How to Install a Ceramic Tile Backsplash

A ceramic tile backsplash will enhance the sink area of any kitchen. It also will be easier to keep clean and protects your wall from splashing water. You can buy some nice decorative designs of glazed wall titles from your home center. Also you don't need to buy an expensive electric tile cutter. A manual tile cutter will be sufficient.

Tools and Material

Tape measure
Tile cutter
Glass cutter
Tile nippers
Notched trowel
Tile adhesive
Tile grout
Glazed wall tiles
Tile spacers
Large sponge
Rubber float

Step1:
Make sure the drywall that you are going to cement the tiles on is solid and free of dry rot. Any damaged drywall will have to be replaced.

Step2:
Determine the area that you are going to install the tiles on by measuring the length and height. Multiply the length and height to get the square feet. Now that you know the square footage of the area you're going to tile you can purchase your tiles and supplies.

Step3:
Remove any outlet or switch covers from the area to be tiled. It's also a good idea to shut off the electricity to any outlets or switches. Prepare the wall by cleaning any dirty from the wall and allowing it to dry.

Step4:
Apply a thin layer of approximately 1/16 inch of tile adhesive using the notched trowel. Cover a wall area of about 2' by 2' to start with.

Step5:
Lay your first tile starting at the base of the backsplash. Use tile spacers at each corner of the title. Make sure the spacers are embedded in the tile adhesive. Be sure to cut one end of the spacers off in order to fit them between the countertop and the bottom of the tile.

Step6:
Continue to lay tiles out along the same row, keeping them flush to the spacers. Wipe off any tile adhesive from the titles using a damp sponge. Be sure to maintain equal spaces between tiles.

Step7:
If you need to title around outlets or switches, be sure the title edges will be hidden by the wall plate. Use your glass cutter and title nippers to make any irregular cuts on the title for your outlets or switches.

Step8:
After your tiles have been placed on the wall, carefully wipe off any adhesive from the tiles using warm water and a large sponge.

Step9:
Allow the adhesive to dry according to the manufactures instructions. After the adhesive sets, remove the spacers.

Step10:
Mix the grout according to the manufactures instructions. Apply the grout to the tiles using a rubber float held at a 45 degree angle and packing it in between all titles.

Step11:
After the grout dries and a haze forms on the titles, wipe off all excess grout with a damp sponge. Repeat cleaning titles and rinsing the sponge until the titles shine.

Step12:
Replace outlet and switch covers back on the wall and turn electricity back on.