Akitchen tile backsplash can add characteristic to your overall kitchen design.  This is a process that you can do yourself, but can be challenging at times.  However, with these step by step instructions for a glass tile backsplash and a ceramic tile backsplash, you are on your way to transforming your kitchen with an amazing kitchen tile backsplash. Please be sure to see how to lay tile.

Materials and Tools for a Ceramic Tile Backsplash

• Tiles
• Backer Board
• Galvanized Drywall Screws
• Mesh Tape
• Filler Compound
• Tile Nippers 
• Level
• Grooved Trowel
• Tile Mastic Or Thinset Mortar
• 1/8” Spacer
• Caulk
• Sandless Grout
• Rubber Float
• Sponges
• Electrical Box Extenders

Ceramic Tile Backsplash Installation Steps

Important:  Turn off any electrical outlets within the area you are working.  Do this by going to the fuse or power box and make sure to leave some indication at the source that you have turned the power off.  This will ensure that no one in the household turns the power on while you are working.

1. Remove the stove and range hood and anything else in the way.  
2. Prepare the surface.  The tile can be installed over a structurally sound surface as long as it is clean, smooth, and dry.  If the surface needs any repairs, patch and level the damaged or uneven areas.  
3. Install backer board with galvanized drywall screws.  Leave a 1/8 inch gap between edges.  Cover with mesh tape and filler compound.
4. Be sure your countertop or countertop return is level.  You may need to insert shims between the lower cabinets and the countertop material to make it level.  
5. Use a level to draw a plumb starting line.  This will be used to line up your tiles vertically.  Lay out the tiles on the countertop or floor to follow the pattern.
6. Start at the center.  Begin with the bottom row.  Apply tile mastic (a ready to use tile adhesive) or thinset mortar to a small section of your wall with a grooved trowel.
7. Place the edge of the first tile on the vertical line.  Leave a gap of about 1/8” on the bottom.  This will leave space for a bead of caulk at a later time.  
8. Press your first tile into place.  You may need to “wiggle” it in.  Put in a temporary 1/8” spacer vertically.  
9. 9Put in the second tile using the same process.  You will continue this process while you work your way away from the center line.  REMEMBER:  Put spacers between each tile.  Follow your pattern
10. There will be a place where you will need to cut the tiles to fit.  Use a scoring cutter.  This can be rented or bought inexpensively.  Make a mark where the tile should be cut.  Place the tile in the tool and score a mark in the tile surface.  The sharp motion of the tool handle will break the tile along the scored line.
11. 1When cutting openings for an electrical outlet, you may have to cut two tiles using the scoring cutter.  You will then use tile nippers to cut the opening and put them on each side of the outlet.
12. You will cut as you get to the area during the installation process.  Do not leave an opening and go back to it.  This could mess up your entire process.  Take out the spacers. Leave the tiles so the mastic can set up overnight.  
13. Now it is time to grout.  Use a sandless grout.  This will avoid scratching the tile surface.  Mix according to instructions.  Use a rubber float to apply the grout.  Push down into the gaps between the tiles.  Hold the float at a 45 degree angle.  Remove excess grout.
14. Let the grout set for an hour.  Clean off tiles with wet sponges.  Buff with a clean dry cloth.
15. Install electrical box extenders.  
16. Apply a bead of tub and tile caulk along the seam where the kitchen tile backsplash meets the countertop.  

Note:  After about a week, apply silicone grout sealer to keep the backsplash looking new for years to come.  

Materials and Tools for a Glass Tile Backsplash

• Glass tile squares
• Glass tile caps
• Glass tile corners
• Glass tile cutter
• Glass tile snips 
• Sandpaper
• Wax pencil
• Mastic
• Bucket
• Soft cloth
• Mastic trowel
• Sponge 
• Grout trowel
• Grout sealer

Glass Tile Backsplash Installation Steps

Note:  Be sure to read the above for detailed information on how to install any type of kitchen tile backsplash.

1. Prepare wall for backsplash (see above in ceramic tile backsplash installation steps).  
2. Lay out tiles on flat surface.  Mark top row with a wax pencil at the point where the tiles meet the underside of the wall cabinets.  
3. Cut tiles with a tile cutter.
4. Measure the area around the window, sink, and any receptacles.  Draw a cutout on the tiles.
5. Spread the mastic onto the surface with the trowel and press tiles into place. 
6. Be sure spacers on tiles are adjacent to each other.  This is your grout line.
7. Let tile sit for 24 hours, then apply grout with grout trowel.  
8. Sponge off excess with clean water.  Clean with soft cloth.

Remember to read the instructions for the ceramic tile backsplash before you attempt to install a glass tile backsplash for more detailed installation information.

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Comments (1)

• |2010-08-27 02:22:32 buycountertop@gmail.com  - Counter Top
  Thanks for this useful information I really like this thanks for sharing it with us....
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