How to Lay Subway Tile as a Wall Backsplash

Give your bathroom or kitchen a sleek and striking look with a subway tile backsplash. Subway tile is rectangular-shaped tile that resembles, as the name suggests, the tile often used on the walls of subway stations. This tile ranges from simple, solid-colored porcelain to more elaborate multicolored glass. No matter what your taste, there is likely a type of subway tile that will suit it. If you want to create a subway tile backsplash, instead of hiring a contractor, you can do the job yourself with a little patience and time, and some basic supplies.

Measuring tape
Straightedge
Pencil
Waterproof tile adhesive
Trowel
Tile spacers
Tile cutter
Waterproof grout
Grout float
Sponge

Instructions

- 1
  Determine where the center of the backsplash is located, using a measuring tape. Use a straightedge and a pencil to make a vertical line along the center of the backsplash.
- 2
  Apply waterproof tile adhesive to the back of a tile with a trowel. Set the tile on the wall just above the countertop so its center lies over the pencil line. Place a tile spacer between the countertop and the tile.
- 3
  Apply tiles to the center of the wall, following the same instructions in Step 2, until the center line is covered with tile. Set tile spacers between each of the tiles.
- 4
  Apply tiles to the wall to the left and right of the center line of tiles. Use the same method as described in Step 3 to install these tiles, placing spacers between each tile. Continue the process of installing tiles until the backsplash is covered.
- 5
  Cut tiles with a tile cutter, if needed. If the tiles near the wall need to be cut to fit the area, determine how much you need to cut. Make a mark on the back of the tiles to indicate the point at which the tile needs to be cut. Cut the tiles with a handheld tile cutter. Install the cut tiles on the wall the same way the previous tiles were hung.
- 6
  Remove the tile spacers. Allow the tile adhesive to set for 24 hours.
- 7
  Grout the tiles. Use a grout float to apply grout in the color of your choice. Work the grout into the gaps between each tile.
- 8
  Wipe the surface of the tiles with a damp sponge while the grout is still wet, removing the grout from the surface of the tiles.

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