If your existing backsplash is painted drywall, you can install your new tiles right over top. Just sand the area to rough up the surface and get ready to install. If you have an existing tile backsplash, your best bet is to remove it totally. This will involve actually cutting the existing backer (usually drywall) and getting rid of both it and the attached tiles. You can install your new backerboard directly onto the exposed studs. Some experts suggest you should put in new cement backer board, while others suggest regular drywall is just fine. As a compromise you could use green (waterproof) drywall. It’s cheaper than cement backer board as well as being lighter and easier to work with.

Determine the length of your backsplash, and then measure the distance from the top of the counter to the bottom of the wall cabinet to calculate the area you’ll need to cover with your tiles. Now that you know how much space you have, figure out your tile pattern. Use graph paper and draw a scale outline. The most common tiles used for backsplashes are 4 x 4, 6 x 6 or 3 x 4 subway tiles. You could also use 1 x 1 tiles attached to a back mesh if you like the appearance better. Whichever you choose, be sure the tiles are glazed. Unglazed tiles will stain from moisture and grease, so they aren’t a good choice. When you calculate your tile quantities, don’t forget to add about 10 percent for cutting and wastage.

Installing the Backsplash
(1) Remove the stove and range hood and anything else that will be in your way when you are working on the backsplash. Shut off the power to any outlets or switches and remove the cover plates.

(2) Install the backerboard using galvanized drywall screws. Leave a 1/8″ gap between the edges when installing the boards, then cover with mesh tape and filler compound.

(3) If your tiles are going to be running over any gaps (like where the range will be), install a temporary ledger board along the base of your tile line to help hold them in place during installation.

(4) Mark the visual focal point of your layout and use a level to draw a plumb starting line through it. You’ll use this to line up your tiles vertically. Now, lay out your tiles on the countertop or the kitchen floor so you can follow the pattern.

(5) Starting at the center, begin the bottom row by applying tile mastic (a ready to use tile adhesive) or thinset mortar to a small section of the wall using a grooved trowel. Put the edge of the first tile on the vertical line leaving a gap of about 1/8″ on the bottom – this leaves space for a bead of caulk later in the process. Press and wiggle the first tile into place, then put in a temporary 1/8″ spacer (vertically for easy removal when the mastic dries).

(6) Install the second tile using the same process. Continue installing tiles working away from the centerline, wiggling them into place and putting spacers between each. Follow your pattern and install any decorative/highlight tiles as part of the field.

(7) When you get to a place where you need to cut or trim a tile (under a countertop, end of a row, around an electrical outlet), cut the tile as part of the installation – don’t leave an opening and plan on coming back.

Cutting a Tile
The easiest way to cut a tile is using a tool called a scoring cutter. You can rent these for $15 or $20 a day or buy one for less than $50. Using one is a two step process. Mark the tile where you want to cut it, then place the tile in the tool and score a mark in the tile surface. Then, using a sharp motion of the tool handle, the cutter will break the tile along the scored line.

Cutting openings for an electrical outlet can be more challenging. Depending on where an electrical outlet fits into your pattern, you may be need to cut two tiles using the scoring cutter, and then use tile nippers to cut out the opening and put them on each side of the outlet.

Grouting
After the tiles are installed and the mastic has been allowed to set up overnight, it’s time to grout. Use a sandless grout (to avoid scratching the tile surface) and mix it according to manufacturer’s directions. Apply the grout using a rubber float. Push it well down into the gaps between the tiles, then holding the float at a 45 degree angle, remove the excess.

Finishing Up
Allow the grout to set up for about an hour and then clean off the hazy surface on the tiles. Use wet sponges, rinsing them often in clean water to wipe away the film. Buff the tiles with a clean dry cloth to bring out their natural beauty.

You will likely need to install box extenders (available at your home center) to your electrical outlets before you can reattach the cover plates.

Finally, apply a bead of tub and tile caulk (the same color as the grout) all along the bottom seam where the backsplash meets the countertop.

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A tile backsplash is more than just a practical part of the kitchen; it’s part of the kitchen design. When the kitchen needs a resting place for the eye, or if busy tiles will overwhelm the rest of the kitchen, a simple backsplash design is what is needed.

