How to Install a Tile Backsplash

Photo:  Roger Turk

• Time: 2 to 4 days
• Cost: Glazed ceramic tiles cost on average between $5 to $10 per square foot with many “designer” tiles costing two to three times more
• Difficulty: Moderate

Introduction

Enter any attractive, well-designed kitchen and your attention - not surprisingly -will likely be drawn to the finely crafted wood cabinetry or gleaming appliances. You’ll probably not even notice the kitchen’s backsplash area, that innocuous sliver of wall running between the countertop and upper wall cabinets.

To help convert this boring wall space to an attention-grabber, we asked Jimmy Tiganella, owner of Classic Tile in Oakville, Connecticut, to show us how to install a glazed ceramic tile backsplash. For visual interest, this particular design uses tiles of various sizes, including decorative field tiles and fanciful border tiles. The result is an attractive, durable, easy-to-clean surface that greatly enhances the overall look and functionality of the kitchen.

Steps

• Introduction
• Overview
• 1. Prepare the wall
• 2. Apply mastic
• 3. Set the field tile
• 4. Cut tiles to fit
• 5. Set the decorative tiles
• 6. Notch tiles with a wetsaw
• 7. Fill the tile joints with grout
• 8. Clean and caulk

Helpful Info:

Article: Backsplash Bonanza

Article: Kitchen Face-Lift

Article: Guide to Redesigning Your Kitchen