchen take on that modern or farmhouse look.

Colored Tiles

You can make a bold statement in your kitchen by utilizing bright colors. If you have white or darker cabinets, this can create a pop of color to the space. For example, if you have gold kitchen accents a deep green can really compliment the overall look and show off your personal style.

Spanish Tile

Love the Moroccan style? No problem! There are many decorative tiles to choose from to help create those interesting patterns. Using blues, greens, or terracotta you can show off some beautiful clay or ceramic tiles.  

Glass Tile

While glass tiles are more expensive, they are easy to clean. The reflective nature of glass tile has great reflective quality, and the best part is they are generally made of recycled glass.

Peel and Stick Tiles

Easy to install, these tiles are an inexpensive way to update your kitchen. They are self-adhesive tiles that look like the real thing.  These tiles also eliminate the mess of taking on a tile project.

Once you have decided what style you like, you can then have fun with the pattern. You can find tiles shaped like octagons, chevron, hexagon, rectangular, square, and even penny size tiles.

All these options can become overwhelming, but it does allow you to customize your backsplash so that it is a true representation of your personality.

In our tutorial this week we opted a herring bone mosaic tile using a double sided adhesive tile  mat. With this adhesive mat you can create your backsplash with less mess. We finished our backsplash over the weekend and super excited about the results.

Follow along below for our step-by-step tutorial. 

Let’s get started.

Here is What you will need:

Materials:

  • Cleaning Gloves
  • Grout Sponge
  • Tile of your choice
  • Grout
  • Tile Caulk
  • Peel-&-Stick Tile Backsplash Mats
  • 1”x2” Wood Board (to support tile while drying if using mortar)
  • Wood Screws (if using a wood board for support)
  • Tile cleaner
  • Tile Spacers
  • Sandpaper
  • Tile sanding sponge
  • Painters Tape
  • Grout Sealer
  • Spackling and scraper
  • Outlet extenders/spacers
  • Tile edge trim

Tools:

  • Tape Measure
  • Level
  • Drill and mortar mixer drill bit
  • Tile Saw
  • Tile Snapper (if needed)
  • Rubber Grout Float
  • Caulk Gun
  • Eye Protection
  • Screwdriver
  • Utility Knife

You can find these items in any local home improvement store. Specialty tile tools are also available to rent at local home improvement stores.

At the bottom of this article we have provided some links to make locating these items easier.

Watch the video below to get started on your accent wall.

Or you can follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Step 1: Prepare the area

  • Clear all items from kitchen counter
  • Shut off power to any nearby electrical outlets or light switches
  • Remove all outlet covers and any items on walls
  • Tape a protective cover over countertops
  • Tape off kitchen cabinet edges with painters tape
  • Repair any damages to walls (if needed)
  • Fill any holes with spackling
  • Allow to dry and sand until smooth
  • Clean walls of all dust, dirt, grease, etc.

Step 2: Plan tile layout and positioning

  • Plan the starting point
  • If there is an obvious center to the backsplash, find the center and plan the layout up/down and out from there
  • If there is not an obvious center, plan the starting point at an obvious starting point like the beginning of the wall, the corner, etc.

DIYG Tip: if this is your first time tiling it might be better to start in an inconspicuous place like a hidden corner, etc.

  • Plan the horizontal positioning
  • Lay tile horizontally on the countertop along the wall using spacers and check the ends. If the last tile will be too small to cut, adjust the layout to make the last tile larger and easier to cut.
  • Plan the vertical positioning
  • Position the tile to see where the tile will end at the top and bottom. If the tile will be too small at top or bottom, adjust the layout to make the top/bottom tile larger and easier to cut.

DIYG Tip: Try to plan the tile cuts in inconspicuous places like the top of the backsplash under the cabinets.  The cabinets will camouflage any cutting imperfections.

Step 3: apply peel & stick tile backsplash mats

DIYG Tip: Adhesive backsplash mats are an easy and inexpensive way to tile backsplashes.  It also allows you to do everything the same day since you do not need to let the mortar dry.  However, avoid using adhesive tile backsplash mats on floors, ceilings, fireplaces, steam rooms, shower floors and surfaces that will be submerged in water.

  • Measure backsplash and cut backsplash mat accordingly
  • Apply sticky side of adhesive mat to wall. Do not peel off top liner until you are ready to lay the tile. Peel off as you go for easier installation.
  • Cut out holes for outlets and light switches as you go
  • Smooth out any bubbles along the way. You may need to reposition the backsplash mat along the way to keep it straight.
  • LEAVE ON TOP LINER UNTIL READY TO LAY THE TILE

DIYG Tip: For areas that do not have a countertop for support, use tile edging trim to support the weight of the tile.  This can be found at Lowes, Home Depot, etc… in the tiling section.

