Tiling a Backsplash

To make the installation go more smoothly, author makes a dry la… Read More To make the installation go more smoothly, author makes a dry layout of the mosaic mural ahead of time on a sheet of cardboard. Here he marks the bull-nose border before cutting the mitered corners.

The mosaic tiles come in sheets. After cutting the sheet to fit,… Read More The mosaic tiles come in sheets. After cutting the sheet to fit, the author lays the the cut sheet in place to complete the dry layout.

The dry layout of the mural also allows the author to plot the f… Read More The dry layout of the mural also allows the author to plot the field tile layout from one side of the mural to the other that the tile breaks evenly.

With this remodel, the receptacles over the counter were removed… Read More With this remodel, the receptacles over the counter were removed and placed under the wall cabinets. To fill the leftover holes, the author scores patches of drywall and peels off all but the outer layer of paper around each patch.

Thinset applied to the backside of the patch acts as the adhesiv… Read More Thinset applied to the backside of the patch acts as the adhesive.

The author applies thinset to the drywall around the opening bef… Read More The author applies thinset to the drywall around the opening before pressing the patch into place. The tile installation can proceed without waiting for the thinset to dry.

Behind the sink, a bead of silicone seals the seam between the t… Read More Behind the sink, a bead of silicone seals the seam between the tile and the countertop.

After determining the exact location of the mosaic mural over th… Read More After determining the exact location of the mosaic mural over the stove, the author begins to install the subway tile, working from one side of the mural toward the corner. Small plastic wedges keep the tiles spaced evenly.

Author installs the mural taking the pieces directly from the dr… Read More Author installs the mural taking the pieces directly from the dry layout that he had done earlier.

A rubber trowel beds the mural tile into the thinset and flatten… Read More A rubber trowel beds the mural tile into the thinset and flattens the mosaic.

When the mural is complete, the subway tile then runs from the o… Read More When the mural is complete, the subway tile then runs from the other side of the mural to the corner to complete the first backsplash wall.

Tile layout for this wall begins with a full tile at the window … Read More Tile layout for this wall begins with a full tile at the window casing, where the tile will be the most visible. Odd size tiles aren't nearly as noticeable in the corner under the cabinets.

After spreading the thinset, a tile placed vertically helps to g… Read More After spreading the thinset, a tile placed vertically helps to gauge the placement of the first course to leave the proper grout line along the casing.

The installation continues from that first course of tile up and… Read More The installation continues from that first course of tile up and toward the corner.

The mosaic tile also adds a decorative touch behind the sink and… Read More The mosaic tile also adds a decorative touch behind the sink and under the window. Again the author uses a rubber trowel to bed and flatten the mosaics.

The author then works from the other side of the window over to … Read More The author then works from the other side of the window over to the corner to complete the backsplash tile.

Before grouting, the author applies a coat of sealer to function… Read More Before grouting, the author applies a coat of sealer to function as a grout release on the stone tile.

The grout goes onto the field tile in the usual fashion, applied… Read More The grout goes onto the field tile in the usual fashion, applied with diagonal strokes in opposite directions until all the joints are filled.

A narrow grout trowel is handy for hard-to-reach places, such as… Read More A narrow grout trowel is handy for hard-to-reach places, such as under the mural and behind the sink.

After the grout begins to set up, the author uses a dry paper to… Read More After the grout begins to set up, the author uses a dry paper towel to make the first wipe. He purposefully does not add water at this point, because too much water can weaken the grout.

After taping around the edges of the mosaic mural, the author ap… Read More After taping around the edges of the mosaic mural, the author applies a darker color unsanded grout to the mosaics.

While the grout on the mosaics sets up, a damp sponge continues … Read More While the grout on the mosaics sets up, a damp sponge continues to clean the surface of the field tile.

When all the tile has been grouted, the author removes the final… Read More When all the tile has been grouted, the author removes the final grout haze with paper towels. Even when stone tile has been presealed, a final wash with grout cleaner may be necessary to clean the last of the grout off the stone. The author finishes the job with a coat of sealer on both the tile and the grout, and the kitchen is ready for the chef.