If you want to quickly and cost-effectively transform your space, learning how to install a kitchen backsplash is your best bet. And you can tackle this project yourself over the weekend with the right tools and supplies. Our guide will show you how to install a kitchen backsplash in 12 steps.
Prepping to Install a Kitchen Backsplash
Photo: Cavan Images / Cavan / Getty Images
When installing a kitchen backsplash, properly preparing for your project is essential. With the average backsplash installation cost between $15 and $40 per square foot, you’ll want to ensure you get the job done right the first time. Here’s how to prepare for your kitchen backsplash installation project:
Measure Your Backsplash Area
The first step in installing a kitchen backsplash or applying peel-and-stick backsplash is correctly measuring your space. Take a tape measure and multiply the width by the height to get your square footage. If your walls aren’t straight lines, you need to take smaller measurements. Divide your walls into smaller sections and measure each width and height. Then, add the sums of each section to get the total square footage. Finally, add 10% to your total square footage to leave room for errors or broken tiles.
Remove Old Backsplash Tiles
Put on safety goggles and remove the old tiles with a chisel and hammer. Next, you may want to remove the existing drywall and install a concrete backer board to prevent moisture buildup. Otherwise, if your wall needs a simple patch job, you can repair and sand the holes to create a smooth surface.
Prepare the Area
Installing a kitchen backsplash is a messy job. Here’s how to prep the area and keep it neat and clean before installing your backsplash:
Turn off the electricity to the outlets near the backsplash.
Remove the cover plates of switches and outlets with a screwdriver.
Add electrical box extenders to your outlets.
Lay down drop cloths on the countertops.
Cover the undersides of your upper kitchen cabinets with plastic sheeting.
Clean the Walls
You need a smooth, clean surface to add backsplash tiles. So, start by dusting your walls and applying a wall-degreasing spray. Wipe your walls clean with a damp rag and make sure they dry thoroughly.
Mark the Walls
Take a tape measure and find the center point on your kitchen walls—usually the large area between the stove and the range hood. Mark a center point vertically with a pencil or chalk.
Lay Out the Tiles
Lay your tiles out, starting from your center point, and work your way out. You can shift your tiles to ensure you’re not cutting off any unique design elements. Mark the walls with a pencil or chalk above the tiles you lay out.
Cut the Tiles
Once you’ve finalized your layout, you will likely need to cut the tiles to fit the edges of your walls, the space under the upper cabinets, and around the outlets and switches. Use a tile cutter for ceramic or porcelain tile or a wet tile saw for natural stone, such as glass or mosaic tiles.
Mix the Mortar
Thin-set mortar is an adhesive that goes on the wall. First, read the instructions—each brand has its recommended measurements of water versus mortar needed. Grab a bucket, add water and thin-set powder, and mix thoroughly. Let the mixture stand for five to 10 minutes and remix it until it is the consistency of mashed potatoes or peanut butter.
Work in the Mortar
Because thin-set mortar dries quickly, you only want to add it to small sections at a time. Take a notched trowel—the size depends on the size of your tiles. Dip the trowel in the thin-set mortar and spread it up the wall at a 45-degree angle. Next, take the trowel's notched edge and comb through the mortar at the opposite angle to create even ridges.
Lay the Tile
Photo: artursfoto / Adobe Stock
Put spacers on the countertop so the tile won’t lay directly on the countertop. If you have a border or schluter trim, start with that first. Next, align the first piece of tile directly over the center point. Wiggle the tile into place and secure it by pushing it down with a grout float. Keep adding tiles to the wall, and place spacers between each set of tiles to hold them in place and ensure straight grout lines. Let the tile and mortar completely dry for 24 hours.
Fill Tile Gaps
Once you’ve laid the tile, now is the time to use a wet saw to cut tiny pieces of tile to fill in gaps around the outlets and switches. Apply fresh mortar to the back of the tile pieces if the mortar on the wall is too dry.
Prepare the Grout
When choosing the best grout for your kitchen backsplash, you’ll want to pick a complementary color and decide whether you want to use sanded (best for ⅛ inch to ½ inch joints) or unsanded grout (for smaller joints up to ⅛ inch). Read the instructions to see how much water and grout mix to add to the bucket. Combine thoroughly and let the mixture sit for five to 10 minutes before remixing. It should have the consistency of peanut butter, like the mortar.
Apply the Grout
Take a sponge and wipe the tiles clean with water. Remove the spacers, grab the grout float, and apply the grout to the tile at a 45-degree angle, working diagonally. Ensure there are no voids in your grout lines. Wipe off excess grout with your grout float, moving from the bottom to the top of the tiles. Let the grout dry for 24 to 72 hours.
Clean Your Surface
Take a fresh, damp sponge and wipe the tiles clean—making sure to rinse the sponge in clean water consistently. Next, wipe the tiles with haze remover to dissolve any excess stains.
Seal the Tiles
To keep your beautiful new backsplash tiles in great shape, you’ll want to seal them properly. Grab a small container, sponge paintbrush, and brush on the tile sealer. Let it sit for five minutes, and wipe it with a rag. Finally, take a caulk gun and caulk the perimeter of your backsplash and countertops.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If you have previous tiling experience and have the proper tools, you can tackle installing a kitchen backsplash over the course of a weekend. Depending on the type and amount of supplies required for your backsplash, the total cost could range from $100 to $500.
Hiring a backsplash installer near you will cost between $600 and $1,300 on average. The cost will also increase if you opt for a higher-price backsplash material, such as marble. Also, if you don’t have experience removing electrical outlets and switches, we recommend hiring a local electrician to handle the task. You can expect to pay $350 on average for this service.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can expect it to take three to four days to fully install a kitchen backsplash—most of the time, waiting for the mortar and grout to dry. The actual process of putting up tiles is relatively quick. You’ll spend a fair amount of time laying out the tiles, ensuring they’re perfectly aligned. Also, if you have to remove the current backsplash, that will also add time to your project.
Typically, porcelain, ceramic, and mosaic tiles are the easiest to install, while natural stone and glass are much more delicate, which makes them more difficult to install. Another factor is the price—with DIYers usually on a budget, we recommend choosing cost-effective and durable styles such as subway tile, mosaic patterns, and ceramic tile.
There are many benefits of adding kitchen backsplash to your home, including:
Stylish self-expression: Add a pop of personality to your kitchen design.
Protection: Kitchen backsplashes protect your walls from grease and stains.
Easier to clean: Backsplashes provide easier cleanup options—think spaghetti sauce splatter.