Subway Tiles with Subtle Detail
Subway tiles are always a fantastic choice for kitchen backsplashes. Longer than they are wide, a subway tile will draw the eye along the length of the counter for a clean and classic look. If plain subway tile is too simple for the kitchen, consider using handmade subway tiles instead.

Handmade tiles will have subtle variation from tile to tile in size, texture and color. The result is a simple backsplash that is anything but boring. If a little more detail is what’s desired, consider using a ceramic tile embossed with an abstract design and glazed a single color. Tile manufacturers like Pratt and Larson of Portland, Oregon have created subway and other tile shapes with imprints rather than relief. The result is delicate detail that will fit into any kitchen from traditional to contemporary.

Stone Tiles with Rustic Charm
Tumbled marble backsplashes have long been a popular choice for kitchens, but sometimes their soft texture doesn’t add enough to the kitchen by itself. Consider stepping up the design slightly by using a tumbled travertine tile instead.

Travertine has a rustic appearance, filled with naturally occurring pits and holes. Select a stone that has a great deal of natural variation from piece to piece, and sort the tiles before installing for the most pleasing blend of color. The deep pits and fissures, combined with the shifting color will add depth and natural beauty to the backsplash.

Mosaic Tiles with a Matte Finish
Mosaic tiles have universal appeal with their ability to combine multiple tiles in one design. Since polished mosaics can catch and scatter light for a dramatic effect, why not tone the look down with matte mosaics for a simple backsplash? Look for combinations of honed stone in a variety of colors, or honed stone mixed with beach glass for extra depth. Honing dulls the color of the materials, so the design won’t be flashy, but will still draw the eye with the natural variation of the materials used. Make sure to choose a color palette of colors which adjoin one another on the color wheel to avoid a jarring contrast.

To keep the design simple, use mosaics over the entirety of the backsplash. While this may sound busy, the softly shifting colors that are absorbing, rather than reflecting, light will offer a rich focal point in the kitchen without taking center stage.

No matter what backsplash tiles are selected, make sure they are harmonious in color and texture with the rest of the kitchen design to avoid competing interests. A simple backsplash should add to the rest of the design by adding depth and subtle interest, not by drawing the eye for its own sake.

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Ceramic glass tile backsplash are used to give a unique look to your kitchen. You may spend lot of time and money in decorating your kitchen. Ceramic glass tile backsplash is considered to be the best option for decorating your kitchen. You will varieties of tiles that would suit the design of your kitchen. You will find various kinds of patterns. You will have to decide the best design and pattern for your kitchen.

There are various types of ceramic glass tile backsplash. Before installing ceramic glass tile backsplash you need to choose the tile that would fit into your need and demand. You should choose a color and pattern that would match with your existing decoration. These patterns would help you to give a new and unique look to your kitchen.

After choosing tile for your kitchen you should take the measurement. You should take proper measurement. Before purchasing your ceramics tile you should take the measurement of your room. Then decide the number of tiles that you need for your space but don’t forget to leave some space for grout.

After purchasing your tiles try to gather your tools. Try to gather all the tools that you need for installing the tile. You may need material like pencil, cutter and many other things for attaching your tile. You should gather your tools before starting the procedure of installation.

After gathering the tools cut the tiles into pieces. You need to cut these tiles before you start attaching these tiles. Remember that all tiles should be of same size. There should be no difference in the size of the tiles. You should use ceramic tile cutter to cut these tile. Don’t forget to wear your goggles before you start cutting. If you don’t want to be injured then learn to use your tools before you perform the activity of attaching your tiles. You should be careful while using your equipments.

Now you may start installing your ceramic tile. After preparing all the tools that you need for installing ceramic you may start the procedure of installing the tiles. Don’t forget to turn of your electricity. You may get electric shock if you put your tool in the socket. After attaching your tiles wash the wall with the help of soap and warm water. This would help you to clean your wall.

Before moving towards the next step makes sure that the wall is dry. Next step is to spread the adhesive with the help of an applicator. You should follow the instructions of manufactures if you want to successfully attach the tile. Now you can start laying down the tile. Always prefer to start from the center of the design and then move outward. When the adhesives dry you may start attaching tiles on the grout. Follow the directions that are provided by the company. Follow the rules of mixing.

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