How to Build a Tile Backsplash
- 1). Mark out the perimeter of the backsplash on the wall using a carpenter's square and pencil. Make it a size that will accommodate all full tiles without any cuts.
- 2). Sand the wall within the marked-out area using a hand sander in order to get it smooth and free of any gloss.
- 3). Cover the marked-out area in thinset mortar, using your notched trowel.
- 4). Tile the area, starting at the bottom row and working your way up. Press each tile firmly to the wall, twisting it slightly to get it properly sealed. Put tiles spacers between all the tiles and between the tiles and the countertop. Hang all the standard tiles first, and then set the trim tiles around the perimeter of the backsplash.
- 5). Allow the mortar to set up for 24 hours. Pull out the spacers.
- 6). Spread grout over the whole backsplash with a grout float, running the long edge of the float over the surface and pressing the grout into the spaces. Don't grout the joint between the bottom of the backsplash and the countertop, but do grout the rest of the backsplash.
- 7). Let the grout set for two to four days. Caulk the joint between the bottom of the backsplash and the countertop.
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