(Contrary to popular belief, mosaic subway tile is much harder to use! So I\u2019d opt for the individual 3\u201d x 6\u201d pieces that are elegant AND<\/strong> easier to work with.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve been dying to makeover your kitchen with a gorgeous, high-end-looking, timeless subway tile backsplash, then follow this tutorial to create the look of your dreams!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Medium<\/p>\n\n\n\n I would consider subway tile backsplash as an intermediate-level DIY project. To be successful with subway tile backsplash installation, you need patience and an eye for detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grouting, in particular, is not hard, but it is a little frustrating and messy until you get the technique down. Stay patient and work in small sections as you work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beginner DIYers can complete this project as I was a beginner tiler myself. After reading this tutorial, you\u2019ll know all of the do\u2019s and don\u2019t of subway tile backsplash installation, so you can tackle this project with success!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 days<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the square footage of the walls being tiled, a subway tile backsplash can be installed in as little as two days. In general, one day will be for installing tile, and one day will be for grouting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Subway Tile Backsplash<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step to installing a subway tile backsplash is to prep the walls and area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n To successfully prep any wall for backsplash, it just needs to be free of any oil, grease, dirt, or other contaminants that might keep the AcrylPro tile adhesive from bonding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are installing tile on new drywall, simply wipe the walls down with a clean rag to clear off the drywall dust. Sealing the fresh drywall with primer will also help to minimize the dust and help prep the wall for a backsplash.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you are installing a tile backsplash over glossy painted drywall, some light sanding is required followed by a thorough wipe-down with a clean rag, so the adhesive can bond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, you can install new tile over existing tile, again by making sure the wall is free of contaminants and wiped down with a clean rag. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, adding to the existing tile will add extra weight to the wall and extra thickness that might not be desired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the existing tile needs to be removed, make sure all adhesive, dirt, and other contaminants are removed and the wall is wiped down with a clean rag before installing the new tile backsplash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PRO TIP:<\/strong> If there is grease or oil, use Easy-Off Kitchen Degreaser found at Amazon<\/a> to wipe down the walls. This product is fantastic for removing the grease on other items in the kitchen as well, so it\u2019s a nice cleaning product to keep around for general use!<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also time to prep the rest of the area for backsplash. A drop cloth and some painter\u2019s tape will help minimize the mess you have to clean up later as you work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n (Trust me, this part is especially important during the grouting process! That part is just messy!)<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Layout the drop cloth across the counter, and tape it in place. Once that\u2019s done, you can move onto the next step!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The next step to installing a subway tile backsplash is to draw your level guideline on the wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most important part of installing subway tile is making sure your grout lines are as straight and level as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As long as you put in the time to make sure the first row is level, the rest of the rows should be a breeze!<\/p>\n\n\n\n To do this, you need to use a pencil to draw a leveled line that\u2019s a \u00bc\u201d or so above the top of a tile sitting on the counter. The height above isn\u2019t that important. It just needs to be a little higher so you can still see it as you start to glue tile in place!<\/p>\n\n\n\n A 4-foot level would be more helpful than a smaller level.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our countertop was level (yours likely will be close to level as well), so we could put a single \u215b\u201d spacer down and build the first row straight off the counter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if your countertop is slightly out of whack, use additional spacers along the bottom to shim the tile to follow your level guideline as you install.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might have to find that sweet spot where your tile is level, but the gap between it and the countertop isn\u2019t more than \u00bc\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have your level guideline drawn, you can move onto the next step!<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The next step to installing subway tile backsplash is to install the first row.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n You must determine where you are going to start tiling the backsplash. In most cases, it is recommended to start the first piece in the center of your wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This starting point is ideal for two reasons. First, this guarantees the \u201cshowpiece of the wall\u201d (the center), will have tile that is perfectly centered and looking beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Second, this ensures that the cut pieces on either end will be equal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if your wall is the perfect measurement where you can start with a full piece and end with a full piece (or start with a half piece and end with a half piece), then you can start in the corner.