Helpful Tips for Tiling Backsplashes

Preparation

• To save time while you are installing a tile backsplash, make sure you measure your area accurately first. Note any variances in height that may occur because of wall cabinets or areas where you may need to tile farther down the wall, such as behind a range.

  If you plan to use a design or pattern with your tile, draw it out on grid paper first, and mark rough spacing out on your wall with a pencil. Taking this time at the beginning can help your installation go more smoothly later.

  Consider using the technique of loose-laying your tile first. This is a dry run of the tile installation, setting each piece in place using spacers and ledger boards without using the mortar. This will enable you to mark any cuts you need to make on your tile. If you are installing the tile alone, roughly make any cuts you need in the tile in advance, to ensure you do not have to stop and start your installation.

Installation

• While installing the tile, it is important to choose the right kind of adhesive for the tile. For most ceramic and porcelain tiles, a latex-modified thin-set mortar is appropriate, however, certain types of natural stone require a mortar formulated specifically for them. If you are using a glass tile, look for a mortar specifically marked for the purpose.

  Putting the right mortar underneath the tile can help ensure that your finished backsplash is durable and does not discolor during or after the installation. If you are using tiles that are 6 inches or larger, use the technique of back-buttering your tiles as well as spreading the mortar on the walls. This guarantees you will not have voids in the mortar behind the tile.

Grouting

• Waiting a day or longer before grouting your newly installed tiles will give the mortar a chance to cure faster. And just like the mortar, make sure the grout you are using is the right type for your tile and the size of grout joints. Non-sanded grout should be used for glass and some types of natural stone tile, or for grout joints less than 1/8 inch wide.

  Use a good grout float to press the grout into the joints, using a diagonal motion to compress the grout as much as possible. When cleaning the excess grout off of the tiles, rinse out your sponge frequently in clear water. It is important to keep cleaning the tiles while the grout dries as well. If you can still see grout haze forming on the tiles, clean them every 15 minutes with a damp sponge until the haze no longer forms. This will ensure that your tiles have clarity of color and look clean once the grout has cured.

Maintenance

• After the grout has cured, it is important to seal the backsplash. If you are using a glass, ceramic or porcelain tile, you will need to seal only the grout, but most natural stone tiles require sealing as well. Use a quality sealer that protects against stains, especially in a kitchen. Make sure you follow all the manufacturer's instructions when sealing, and remember that most sealers have to be reapplied every six months to a year to retain their potency.