Quick fix is a relative term. Installing a tile backsplash is actually a weekend-long job. The first day is spent on layout and tiling. Twenty-four hours later, apply the grout, sponge off the excess; apply grout sealer and you're done. But let's take it back a step or two.
Unless you've tiled before, your first step is to head to the hardware store. You'll need a notched trowel, grout float, adhesive, grout, spacers and tiles.
Start off by measuring the wall(s) to be tiled. Mark a centre line and then do a dry run with tiles and spacers. If there's less than half a tile to complete the row, adjust your centre line.
You can also mark off a grid with a chalk line. A grid helps you visualize tile spacing and it also acts as a guide when applying adhesive. Use your trowel to spread the glue on the wall in cornrows. It will form a skin fairly quickly, so lay down one row's worth of adhesive at a time. Starting with the bottom row, apply the tiles with a twisting motion to work them into the adhesive. Cover at least 80 per cent of the back of each tile with adhesive.
Plastic spacers come in a number of widths. You simply butt the tile you're applying up to spacers at the side and top of tiles already in place.
When you get to the end of a row, you'll probably need to trim tiles down to size. You can pick up a pair of tile nippers to cut edges off (ideal for shaping tiles around outlets and switches). A manual tile cutter works on a two-step process: score the tile, then use the handle to apply pressure on a rubber pad. This snaps the tile along your score line. With a wet saw, the bottom of the blade is immersed in a pan of water. The liquid keeps dust and friction to a minimum.
Let the glue set for 12 to 24 hours before you apply the grout. Work the grout between the tiles with a grout float. After it has dried, clean off the excess with a damp sponge. Finish by applying a grout sealer.
1 Comment
Easy instructions to follow however I do have a word of advice if you are using a natural stone, like tumbled marble. Spreading the grout all over the tile as seen in picture 8 is not advisable. This method fills in all the little crevices and holes which is the allure to natural stone. Try using a tool called a grout bag; it is like a cake decorating bag, only with a larger tip. The work will be tedious but you will be delighted with the end results. Your real challenge will be how to keep the splatters, from your bubbling pot of pasta sauce, out of those little crevices and holes.