• Home
  • How To's
  • Crafts & Decor
  • [#<Breadcrumb:0x00007fe5880386b0 @title="Home", @path="/nation">, #<Breadcrumb:0x00007fe588038368 @title="How To's", @path="/nation/how-tos">, #<Breadcrumb:0x00007fe588080140 @title="Crafts & Decor", @path="/nation/how-tos/category/crafts-decor">]

Tile Backsplash

  • February 26, 2015

Shanty 2 Chic
Shanty 2 Chic
Shanty 2 Chic
Shanty 2 Chic

A backsplash is a great way spruce up any kitchen. Today Shanty2Chic will show you step by step instruction teaching you how to add a beautiful backsplash to your kitchen.

Show More

Print Options

  1. Project Steps

    1. Step: 1

      NOTE: Before you start, make sure to check that your wall is dry and strong enough to hold the weight of the tile. If you have any damaged drywall, be sure to repair it before continuing. Choose your tile pattern. This project will utilize a 50/50 Subway Pattern.

    2. Step: 2

      Apply tile adhesive to sections at a time while tiling. Start tiling in the middle of your surface and work your way out, then up. You can use Mortar, Mastic or Simple Matt tile adhesive. For information on which tile adhesive to use, click here.

    3. Step: 3

      Use spacers in-between tiles to create even grout lines. Place two spacers on both sides and on top of each tile.

    4. Step: 4

      Continue tiling out on both sides till you reach your projects edge. If you reach a point where a tile needs to be cut, mark the cut line using a grease pen. Remember to take in account the size of your grout line when marking your cut line.

    5. Step: 5

      Use a tile saw to cut your tile. Always be sure your cord is in a safe place before turning on the saw. Adjust the splash hood slightly above tile thickness and position the rip guide to align with the cut mark and the cutting wheel.

    6. Step: 6

      The tile should be firmly against the rip guide and not touching the cutting wheel. Turn on the saw and wait for it to reach full speed and for the wheel to get wet before cutting the tile. Simply hold the tile firmly against the rip guide as you feed it through the cutting wheel.

    7. Step: 7

      When you have finished the first row begin to work your way up. Once you have finished applying your tile to the surface and your adhesive has cured, you are ready for grout. Refer to the adhesive packaging for instructions.

    8. Step: 8

      Use a rubber float to apply the grout. Go over the tiles a couple times to make sure the grout get packed between the tiles. Applying the grout in a couple different directions against the grout lines will help work it in.

    9. Step: 9

      As you go, use a damp sponge to wipe off the grout from the surface of the tile. Do not remove grout from in-between the grout lines. Always be sure to follow your grout packaging instructions for final clean up.

    10. Step: 10

      To finish the edge of the tile, use a caulk that complements your tile or a piece of trim.

    11. Step: 11

      Make sure to let the grout cure before putting in use. If your tile is in a place with high moisture, make sure to use a sealant to finish you tiling project. For more tiling info, tips, and options, be sure to visit our Supplement Content page..

Comments (2)


  • Awesome video ladies, thanks for creating and sharing it with us. I've had tiles in my basement for just shy of 6 years that I need to put in my kitchen. They are the 1x1 tiles in a 12 x 12 square on the mesh. Can I use the same process as this, or will I need to mix up the bottom adhesive because of all the little tiles in each mesh square? Thanks bunches!!
    By debcadene_125774, on March 8, 2015

  • It looks amazing!! I can't wait to move into a new home so I can try this out!!
    By Adkins96, on March 15, 2015

Members Also Viewed

Print Options

Print Project

back to top?

Asset 1

Join RYOBI Nation

We're so glad you're here! Let's get started.

Welcome to Ryobi Nation!

Please confirm your email address.

Welcome

Let's build your project feed!

Select some categories to pick the kinds of projects that show up on your home page:


Welcome to Nation

welcome_r2 graphic
Welcome to your RYOBI Nation quick start guide, a fast and easy way to see everything that's waiting for you!
project_feed_r1 graphic
Your feed shows the latest projects from the categories you’ve selected, right on your homepage!
upload_r2 graphic
Are you working on something awesome? Upload your DIY projects today, and share with other members.
contests_r2 graphic
We award monthly and annual prizes for the best projects, worth up to $2500 in RYOBI tools! That’s a lot of hardware, and it could all be yours.
connect_r2 graphic
RYOBI Nation is a positive connection between people who are creating great things.
You can follow fellow members, like their projects, and comment to let them know they’re doing a great job.
notifications_r1 graphic
Come back to RYOBI Nation often to see what is new and to stay in touch.
If you're on a mobile device, don't forget you can add RYOBI Nation to your home screen for quick access to your project feed.

Update Image

Tile Backsplash

by Shanty 2 Chic
Feb 26, 2015

A backsplash is a great way spruce up any kitchen. Today Shanty2Chic will show you step by step instruction teaching you how to add a beautiful backsplash to your kitchen.

Project Steps

  1. Step: 1

    NOTE: Before you start, make sure to check that your wall is dry and strong enough to hold the weight of the tile. If you have any damaged drywall, be sure to repair it before continuing. Choose your tile pattern. This project will utilize a 50/50 Subway Pattern.

  2. Step: 2

    Apply tile adhesive to sections at a time while tiling. Start tiling in the middle of your surface and work your way out, then up. You can use Mortar, Mastic or Simple Matt tile adhesive. For information on which tile adhesive to use, click here.

  3. Step: 3

    Use spacers in-between tiles to create even grout lines. Place two spacers on both sides and on top of each tile.

  4. Step: 4

    Continue tiling out on both sides till you reach your projects edge. If you reach a point where a tile needs to be cut, mark the cut line using a grease pen. Remember to take in account the size of your grout line when marking your cut line.

  5. Step: 5

    Use a tile saw to cut your tile. Always be sure your cord is in a safe place before turning on the saw. Adjust the splash hood slightly above tile thickness and position the rip guide to align with the cut mark and the cutting wheel.

  6. Step: 6

    The tile should be firmly against the rip guide and not touching the cutting wheel. Turn on the saw and wait for it to reach full speed and for the wheel to get wet before cutting the tile. Simply hold the tile firmly against the rip guide as you feed it through the cutting wheel.

  7. Step: 7

    When you have finished the first row begin to work your way up. Once you have finished applying your tile to the surface and your adhesive has cured, you are ready for grout. Refer to the adhesive packaging for instructions.

  8. Step: 8

    Use a rubber float to apply the grout. Go over the tiles a couple times to make sure the grout get packed between the tiles. Applying the grout in a couple different directions against the grout lines will help work it in.

  9. Step: 9

    As you go, use a damp sponge to wipe off the grout from the surface of the tile. Do not remove grout from in-between the grout lines. Always be sure to follow your grout packaging instructions for final clean up.

  10. Step: 10

    To finish the edge of the tile, use a caulk that complements your tile or a piece of trim.

  11. Step: 11

    Make sure to let the grout cure before putting in use. If your tile is in a place with high moisture, make sure to use a sealant to finish you tiling project. For more tiling info, tips, and options, be sure to visit our Supplement Content page..