Backsplash Designs - How To Tile Your Own Backsplash Tiling is easy if you follow the advise of a professional tile layer. Simple instructions will save you over a thousand dollare on a typical backsplash. Click on the image on the right for more information.

Designing and Installing a Basic Ceramic or Tumbled Stone Backsplash

Types of Tile

When designing a basic kitchen backsplash, I prefer to use a 6" x 6" size tile.I also prefer to use tumbled stone for a number of reasons. First, Using 6 x 6 means you have fewer tiles to install meaning less cuts.You can use 4" x 4" but it will mean more work and sometimes more cuts.

Second, I like tumbled stone as it has a softer,more expensive look than ceramic and is easier to cut.

Third, the cost is about the same as ceramic.

Layout

The easiest design is to place them on the "square", that is directly next to and above each other. Most area's between the counter and the cabinet is 18". This is assuming you do not have a 4" backsplash already there. If you do, I suggest you remove it.Since you are using 6" x 6" tiles, you can go 3 tiles high with no cutting.But what about leaving space for the grout, you say.Well, the 6" tiles are slightly less than 6" just to accomodate a 1/8 inch grout line.

The next easiest design is the "brick" format. The first row is the same as the "square" layout, while alternating rows are placed 1/2 tile over.Rows one and three should line up exactly.

Find the middle of each area to be tiled and draw a vertical straight line from top to bottom. You always start here and tile out so any cuts will be on the ends and the wall will have a balanced look.

Deco's

You can add deco's more easily to the 6" x 6" "square" layout as it only requires "nipping" the ends of 4 adjacent tiles every foot or so. (see my design above) I used couple of sheets of 1" x 1" multicolored stones set on a 12" x 12" mesh and cut them with a sissors to 4" x 4" inserts.TIP: Lay out 4 tiles in a square and place your deco in the middle on the diagonal and mark the cuts needed with a pencil.

Making the Cuts

Mark all your cuts and use a wet saw if available, If not, I suggest you call a few tile stores and ask if they will cut them for you. Be prepared to pay, but you will still save a lot of money if you do the install.A typical kitchen is 30SQ feet and installation can run from $900-$1200.

Additional Tips

Make sure the surface is smooth and clean.

Use ready-made adhesive in a can rather than the type you have to mix. Its easier to apply and less work.

Use unsanded grout instead of sanded as it is smoother,looks better and cleans up easier.

Glass Tiles

6" x 6" Ceramic White Tile

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Are you planning to redecorate, would like to do it yourself, but are not confident you will be doing it correctly?

You can if you follow the suggestions in our Redesign Manual

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