Step 4: lay tile

  • Once adhesive backsplash mat is installed, it’s time to lay the tile. Peel the liner front off for a small section of the wall. Continue peeling off the front liner along the way as you lay the tile.
  • Allow for a 1/8” expansion gap at the top and bottom. Place the first tile in position according to your tile layout plan.

DIYG Tip:

Use a level along the way to make sure the tile is level at every point

  • Once the tile is in the correct position, use a rubber float and press against the tile to seal it in the adhesive backsplash mat.
  • Working in small sections, repeat the procedure with additional pieces using spacers to ensure even spacing.
  • When you need to make a cut:
  • Mark the tile where cut is needed
  • For tiles with a mesh backing, mark the mesh side and set the tile in a tile cutter mesh side up.
  • For individual tiles, mark the front side of the tile and set the tile in a tile cutter with front side up.
  • Position tile in the tile cutter according to the above and run the blade along the OUTSIDE of the marked line. The tile blade usually takes about an 1/8th inch off the tile with the cut. You allow for this by cutting along the OUTSIDE of the line.
  • Use a tile snapper to break the tile apart along the line if needed.
  • If you need to cut out a section in the middle of the mosaic tile square, mark the tile accordingly and then cut into the tile at the closest edge near the marking. This will allow you to fold back the tile you’ll keep, turn the tile square and continue the cut. See video for example.
  • If using mosaic tile and a piece is cut too short or it breaks, you can remove a similar piece(s) from the scraps and replace the damaged tile.

DIYG Tip:

  • If your cut has rough edges on the tile, use a tile sanding sponge to sand off the rough edges.  Be careful not to sand too hard or it may split the ends of the tile.
  • If you have to do circular cuts, use a tile nipper.
  • If using a wet saw to cut tile, use a hot blow dryer to dry tile before installing on adhesive mat.
  • Cutting tile can be very messy!  Cut the tile in the garage, on the deck or in a place that can be easily cleaned.  Laying down a tarp can  help as well.

Step 5: install electrical box extenders

  • Since the tile has added about an 1/8th to ¼” to the wall, outlet extenders will need to be installed to make the covers flush with the tile.
  • TURN OFF ELECTRICITY to the outlets and light switches!
  • Follow directions on packaging to install the extenders.

Step 6: Apply tile grout

  • Mix grout according to product directions.
  • For grout joints larger than 1/8th inch, it is recommended to use a sanded grout
  • For grout joints smaller than 1/8-inch, it is recommended to use a poly-blend unsanded grout.
  • Once grout is mixed you’ll have a limited time to use it so if tiling a large area only mix a portion of the tile grout.
  • Periodically remix the grout to maintain consistency.

DIYG Tip:

  • If using natural stone such as limestone, slate, etc., apply sealer to tile PRIOR to grouting the tile.  This will prevent grout from seeping in the pours of the natural stone and discoloring the tile.
  • Mixed grout should be the consistency of brownie batter
  • Apply the grout diagonally with the grout float at a 45 degree angle. Wipe off any excess grout with the grout float held at a 90 degree angle.
  • Wait 5 to 10 minutes and remove any excess grout/film from the face of the tiles using a lightly damp sponge. Rinse the sponge in clean water frequently.
  • Repeat this process several times. Limit the amount of water you use to avoid washing out the grout joints.

DIYG Tip:

  • Be careful to not wipe the grout from the joints when cleaning away excess. Only apply LIGHT pressure and always use a diagonal motion.
  • Do a final wipe with a clean sponge and clean water.
  • After about 3 hours, remove any remaining film/haze on the tile with a damp sponge.

Step 7: fill top and bottom 1/8" gaps with caulk or silicone sealant that matches grout

  • Cut the tip of the tube at an angle and place it in the caulk gun. Squeeze the trigger a few times until the caulk begins to come out.
  • Pointing the angle into the gap, squeeze the caulk gun trigger and gently run an even flow of caulk along the gap.
  • To smooth out the caulk, lightly run your finger along the caulk being sure not to press to hard. Keep a rag handy to wipe off your finger as needed.

Step 8: Seal grout

  • Allow grout and caulk to dry according to product instructions and then apply sealer.
  • Spray sealer in even, horizontal strokes making sure to cover all of tile but not so thick that it runs.
  • Allow to dry according to product instructions.

Step 9: Reattach outlet and light switch covers

Step 10: enjoy!!!

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