How to Tile a Kitchen Backsplash with Matching Granite Accents

Granite countertops are a favorite amenity in modern kitchens. If you're remodeling the kitchen yourself, then you'll need a backsplash that either matches or augments that granite. Installing a one-piece granite backsplash isn't usually a feasible do-it-yourself project, but there's no reason you can't install granite tile backsplash to complement that countertop. Your tile dealer can bevel some of the granite tiles to fit around the perimeter.

Instructions

1

Mark the space you want for the backsplash with a pencil and level. Calculate the size to encompass all full tiles with no cuts.

2

Apply thin-set mortar over the marked area with a notched trowel.

3

Set the lowest row of standard granite tiles in place in the area, putting spacer between them as you hang them.

4

Hang the next-highest row of tiles to the wall above the first. Repeat and continue, working your way up the wall course by course. Put spacers between all of them. Do the entire marked area.

5

Apply mortar to the back of a beveled granite tile. Set it to the wall along the edge of the tiled area with the finished side facing outward. Repeat for each beveled tile around the perimeter.

6

Let the tiles set for 12 hours. Take out the spacers.

7

Spread unsanded grout over the tiles with a grout float, forcing it into the spaces between the tiles. Don't grout the bottom space between the lowest row of tiles and the countertop. Wipe up the residual grout with a damp sponge.

8

Allow the grout set for 24 hours. Run a caulk line in the space where the bottom row of tiles run along the counter.