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this situation, the tile will still be perfectly centered in the \u201cshowpiece of the wall\u201d and the cut pieces on either end will still be equal (because they will either be a full piece or a half piece).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our wall just so happened to work out that way, so we started in the back corner. Starting in the center of the wall behind the sink would have been just as easy for us though!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you have the center of the wall and the center of your tile marked, it\u2019s time to apply the tile adhesive to the wall with a putty knife. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do this by slathering a thick layer of adhesive on the small area just where the first row will be installed to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, use your \u00bc\u201d square-notch tile trowel and comb through the adhesive in one direction while holding the trowel at a 45-degree angle. The more uniform the rows in your adhesive are, the easier it is for the tile to sit evenly as you push it into place.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n You will want to use spacers when tiling a backsplash because you want the grout lines to be uniform throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To accomplish this, set a spacer on the counter for the tile to sit on (or multiple if the tile needs to be shimmed up to keep the row more level). Then press your first full piece of tile into the glue making sure to rock the tile into place so all four corners get plenty of glue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, take another spacer and stick it into the gap between the first tile and the next tile before pressing the next tile into place. (Don\u2019t forget to add spacers along with the countertop as you add tiles to the first row.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro tip:<\/strong> This process will go the fastest if you have one person applying adhesive and another person installing tile. This specific adhesive has a 30 minute working time, so don\u2019t feel rushed as you press the tile into place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the glue ever begins to skin over and feel less sticky before you can apply the tile, just scrape it off and reapply fresh glue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most likely, you\u2019ll have to cut the pieces on either end of the first row. There are two ways to do this; using a manual tile cutter or a wet tile saw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A manual tile cutter scores the tile so you can snap it along the scored line to cut the tile. The wet tile saw uses water and a blade to cut tile much like a table saw cuts wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While both ways let you cut ceramic subway tile, only one way lets you cut tile with more accuracy and speed. That\u2019s the wet tile saw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of this, I highly recommend buying, borrowing, or renting this wet tile saw found at Amazon<\/a>. I\u2019ve seen horror stories of people trying to make intricate cuts around outlets, cabinets, and windows using a manual tile cutter, but cannot cut such small pieces without breaking the tile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of this, they chose to leave huge gaps around the obstacles since they couldn\u2019t cut small enough pieces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, it looked like an amateur completed the tile job, which is the OPPOSITE<\/strong> of what we are going for. Shoddy workmanship could hurt the value of your home!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Save yourself the time and headache and just start with a wet tile saw. We could make accurate cuts around all of the obstacles, so there were no fears that an outlet cover wouldn\u2019t cover the gaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We even had to install small \u00be\u201d pieces between our window and cabinets that would not have been possible without the wet tile saw.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Install the entire first row so it can start to set up before you begin adding more rows (and weight). We did the first row on both walls before starting the next rows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have the first row of subway tile installed, you can move onto the next step!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The next step to installing a subway tile backsplash is to install the rest of the rows. Just as we discussed in the last step, you\u2019ll want to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now I\u2019m going to pause for a minute and discuss the tile offset percentage. This is the percentage of the second tile row that is set off the first row. Traditionally, subway tile is installed with a 50% offset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also use a 33% offset, a 0% offset, or whatever other crazy patterns that exist out there. However, if you want a classic, elegant, and simple subway tile pattern, I recommend using a 50% offset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only is that the classic pattern, but it is also the easiest to install. It is easy to eyeball that the grout lines are falling in the center of the tile below it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A 33% offset is a little harder to eyeball. A 0% offset (or stacked pattern) is hard to keep looking perfect throughout the entire pattern. And any other patterns such as herringbone, step ladder, or basketweave take way more planning and double-checking the angles as you install to make it look perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are curious about the other pattern types, you can check them out here<\/a>. I had no clue this many subway tile patterns existed! <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The awesome part now is that you can start to install multiple rows at a time, which is a much quicker and easier way to install subway tile!