DIY Subway Tile Backsplash

Subway tile was a popular form of wall covering in the 1920s and 1930s. It is essentially an elongated tile, made to look like brick, in white or off-white with a high-gloss finish. It gives a classic, retro look to the kitchen if you use it behind your sink as a backsplash. As with any backsplash tile, the whole point is to protect the wall from water, so make sure the tiles are sealed and glazed when you buy them.

Tape measure
Pencil
Level
Square
Tile adhesive
Notched trowel
Subway tiles
Tile spacers
Grout
Grout float
Sponge
Caulk

Instructions

- 1
  Mark the dimensions of the backsplash on the wall that you want, using a pencil, level and square. Make the size of the area so it allows for use of all full subway tiles without any cuts.
- 2
  Spread tile adhesive over the marked out area, using a notched trowel.
- 3
  Set the bottom row of subway tiles in the adhesive, pressing them end to end over the whole span. Put spacers between the tiles, and under them, to separate them from the counter.
- 4
  Set the first tile of the second course above the bottom course, at one end, putting spacers between the two courses and between the tiles of the second course. Arrange them in a grid pattern so the spaces between them are completely lined up.
- 5
  Repeat, working your way up the wall course by course, keeping the grid pattern straight and spacing all the tiles. Cover the entire marked-out area.
- 6
  Let the tiles set overnight. Pull out the spacers.
- 7
  Spread grout over the tiles with a grout float, using the long edge of the float to press the grout into the spaces. Wipe up the excess grout with a damp sponge.
- 8
  Let the grout set for 48 hours. Run a bead of caulk along the joint between the bottom of the tiled area and the countertop.

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