How To Tile a Backsplash

Adding a tile backsplash is a great way to amp up a room and can be done at a cost of $300 or less. This DIY Network video shows you how to tile a backsplash with mesh-backed glass mosaic tile:

Make sure you are starting with a level surface. Put down spacers to leave room for caulk. Place a tile on top of the spacers, mark top of tile and draw a level line. The top of all tiles on the bottom row should meet that line.

There should be even cuts on either side of the area you’re working on – measure the space, find the center and work out from there. Mark a plumb line on the wall to ensure everything is perfectly aligned.

Use a manual snap cutter or wet saw to make straight cuts of the tile.

Apply tile adhesive to the wall with a trowel and rake over it with the notched side to create ridges that correspond with the depth of the notches.

Start the installation with border tile and follow with field tile.
Make special cuts with a utility knife for electrical outlets and other obstacles.

About 24 hrs later after the adhesive dries, you can start grouting.
Remove the spacers, then use a rubber grout float and smear across tile diagonally, applying to all seams. Use the float to remove any excess grout. Clean the tile with a damp sponge by wiping at a 45 degree angle, rinsing frequently. This can be followed with grout haze remover if needed.

After 2 days, use grout sealer and go around edges and finish with grout caulk.