How to Install a Tile Backsplash with Inserts in the Kitchen

A tile backsplash is a beautiful way to help keep the kitchen clean while maintaining beauty along the way. While there are many different options when it comes to installing a tile backsplash in the kitchen, some of the most elegant tile backsplashes include inserts that make the tile stand out. A tile backsplash can be installed in a relatively short amount of time adding beauty and value to your home.

Supplies you Will Need:

Choice of Tile and Inserts
Mastic
Grout
Sealer

Tools for this Project:
Trowels
Wet Saw Die Grinder with Dry Tile Blade (optional)
Grout Buckets
Sponges
Chalk Line and Level
Tape Measure
Hammer
Screw Driver
Nails (optional)
Framing Square
Drill (high powered for mixing)
Mixing Paddle
Grout Float

Step 1: Measure out area of wall using tape measure chalk line to mark and level to make space equally level across the entire wall. Choose tile design and inserts that will be used. Prep wall by cleaning and removing all dirt and debris.

Step 2: Layout the backsplash within the measured space and format to fit the wall evenly across with equal starting and ending points. Keep the design layout symmetrical. Some tiles may need to be cut for the ends. Use a tile wet to cut the tiles into straight cuts, for cuts that require angles or curves you will need to use the die grinder.

Step 3: Apply Mastic to wall using a trowel. Depending on the size of the tiles you will need to use a v notch or a square notch trowel to apply mastic to the wall. Apply mastic to the wall from the bottom up in a 2-4 square foot area to begin applying tiles. Make sure that any holes or blemishes in the wall are filled with the mastic to prevent tile from sagging due to air pockets. (If tiles are large and tend to slip around after applied you may use nails to underneath them to hold them in place until they begin to set and then remove the nails from the wall)

Do not over apply mastic in large areas to the wall as it does begin to cure once exposed to air and the tiles will become less adheasable to overexposed mastic. Work in small areas to assure proper adhesion to the wall so that tiles do not lose adhesion after job is complete.

Step 4: When all tiles have been placed on the wall allow them to cure for at least 24 hours before moving on to the next step.

Step 5: Once tile has set for at least 24 hours you may begin grout preparation. Begin preparation for grout by cleaning all tiles thoroughly and removing debris from grout lines with water or a combination of white vinegar and water.

Step 6: Mix grout using drill and mixing paddle according to package directions making sure that each time grout is mixed equal parts of water are used throughout to assure that the grout remains the same color throughout the project. Using different amounts of water will cause the grout to be different shades when dry.

Step 7: Begin applying grout with grout float from bottom of backsplash to top. Apply grout to entire backsplash in this manner and let set until it begins to dry slightly and the true color begins to show.

Step 8: Wipe all excess grout with sponge and water. Be sure not to use excessive amount of water on grout cleaning as this could cause the grout to fade in color.

Step 9: Allow grout to set for at least 24 hours before sealing.

Step 10: If maple grout was used, a sealer is not necessary. For all other grouts that do not contain a sealer you may apply sealer 24 hours after grout has been set. Apply grout sealer to grout lines with a roller. Remove excess sealer as you go to avoid damage to tiles. Allow grout sealer to set for at least 24 hours.