How to Install Tile Behind a Vent Hood

Turn on the vent hood fan and light. Turn off the applicable circuit breaker in the breaker box. You will know when the power to the vent hood is off when the light and the fan stop working.

Remove the access panel that covers the electrical connections for the vent hood using a screwdriver or nut driver. The access panel is usually located underneath the hood near the back of the appliance. One or two screws secure the panel to the vent hood. Refer to the vent hood's owner manual for access panel location.

Remove the wire nuts, and test the wires with a voltage meter to verify that the electricity is off. Disconnect the supply wires from the leads to the vent hood. Often, a clamp or romex connector secures the wire to the vent hood. Loosen the screws on the clamp that secures the wire to the appliance.

Locate and loosen the four mounting screws that secure the hood to the cabinet. Remove the screws one at a time while securely holding the vent hood to prevent it from falling. After removing the screws, carefully lower the vent hood away from the cabinet while pulling out the electrical wire.

Install the tile and allow it to set for 24 hours. Backsplash installation usually requires mastic or thinset to bond the tiles. The adhesive is spread evenly on the surface using a notch trowel. The tile is pressed into the adhesive, aligned according to the layout and allowed to set before grouting.

Install the vent hood by lifting it into place while putting the electrical wire through the applicable "romex connector" opening in the appliance. Install the mounting screws, make the electrical connections and mount the access plate to finish the project.