Install Glass Subway Tiles
A backsplash made of subway tiles can make your kitchen look cleaner and modern. Subway tiles come in many different colors that allow you to coordinate your backsplash with the design of your kitchen. Select a subway tile color that complements the floor, counter, and cabinets of your kitchen. Standard subway tiles are rectangle-shaped and measures 3 x 6 inches. You can also find subway tiles in various sizes such as 4 x 12, 2 x 6, and 2 x 4 inches. In this subway tile kitchen backsplash installation guide, you will learn how to install subway tiles for your kitchen backsplash.
Apply Tile Mastic
The first step in this subway tile kitchen backsplash guide is to coat the backsplash area with some tile mastic. Use a notched trowel to apply tile mastic to the wall where you plan to install the subway tiles.
Install the Subway Tiles
After applying some tile mastic, you can start installing the subway tiles. Starting at the bottom left corner, set a row of subway tiles across the bottom of the backsplash area. Insert tile spacers at the joints between the bottom of each subway tile and the countertop. You will also need to insert tile spacers at the joints where the subway tiles meet each other so that the layout will be evenly spaced.
Next, lay out the second row of subway tiles above the first row using the same procedure mentioned above. Continue placing rows on subway tiles until you have filled the entire backsplash area. You can remove the tile spacers when the tile mastic has hardened. Allow the tile mastic to set for about 24 hours.
Pack Grout into Joints
After allowing the tile mastic to set for about 24 hours, you can start packing grout into the joints. Get a grout float, hold it at a slight angle and then drag it across each of the joints between the subway tiles to fill them with some grout. After about 15 minutes, the grout will start forming a haze over the subway tiles. Get a damp sponge and wipe off the haze from each subway tile. Rinse the sponge and keep wiping off the haze until the water that you wring out from the sponge is clean. Allow the grout in the joints to dry overnight.
Apply the Caulk
The last step in this subway tile kitchen backsplash is to apply some caulk. Use a caulking gun to apply a very thin bead of caulk on the perimeter of your tiled backsplash. Smoothen the caulk line by running your finger across it.
