How to Install a Kitchen Backsplash

Co-authored by Art Fricke

Last Updated: September 16, 2021 References

Adding a backsplash to your kitchen is a great way to create atmosphere with color and texture. Thankfully, the process of applying a backsplash is easy. Here is the best way to apply a backsplash to your kitchen, using both traditional tiles and a peel-and-stick method.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Installing a Traditional Tile Backsplash

1
Get all of your supplies. Installing a traditional tile backsplash in your kitchen requires several different items. Make sure you are fully prepared before starting your project.
- The materials you need to have prepared before you begin include your tile, tile adhesive, and grout.
- Make sure you have the necessary tools, including a notched trowel, tape measure, sponge, level, utility knife, and a tile cutter. You may need spacers for tiles that are not attached together in sections.
- You may want to use something to cover your countertops during this process to keep them clean.
2
Clean your walls. In order for the tile adhesive to stick the walls, they must be free of any dust or grease.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Art Fricke
Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
Expert Interview. 1 July 2020.} Wipe them down with a damp rag, and give enough time for them to completely dry.^{[2]
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Research source}

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3
Measure your space. It is important to make sure you get a good measurement so you know exactly what size you should cut your tiles.^{[3]
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- Choose a stopping point, either directly below your cabinets or at an arbitrary point on the wall.
- Make sure that you have enough tiles to fill the measured space, as well as a few extras for precaution.
- Use a level and straight edge to mark your stopping point along the wall.
4
Apply the tile adhesive. Use your trowel to smooth the tile adhesive across the wall, working in small sections. If you apply too much at once, it will begin to dry before you get a chance to attach the tiles.^{[4]
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- Always start applying your tiles from the bottom center, and working outwards from there.
- Don’t apply the tile adhesive to the backs of the tiles, as it will be more difficult to attach them to the wall.
5
Firmly attach your tiles. Press them into the tile adhesive on the wall, using a level to make sure they are even. Push them a few times to make sure they are secured to the wall.^{[5]
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Research source}[Image:Install a Kitchen Backsplash Step 5.jpg|center]]
- If your tiles are not attached together in sections, use spacers to make sure they are all evenly spaced.
- Wiggle the tile a little bit against the wall to ensure suction with the adhesive.
6
Completely cover your wall. Attach all remaining tiles to your wall using this method, until you reach the edges. Before you stick your tiles to the edges of the wall, cut off any excess or oddly shaped corners to make sure the fit is perfect.^{[6]
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- Always cut out holes for outlets or odd edges prior to attaching the tile to the wall.
- Any empty spaces can be filled with pieces of spare tile you cut to size with your tile cutter or utility knife.
7
Apply grout. Use your (cleaned) trowel to spread grout evenly across the tiles. Don’t worry about covering the tiles, as that is what is supposed to happen. You will remove the unnecessary grout later.^{[7]
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- Spread the grout at a 45 degree angle in a sweeping pattern.
- Allow a few minutes for the grout to set, and then use a damp sponge to clean off excess grout. All of the cracks between the tiles should be filled, while the remaining tiles should be cleaned of all unnecessary grout.^{[8]
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  Expert Source
  
  Art Fricke
  Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
  Expert Interview. 1 July 2020.}
8
Wipe down tiles. After the grout has completely dried, clean it off again with a dry cloth.
9
Seal your tiles. If you want, you can apply a grout sealant to help protect your tiles.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Art Fricke
Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
Expert Interview. 1 July 2020.} Add a small line of silicone caulk to the bottom edge of your tile to seal out water and prevent mildew growth.^{[10]
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10
Enjoy your new tile backsplash! Once you have completed all the installation steps, managing your new backsplash is easy. Wipe it down occasionally with a generic kitchen or glass cleaner to keep your backsplash looking its best.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Applying a Peel-and-Stick Tile Backsplash

1
Gather your supplies. You will need to have your peel-and-stick tiles prepared, a tile cutter or utility knife, and level. Pretty basic, huh? If you tiles are not stuck together on sheets, you may also need spacers to make sure they are all evenly spread.
2
Clean your walls. The sticky backings of your tiles can’t adhere to walls if they are dusty or greasy.^{[11]
X
Expert Source

Art Fricke
Home Renovation & Repair Specialist
Expert Interview. 1 July 2020.} Use a damp rag to completely wipe down walls, and then let them dry completely.
3
Measure your space. It is important to make sure you get a good measurement so you know exactly what size you should cut your tiles.
- Choose a stopping point, either directly below your cabinets or at an arbitrary point on the wall.
- Make sure that you have enough tiles to fill the measured space, as well as a few extras for precaution.
- Use a level and straight edge to mark your stopping point along the wall.
4
Stick your tiles to the wall. Peel the backing off the tiles, and stick them to your desired location. Always start from the bottom center of the wall and work your way out.^{[12]
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- Firmly press the tiles each time you stick them to the wall, to make sure they are firmly adhered.
- Hold a straight edge or level to the sides of your tile as your press, to make sure that they don’t shift out of alignment.
5
Finish attaching tiles. Work your way across the wall, until the entirety of your desired space is filled up. Cut any pieces to fit outlet holes or edges and corners before you attach them to the wall.
6
Enjoy your new tile backsplash. To keep it looking its best, wipe the backsplash clean with water or a generic kitchen cleaner occasionally.

Community Q&A

Question

Does the countertop need to be installed before tiling the backsplash?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Yes. You will want the backsplash to extend a bit over the counter.
Question

If I have a textured wall of semi-gloss paint, do I need to sand it or do anything besides wash it?

Community Answer

You need to sand it down with the softest sanding brush possible.
Question

What type of adhesive should I use?

Community Answer

The adhesive is already on the peel and stick tile. There is no need to use additional adhesive.