Installing a Travertine & Glass Tile Backsplash

Lay out the dry travertine and glass tile backsplash on the table or floor, inserting ¼-inch spacers between each one. Ensure it will fit in the wall space you want. Start with whole tiles in the middle of the bottom row of the design. Measure the width of the wall space and mark the center point with a pencil to note where to place the first tile. If only partial tiles are needed to fill the space, use them on the top or side edges. To cut tiles, place a metal ruler on the tile and use it for a straight edge to score the tile with a tile cutter. Wear safety glasses and snap the tile along the score line. If you need to cut a notch out of the tile, score the area and then use tile nippers or a tile saw to notch it.

Turn off the electrical power to the wall. Remove outlet and switch covers. Wash the wall and allow it to dry thoroughly. Remove any greasy or oily spots completely. Install tile only on a completely dry wall that can support the weight of the tiles.

Spread tile adhesive over the backsplash area of the wall in an even layer about 1/16 inch thick. Start at the bottom of the backsplash area. Hold the notched side of a trowel at a 45-degree angle. Do not cover an area larger than 3-by-3 feet so the adhesive doesn’t dry out.

Select a tile from the middle of the bottom row of the design. Press it into the corresponding spot of adhesive on the wall ¼ inch from the bottom. When you are installing a glass tile, smooth the adhesive with the flat side of the trowel so the lines do not show through the glass. Leave the lines in the adhesive for the travertine tiles.

Install spacers between each tile and continue pressing the bottom row into the adhesive. Check that the tiles are even with a spirit level after every four or five tiles. Install spacers on top of each tile and install the next row. Continue installing rows of tiles up the wall until you finish the entire design.

Wipe away adhesive that oozes up between tiles with a damp cloth. Let the adhesive set for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.

Stir water and grout mix as directed on the package. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Scoop some grout onto the back edge of a grout float. Hold it at a 45-degree angle and spread it over the tiles with diagonal strokes. Fill the gaps between tiles with grout using the edge of the float. Let the grout dry for a few minutes, then wipe the tiles with a damp sponge to remove the grout on the surface of the tiles.

Let the grout dry completely. Wipe the tiles with a clean, dry cloth. Polish the surface of the tiles until the grout haze disappears.

Replace the outlet covers and turn on the power to the wall.