How to Retile a Backsplash

Many kitchen and bathroom tiles now come on pre-spaced mesh sheets. These decorative tile sheets can cover a one foot square area in a fraction of the time it used to take. This makes retiling a backsplash relatively fast and easy. You should be able to accomplish this retile in less than a weekend, depending on the size of your backsplash.

Instructions

1

Cover the counter. Use an old sheet or paint drape to cover the countertop and protect it from adhesive and damage.

2

Remove old tile. If there's any tile currently on your backsplash, carefully remove it with a hammer and chisel. Be careful not to damage the drywall.

3

Draw a guide line. Decide how high you want your backsplash and use a tape measure and level to draw a straight guide line. The top edge of your tile will line up with this line.

4

Measure and do a dry fit. Lay your tile out against the wall to measure out the pattern. Mark on the tile where you'll need to cut for electrical outlets.

5

Lay the tile using a notched trowel and tile adhesive. Begin in the center and work your way out. Apply a thin layer of adhesive to the wall with the notched side of the trowel. Press the tile into the adhesive.

6

Cut and fit tile into small areas. Use a tile saw or tile cutter to cut pieces of tile to fit around electrical outlets and in corners.

7

Clean off any adhesive. Wipe the tile with a clean, damp cloth or sponge.

8

Apply grout. Prepare according to directions and apply at a 45 degree angle with the rubber grout float. Make sure grout is completely packed into the space between tiles.

9

Wipe tiles and smooth grout. When the grout starts to get firm, wipe the tile with a clean damp sponge. Smooth out the grout lines and wipe entire surface with damp sponge. After the grout dries there may be a film on the tile, remove it with a damp cloth.