How to Put Up a Tile Backsplash With Tiles on a Mesh Backer

Layout

• As with any tile installation the first step is determining your layout. Set some of the sheets down on the floor or another flat surface to mimic the backsplash installation. Check the size of the backsplash and determine how you want to set the tile sheets. Traditionally, sheets are installed with full tile starting off the countertop and cuts underneath the upper cabinets, as well as full tile on outside edges and cuts into the inside corners. Adjust the layout as you see fit and draw a level line across the backsplash at the height of a sheet to give you a line to smear your adhesive to without overspreading.

Rubber Float

• Pressing each individual tile into the adhesive on the wall isn’t enough to give you a flat surface when working with mesh-backed tiles, as you end up with pieces that are unevenly sunk into the adhesive. Instead, use a large rubber grout float. Gently press this across the surface of the mesh sheet, pressing the pieces evenly into the adhesive under the pressure of the float.

Making Cuts

• Whether you are making individual cuts around outlets or into the corners and under the cabinets, it is easier to remove any tiles that need to be cut from the mesh. Use a razor knife to cut through the mesh backing to remove individual tiles as required, or cut an entire strip/row of tile free. Mark any individual pieces that need to be cut with a felttip pen for cutting on a wet saw. For best results, treat a strip of tiles as an individual piece, and draw a cut line from point to point at either end of a strip to guide your blade during cutting.

Spreading The Joints

• One of the beauties of working with mesh-backed tiles is that they are smaller and thus have more grout joints. This allows you to “cheat” the installation in terms of width and height. For example, when working with a backsplash that is 15 feet long and your layout would leave you with a 1/2-inch cut into the corner, eliminate this cut by spreading the joints out slightly throughout the installation. This is hidden once you grout the tiles. Cut the mesh backing with a razor blade every few rows and spread the joints slightly to spread the increase out evenly across the backsplash.

Spacers and Tacking

• Spacers don’t always work that well with wall installations and mesh-backed tiled, because you are dealing with the weight of an entire sheet, not just individual pieces. While they help, your best option is to use nails tacked slightly into the drywall to hold the sheets in place while the adhesive dries before grouting. Remove the spacers/tacks before grouting.