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Install 3-4 pieces in the second row, 2-3 pieces in the third row, and 1-2 pieces in the fourth row. Then apply more glue. This way, you can keep all the tools and tile near you to quickly finish one area before sliding down the wall and working on the next area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Very quickly, you\u2019ll be a tile installing machine!<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, as we talked about earlier, having one person applying adhesive and another person installing tile is a fast way to get the job done. If you can have a third person to cut the tile pieces for you (as I did), then you can fly through the installation process!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro tip:<\/strong> Try to wipe away as much excess glue from the tiles and in the grout lines as you can while you work. Trust me, it will make the grouting process 10x easier if you remove most of the excess glue before it dries<\/em>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you miss some, don\u2019t fret. The glue gets a little soft as you add grout, so you can always pick it out as you come across it. (This is just more frustrating and a little harder!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n You want to finish the end of your tile, so it looks nice and clean. 2\u201d x 6\u201d bullnose tile that matches your subway tile is a perfect way to finish the end of the tile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the parts of our tile that met the end of a wall, we used the bullnose tile and installed it just as we installed the normal subway tile (except it\u2019s installed vertically).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The grout lines don\u2019t match up perfectly with the grout lines of the normal subway tile, but we cheated them slightly so they are less noticeable. The other option was to start the bullnose tile in the middle of one row of subway tile and end it in the middle of another row.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n For the rows that end in a corner (and the other wall is going to be tiled), you want to leave a \u215b\u201d gap, so you can grout the seam. However, if the other wall isn\u2019t going to be tiled, then you can just butt the tile up against the other wall without leaving a gap to be grouted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have all of the tile installed, you should wait 24 hours after installing the backsplash to grout. AcrylPro tile adhesive takes 24-72 hours to dry before grouting, but since subway tile is small and it is typically installed in a controlled environment (inside the house), 24 hours should be long enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you use a different type of tile adhesive or mortar, then read the instructions for the dry-time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have all tiles installed and the adhesive is dry, it\u2019s time to move onto the next step!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The next step to installing subway tile backsplash is to remove the spacers and excess tile adhesive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As I was adding spacers, I found it easier to stick them into the glue, so they held in place while I was wiggling each tile around. For the most part, the spacers came out fairly easy after the glue dried.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n But occasionally, one did get stuck in the glue pretty well. We just used some needlenose pliers to work them out of the dried glue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the spacers are removed, it is pretty important to take the time now to remove the excess glue from the tiles and in the grout lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, as I mentioned before, it\u2019s not the end of the world if you miss some spots. However, it will look BAD if you don\u2019t get the extra glue out before the grout dries.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just take the 15 minutes or so now to run a screwdriver through the grout lines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I didn\u2019t do this on the first wall and ended up spending twice as long picking out glue bits that were visible and re-grouting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I learned my lesson or the next wall haha! Once the spacers and excess glue are removed from the subway tile backsplash, you can move onto the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The next step to installing a subway tile backsplash is to prepare the grout! The consistency of the grout is the most important factor when preparing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I gotta be honest, when it was time to grout, I got a little nervous. I have grouted before, but it was a tiny section in the shadow box in our master bathroom shower makeover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There was so little to grout, I felt I had plenty of time to mess with it. Our kitchen backsplash, however, are both whole walls in our main living area! You could say it was a little nerve-wracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, I did what any self-respected DIYer would do. I put on my big girl pants and read the directions on the back of the bag haha!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Except I didn\u2019t follow the directions because I wanted to use Grout Boost instead of water, so I had to read those directions as well and do some figurin\u2019. (Grout Boost is what I used to seal the grout!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a clean 5-gallon bucket and add Grout Boost according to the instructions. Then add the grout. (Adding the liquid first makes it easier to stir! I recommend using this Paint and Mud Mixer attachment found at Amazon<\/a> on your drill to mix quicker. It gets tiresome mixing by hand!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grout should be a pretty thick consistency. If it is too runny then you run the risk of it falling out of the grout lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To test the thickness of your grout, scoop some of the grout onto your stirring stick, or the grout float and flip it upside down. If the grout stays on it, then it\u2019s a good consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The nice thing is that if your grout is too runny, you can always add more grout. Or conversely, if it\u2019s too thick, you can add more Grout Boost.