How to Lay Out a Subway Tile Backsplash

Measure the height and width of the backsplash. Find an adjacent or nearby countertop or table on which to lay out a dry run of the subway tiles for the backsplash. This will help you determine whether you can use full bricks for the odd-numbered courses of tile and half bricks to start the even-numbered courses. If space allows, try to minimize the number of cut tiles by extending the backsplash a few inches horizontally on one side or the other.

Lay the bottom row of subway tiles first, beginning at the level of the countertop and working up. Orient the tiles so their long sides are parallel to the floor.

Cut a tile in half using a rented ceramic tile cutter. Begin the second row, or course, of subway tiles with one half of a tile. This will offset the spaces between the subway tiles, so that the seams fall in the center of the tile directly below and above it. The pattern is identical to regular masonry bricks used in buildings and retaining walls.

Add a row of thinner accent tiles in a contrasting color near the top of the backsplash. Choose accent tiles in sizes from 1 inch high to the same height as the subway tiles you are using for the backsplash.

Lay out at least one additional row of subway tiles above the row of accent tiles, keeping to the established pattern.

Lay out a row of bullnose border tiles for the final course of tiles in the backsplash.

Apply thinset mortar to the wall where you will install the backsplash, following any specific manufacturer's directions. Scoop up a blob of pre-mixed thinset mortar with a notched trowel. Use the flat side of the trowel to apply the mortar to the wall with broad strokes. Use the notched side of the trowel to “comb” the thinset. The resulting uneven surface will better grab onto the subway tiles as you set them into it.

Lay the subway tiles on the wall, setting them in the thinset mortar. Begin with the bottom row of tiles and work your way up row by row. Place the tile in place and wiggle it slightly as you push it into the mortar. This will help it better adhere to the thinset. Allow the thinset mortar to dry for the length of time recommended by its manufacturer, before moving on to Step 9.

Apply grout to the spaces between the tiles. Scoop up an egg-sized clumb of grout using a grout trowel. Wipe the grout diagonally across the surface of the backsplash, then use the edge of the trowel to push the grout into the spaces between the tiles.

Immediately wipe the excess grout off the face of the subway tiles with a large sponge. Do not dig into the grout lines between the tiles or you may remove the still-wet grout. Rinse the sponge frequently and wipe the surface of the tiles over and over until no trace of grout remains on the face of the tiles, just inside of the grout lines.

Allow the grout to cure for 24 to 48 hours, or as recommended by the manufacturer, before allowing water to come in contact with the backsplash.