How To Install a Kitchen Backsplash in 12 Steps

You need a smooth, clean surface to add backsplash tiles. So, start by dusting your walls and applying a wall-degreasing spray. Wipe your walls clean with a damp rag and make sure they dry thoroughly.

Take a tape measure and find the center point on your kitchen walls—usually the large area between the stove and the range hood. Mark a center point vertically with a pencil or chalk.

Lay your tiles out, starting from your center point, and work your way out. You can shift your tiles to ensure you’re not cutting off any unique design elements. Mark the walls with a pencil or chalk above the tiles you lay out.

Once you’ve finalized your layout, you will likely need to cut the tiles to fit the edges of your walls, the space under the upper cabinets, and around the outlets and switches. Use a tile cutter for ceramic or porcelain tile or a wet tile saw for natural stone, such as glass or mosaic tiles.

Thin-set mortar is an adhesive that goes on the wall. First, read the instructions—each brand has its recommended measurements of water versus mortar needed. Grab a bucket, add water and thin-set powder, and mix thoroughly. Let the mixture stand for five to 10 minutes and remix it until it is the consistency of mashed potatoes or peanut butter.

Because thin-set mortar dries quickly, you only want to add it to small sections at a time. Take a notched trowel—the size depends on the size of your tiles. Dip the trowel in the thin-set mortar and spread it up the wall at a 45-degree angle. Next, take the trowel's notched edge and comb through the mortar at the opposite angle to create even ridges.

Put spacers on the countertop so the tile won’t lay directly on the countertop. If you have a border or schluter trim, start with that first. Next, align the first piece of tile directly over the center point. Wiggle the tile into place and secure it by pushing it down with a grout float. Keep adding tiles to the wall, and place spacers between each set of tiles to hold them in place and ensure straight grout lines. Let the tile and mortar completely dry for 24 hours.

Once you’ve laid the tile, now is the time to use a wet saw to cut tiny pieces of tile to fill in gaps around the outlets and switches. Apply fresh mortar to the back of the tile pieces if the mortar on the wall is too dry.

When choosing the best grout for your kitchen backsplash, you’ll want to pick a complementary color and decide whether you want to use sanded (best for ⅛ inch to ½ inch joints) or unsanded grout (for smaller joints up to ⅛ inch). Read the instructions to see how much water and grout mix to add to the bucket. Combine thoroughly and let the mixture sit for five to 10 minutes before remixing. It should have the consistency of peanut butter, like the mortar.

Take a sponge and wipe the tiles clean with water. Remove the spacers, grab the grout float, and apply the grout to the tile at a 45-degree angle, working diagonally. Ensure there are no voids in your grout lines. Wipe off excess grout with your grout float, moving from the bottom to the top of the tiles. Let the grout dry for 24 to 72 hours.

Take a fresh, damp sponge and wipe the tiles clean—making sure to rinse the sponge in clean water consistently. Next, wipe the tiles with haze remover to dissolve any excess stains.

To keep your beautiful new backsplash tiles in great shape, you’ll want to seal them properly. Grab a small container, sponge paintbrush, and brush on the tile sealer. Let it sit for five minutes, and wipe it with a rag. Finally, take a caulk gun and caulk the perimeter of your backsplash and countertops.