This article provides a step by step guide to 
Do you want to give your kitchen a boost without spending excessive amounts of money and time? Installing a ceramic tile backsplash is an excellent DIY option. The selection of tiles is vast and the design possibilities are endless. Because the area you are covering is relatively small, it's easy to keep the expense to a minimum.
Before purchasing tiles, think about the existing features or components of your kitchen. Are your cabinets light or dark? What color are the walls, countertop, floor and appliances? Do you have under cabinet lighting? You want to find a tile that will work with all of these elements. If your cabinets are dark, you may want to lighten up the area between upper and lower cabinets. If you have under cabinet lighting, the backsplash could probably be done in a medium color tone so as not to contrast too dramatically with the cabinetry. After taking all these things into consideration you can go shopping. If at all possible, take samples of your kitchen paint color, a small cabinet door or drawer front, and a small piece of countertop with you on your shopping expedition. This will make finding a coordinating tile that much easier. With your samples and accurate measurements in hand, head off to your local tile store or home improvement center to find your tile and supplies.
Pre-Installation Tips, Tools & Supplies
Make sure you have all your tools and supplies ready and close at hand before beginning installation. This will help you to avoid any last minute mad dashes to the home improvement store for the trowel or spacers you forgot to pick up. (Especially if your adhesive is mixed and waiting!) Review the list of tools and supplies below.
Tools & Supplies You'll Need:
| → tiles | → level |
| → chalk line | → adhesive (mastic) |
| → trowel | → spacers |
| → float | → grout |
| → wet saw | → bucket |
| → tile nippers | → sponge |
| → carborundum stone | → rubber gloves |
Ceramic Tile Backsplash Installation
Step 1: Surface Preparation
Tile can be installed over most structurally sound substrates if they are clean, smooth and dry. Check with your supplier to see if the tile you have chosen requires a specific substrate. Repair, patch and level any damaged or uneven areas. Before beginning the installation of your ceramic tile kitchen backsplash, make certain your countertop or countertop return is level. If necessary, insert shims between the lower cabinets and the countertop material to make it level. Turn the power off to any electrical outlets within or near your work space.
Step 2: Layout and Cutting
Dry fit your tiles so you can make any necessary cuts in advance. Measure tiles to be cut carefully and mark with a pencil or felt-tip pen. Make straight or diagonal cuts with a tile cutter and curved cuts with a nipper. For best results on curved cuts, only chip small pieces at a time. Smooth sharp edges with a carborundum stone. Check out the series of related videos (link is to the right) on how-to cut ceramic tile with a wet saw. These videos detail most cuts you'll encounter, including rounded cuts, corners holes and more.
Video - How to Cut Tile Using Common Tools
This quick and informative video offers excellent easy-to-do tips for cutting your ceramic tile without having to rent an expensive tile cutter. Using simple tools like a glass cutter, wire hanger and a concrete block, you can acheive virtually the same results cutting your tile as using a tile cutting machine. Great tips for saving money on small projects!
Backsplash Install Tip:
After selecting the tiles you want to use, but before purchasing them, it is recommended that you create a paper tile design in the actual size of the space you'll be tiling. Using the dimensions of the tiles you want, cut tile shapes from paper using different colors to represent the different tiles. This method allows you to easily visualize your options, and once you come up with a design you're pleased with you'll be able to purchase the correct tile quantities (with some excess for cutting and possible breakage).
Step 3: Applying Adhesive and Setting Tiles
Select the right adhesive for the substrate you're using. Carefully read and follow all instructions and precautions on the adhesive or mortar package. Mix only enough to be used within 30 minutes. Using the type of trowel recommended on the adhesive package, spread a 1/4" coat on the wall surface, using the flat side of the trowel. Next, holding the trowel at a 45 degree angle, use the notched side to comb adhesive into ridges. Remove excess adhesive. Don't spread a larger area than can be set in 15 minutes. Set tiles one at a time using a slight twisting motion. Insert tile spacers as each tile is set. Excess adhesive can be removed from joints with a utility knife.
Step 4: Grouting Joints
After allowing for sufficient drying/setting up time (as specified on adhesive package) you can begin grouting. Read and follow all instructions and precautions on the grout package. Mix in small batches - only enough to be used within 30 minutes. Remove tile spacers and using a rubber grout float, spread grout over the tile surface, forcing it down into the joints. Tilt the float at a 45-degree angle. Remove excess grout from wall surface immediately with the edge of float. Tilt it at a 90-degree angle and scrape it diagonally across tiles. After approximately 15 minutes the grout will have set slightly and you can use a damp sponge to clean residue from tile surfaces and smooth the grout joints. Rinse your sponge and change water frequently. Let dry until grout is hard and haze forms on tile surface, buff with a soft cloth. Continue rinsing with clean water until the haze is completely gone. Apply sealer as required and recommended by the tile manufacturer.
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