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Installing Ceramic Tile Backsplash

backsplash tileDisclaimer* I am not a tile expert, in fact this is the first time I have tiled a kitchen backsplash. I am happy to say all went well and it looks great. After installing the electrical box extenders it was time to figure out how to space the tile for the wall. Needless to say it is not easy to do a dry layout on a vertical surface. You will need to measure the length of the backsplash then layout the tile with spacers on a flat surface and measure these. I found out that if I started in the center of the wall it would leave less than 1/2 a tile at each end. I decided to use a full tile at one corner which meant that I only need to trim tile on one end.

Your countertop is probably not perfectly level and your cabinets also may not be perfectly level. You will either need to trim your tile where it meets the bottom of the cabinets or where it meets the top of the countertop, or you can split the difference and cut tiles on both ends. Because I am having my countertop replaced after I do the backsplash, I am using full tiles at the top and the bottom. My tile will go a bit below the countertop. Because my wall is slightly deformed my base cabinets don't fit totally flat against the wall. Bringing the wall out a bit will actually help my problem.
 

Once you have a starting point figured out usa a level to mark your horizontal and vertical grid lines. You may want to check these with a square after you have drawn them. When you apply your mastic try not to cover up your horizontal line. This is what they tell you but it is easier said then done. I pretty much ignored the lines after getting the first row of tile in. I found it easier to just use the level to check things as I went along.

I used 1/8" tile spacers which is pretty standard for wall tile.

I came upon the outlet below and realized this was going to be a difficult cut. Actually the most difficult cut of the entire backsplash. Turned out not to be a bit easier than I expected though.

 

tile

After marking the tile to fit around the wall outlet I made a series of narrow cuts in the tile. Some of the narrow pieces broke off as I was making the cut and the others I just snapped out myself. The tile slipped right into place around the outlet. The cut was much smoother on the top side than the back. Remember an outlet cover will go over this so you don't need a perfectly straight line.

I used OMINGRIP® Ultimate Tile Adhesive which claims to shrink 33% less than regular adhesives and provides a superior bond. They recommend that you don't apply more adhesive than can be covered in 45 minutes. I found it stays flexible a long time. I was able to make slight adjustments even several hours later. Since you are working on a vertical surface, I suggest you go back and check that nothing has slipped from time to time. So after you have tiled the second area, go back and check the first.

What size trowel you should use it based on what size tile you use. Check the specs from your tile manufacturer and/or the adhesive manufacturer.

Let the adhesive dry at least 24 hours before you grout. Because this adhesive is so elastic I decided to wait longer than 24 hours.

 
 

Watch a pro make a 3 sided cut to fit around outlets.


 
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