How To Install A Tile Backsplash in the Bathroom
How To Install A Tile Backsplash in the Bathroom
One small home improvement job that can vastly improve the look of your bathroom is installing a tile backsplash. The skills of laying backsplash tile are easy to master, but even a small backsplash requires a little preparation, patience, and at least three separate days.
Clean the wall to get a good surface for the tile adhesive. If there aren’t any stains, it can be as simple as dusting the wall. If not, scrub it with a bathroom cleaner and brush, then wipe it down with a clean cloth. Use a pencil to draw a tile grid on your work area. You’ll need a tape measure and level to help you out. Each column or row should be the width of the tile you selected plus one of your tile spacers. As you draw the grid, decide where to place the spacer for each column and row. For example, it can always be down and left. So when you place the tile, it should always be aligned on top and right.
How To Install A Tile Backsplash in the Bathroom
Map Your Grid
Slide the thumb pins into each intersection of your grid. This will help you follow the guidelines after applying the tile adhesive. Pick an area of about 2 to 3 square feet and apply a coat of tile adhesive with a tile trowel. Remove and replace the tacks as you go. Once the tile adhesive is on the wall, pull the toothed edge of the tile trowel through the adhesive to cut the channels on the surface.
Place a tile on the wall by sliding the tile into position and controlling placement with the pins. Give the tile a slight twist as it makes contact with the wall to get a good buy for the adhesive. Then rotate them back into alignment and apply firm pressure. However, the top and bottom spacers should be retained to prevent the tiles from sliding on the adhesive.
