DIY: How to Install a Tile Backsplash

The right backsplash installation will give your kitchen a modern and stylish look. So how do you go about backsplash installation?

A backsplash is one of the most visible parts of your kitchen. If you're thinking about a new backsplash installation, one of the easiest options is to go for a slate tile backsplash. As the backsplash is relatively small, remodeling it will be a lot cheaper and less time consuming than replacing the whole kitchen but will still give your kitchen a dramatically different look. The beautiful patterns and natural texture of tiles also have their own elegance and style and will suit any kitchen.

When carrying out a backsplash installation, make sure you've got the right tools and materials for the job. These include slate tiles, a tile cutter, tile spacers, tile adhesive, ready mixed tile grout, adhesive spreader, a damp cloth and a dry piece of cloth.

Let's now go through backsplash installation step by step.

The first step in backsplash installation is to prepare the surface of the wall you're going to be fixing the tiles onto by wiping off any dirt and dust, putting on a cement backer board, cutting it to the size of the backsplash and fixing it on the wall with screws spaced six inches apart.

The next step in backsplash installation is to prepare the tiles by applying a good quality sealant on the surface of them. Make sure that the sealant dries thoroughly before you install the tiles. Ideally, you should allow at least a day between applying the sealant and affixing the tiles to your kitchen wall.

The third step in backsplash installation is to spread adhesive on the wall in a uniformly thin layer, dividing the wall into small sections and applying the adhesive onto them at a time. Make sure that you don't put too much adhesive on the wall.

Once the tiles have dried, normally after a day or so, you need to grout them. Prepare the grout by adding water to it and then spread with a grout float on the tiles and give it half an hour to set.