How to Install a Glass Mosaic Tile Backsplash

Greasy splatters and messy spills present no challenge to a backsplash made of tile, one of the easiest-to-clean materials for the stain-prone spot behind a range or sink. And the subtle color variations of translucent glass mosaic tile offer a rich look that makes this area a real eye-catcher in your kitchen. Mounted on 12x12 sheets of paper, the 3/4-inch tiles are simple to install and will fit around cabinets and counters with few cuts. Even better, grouting the tile with a new urethane-based, nonporous product means you won't need to apply sealant to keep your backsplash looking spiffy. Read on to see how This Old House senior technical editor Mark Powers turned a bland wall into a brand new showpiece.

Tile: 3/4-inch straight-profile mosaic in Clay by Ann Sacks, from $35 per square foot

Grout: TruColor premixed grout in Alabaster by Bostik, about $76 per 9-pound bucket