How to Set Tile for Back Splash | Tile Installation Products

How to Set Tile for a Back Splash

Layout & Cutting

Measure and mark the exact center of the visual layout at the counter level. Using a sharp pencil and a level, draw a perfectly plumb starting line vertically through the center mark. Lay loose tile on the countertop from that midpoint to the end of backsplash to determine the width of the end tile. Remember to allow for grout lines and the "expansion joints" (see note below). If the end tile will be less than half a tile, adjust the vertical line to avoid cutting narrow pieces of tile. If the problem is unavoidable, try to position them in an inconspicuous area.

Note

Expansion Joints: All tile installations must allow for "expansion joints". These are 1/8 in. to 1/4 in. spaces along the length where tile meets adjacent walls, countertop meets a backsplash, etc. These will later be filled with caulk.

Place a loose tile atop the last full tile and position it to butt against the wall or corner, or edge where tile stops.

Lay a second loose tile over the first and align it with the last full tile.

Mark the cut line on the "sandwiched" tile. Remember to allow for grout lines and a gap of 1/8 in. to 1/4 in. where the tile butts walls and other surfaces. Due to variations in wall runs, each tile should be butted, measured and cut individually (rather than taking a single measurement and cutting a number of tiles at once). For straight cuts, use a tile cutter. "Polish" the edges with a rubbing brick. Cut openings around pipes, faucet stems, etc. using a power drill with a hole cutter attachment.

Applying Mortar

Follow all limitations from product labeling. Before applying mortar, identify which notch side of the trowel is appropriate for your tile size.

Apply and spread mortar on wall

Mix mortar with water as per label instructions. Scoop mortar out of bucket with the flat edge of the trowel and apply it to the wall. Starting at center line, moving outward and using one of the long edges, use a sweeping motion to spread the mortar across the wall covering an area no more than 10 sq. ft. at a time. Look for any bare spots and fill them in with mortar. *Follow special installation instructions for glass tile on previous page. The method for applying the mortar is different.

Comb mortar

Now go back and comb the mortar with the notched side of the trowel to create even ridges. Hold trowel at a 45 degree angle, and comb through the mortar to create straight lines. You will know you are doing it effectively if you should hear the trowel scraping the wall through the mortar bed.

Bonding the Tile

Put the edge of the first tile on the vertical center line leaving a gap of about 1/8 in. on the bottom parallel to the counter edge. Gap will be filled with caulk in the finishing steps of the installation. Press tile into mortar. Install tile in a step like fashion working upward and outward. Use spacers if needed to maintain joint widths. Check often to be sure lines are straight. Once you reach the end of the backsplash, repeat installation steps for other half of center line to complete backsplash installation.

Tip

If a skin forms on the mortar surface, stop setting and scrape the wall clean.Then apply a fresh coat of mortar.

When setting sheet tile, apply mortar to wall. Apply sheet with mesh backing into mortar by unfurling into position. If your tile has a paper facing, soak it to remove before grouting tile.