How to Do a Stone Brick Backsplash in the Kitchen

Measure the dimensions on the wall for your backsplash, using a level and pencil to mark it out. Set the dimensions so the area holds all full tiles with no cuts. Leave enough space around the perimeter of the area to account for some of the tiles to jut out around the sides as part of the staggered-brick design.

Spread tile mastic over the marked area using a notched tiling trowel.

Press the stone tiles to the wall starting at the bottom of the marked areas, setting them from end to end horizontally. Space them visually about half an inch from each other and from the countertop. Note that visually spacing the tiles, instead of using tile spacers, creates some slight differences in the spacing. This is ideal for the stone tiles, as it creates a natural, random look.

Set the second course of stone tiles in place above the first, again positioned horizontally. Stagger the positions of the tiles between the two courses, so the tile ends on the second course meet at the halfway point of the tiles on the first course. This means the end tiles of the second course hang halfway over the edges of the tiles on the bottom course.

Repeat, setting each new course of tiles in place above the previous one. Continue staggering the courses, covering the whole area.

Let the mastic set for 12 hours.

Spread grout over the tiles using a grout float, pressing it into the spaces between the tiles. Wipe off the excess grout with a damp sponge.

Allow the grout to dry for 24 hours. Run caulk along the bottom of the backsplash, where the tile meets the countertop.