How to Install a Simple Tile Backsplash | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House General Contractor Tom Silva teaches a homeowner a simple technique for tiling backsplash.
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Time: 2-3 hours
Cost: $100
Skill Level:
Beginner
Tools List for Installing a Simple Tile Backspash:
- Measuring tape []
- Scissors []
- Rubber float []
- Utility knife []
- Bucket []
Shopping List:
- Square tile []
- Tile adhesive mat []
- Pre-mixed grout []
- Degreasing cleaner []
- Drop cloth []
- Painters tape []
- Sponge []
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 painters tape, covering the entire work area.
3. Mark the two sides of the wall using the painters 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, 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.
Resources:
To attach the tile to the wall, Tom used the SimpleMat tile setting mat, manufactured by Custom Building Proucts ().
Tom installed Desert Sunset mosaic tile, manufactured by MS International (www.msistone.com).
The homeowner selected “Earth” colored premixed grout, which is also manufactured by Custom Building Products ().
All of these, plus the other supplies and materials for this project, including razor knives, painter’s tape, and sponges, are sold at home centers.
About Ask This Old House TV:
Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers—and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Install a Simple Tile Backsplash | Ask This Old House
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