How to Put Backsplash Tile Around a Kitchen Counter
- 1). Measure the backsplash area to determine how many tiles you will need, and purchase tiles accordingly. If you are using textured or painted tiles for some of the backsplash, dry lay the tiles on the counter or a work table and plan the arrangement of the decorated tiles.
- 2). Spread thin-set mortar in a column on the more visible side of the backsplash with a notched trowel, combing grooves into the mortar with the notches on the trowel's edge.
- 3). Place a tile at the bottom of the mortar, pressing it into the thin-set mortar. Place a second tile above the first tile, putting two tile spacers in between the two tiles. Continue adding tiles to the backsplash in this manner until you reach the top of the backsplash. If a full tile won't fit at the top of the column, cut a tile with a snap cutter and place it at the top of the column, where the kitchen cabinets will make the partial tile less obvious.
- 4). Spread and comb thin-set mortar next to the tiles, and place another column of tiles as you did the first. Place tile spacers between the columns of tiles as well as the rows.
- 5). Continue putting tiles on the backsplash in this manner until you get to the other side. If a column of full tiles will not fit at the end of the backsplash, cut them with a snap cutter to fit before placing them on the mortar. Let the mortar dry according to the manufacturer's instructions, which may take a few hours for quick drying thin-set mortar, or overnight for traditional thin-set mortar.
- 6). Remove the tile spacers from between the tiles. Press grout into the spaces between the tiles with a grout float. When the grout has begun to dry, rub the grout lines with the corner of a damp sponge, creating an even depth. After a few hours, wipe the tiles with a wet sponge, removing the grout residue from the tile surfaces. Let the grout dry completely, following the manufacturer's directions.