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just bear in mind that if you are mixing several batches of grout (for example, if you are grouting over several days), then you will want to remember the concoction of grout and Grout Boost you mixed up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t keep similar proportions then your grout could turn into two different colors. The mixture doesn\u2019t have to be an exact science, but a close estimate is preferable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best-case scenario is to do all the grouting at once. Then you won\u2019t have to worry about color inconsistencies!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We did grout over two different days though. (My husband is impatient haha.) And the color consistency of our grout turned out fine because we kept the mixture pretty similar between the two days.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a brief explanation of the different types of grout you can use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Use unsanded grout for grout lines that are less than \u215b\u201d wide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Use sanded grout for grout lines \u215b\u201d or wider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My spacers were \u215b\u201d so I used sanded grout for this project! <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n You will want to seal your grout to protect it from stains, mold, and mildew, and breaks from water and wear-and-tear over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kitchen backsplashes don\u2019t see as much water or use as a tile shower surround or tiles on the floor, but they do still see water, oils, food, and some wear-and-tear. Sealing the grout will help it be stronger and last longer, which is exactly what we want since we are putting in the hard work to make our home beautiful!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grout Boost (the stuff we mixed in the grout instead of water) is what seals the grout and protects it from stains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you use Grout Boost instead of water, your grout will be sealed, strong, and stain-proof!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once your grout is prepared, you can move onto the next step!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The next step to installing a subway tile backsplash is to press the grout firmly into the grout lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, scoop a hefty amount of grout onto a grout float. Then smear it into the grout lines of a small area. (See the section \u201cHow Long To Let Grout Dry Before Wiping<\/a>\u201d below for what is considered to be a small area.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you smear, you want to move the grout at a 45-degree angle and press it firmly into the lines. The 45-degree angle is important because it will help keep the grout from being pushed back out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Honestly, it\u2019s a little difficult to get the technique down at first. But you really can\u2019t go wrong because the grout lines start to clean up when you use a sponge to wipe the excess off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just practice in a small area until you get the hang of it, then move on!<\/p>\n\n\nLevel Of Difficulty To Install Subway Tile Backsplash<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Time To Complete Subway Tile Backsplash Installation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Subway Tile Backsplash Materials<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Subway Tile Backsplash Tools<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How To Install Subway Tile Backsplash<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Step One: Prep The Wall & Area For Subway Tile Backsplash<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How To Prep A Wall For Backsplash<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"the](\"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-to-install-subway-tile-backsplash-before-left.jpg\")
![\"the](\"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-to-install-subway-tile-backsplash-before-right.jpg\")
How To Prep The Area For Backsplash<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"install](\"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-to-install-subway-tile-backsplash-dropcloth.jpg\")
Step Two: Draw A Level Line On The Wall<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"drawing](\"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-to-install-subway-tile-backsplash-level-guideline-using-tile-to-measure.jpg\")
![\"tile](\"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-to-install-subway-tile-backsplash-level-guideline.jpg\")
Step Three: Use Tile Adhesive & Spacers To Install The First Row Of Subway Tile Backsplash<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Where To Start Tiling A Backsplash<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"start](\"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-to-install-subway-tile-backsplash-first-row.jpg\")
How To Apply Tile Adhesive For Backsplash<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"comb](\"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-to-install-subway-tile-backsplash-install-staggered.jpg\")
Install Subway Tiles Using Spacers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"use](\"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-to-install-subway-tile-backsplash-tile-spacers.jpg\")
How To Cut Subway Tile Backsplash<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"use](\"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-to-install-subway-tile-backsplash-grout-in-tight-spaces.jpg\")
Install The Entire First Row<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step Four: Use Tile Adhesive & Spacers To Install The Rest Of The Rows Of Subway Tile Backsplash<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Most Popular Subway Tile Backsplash Pattern<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How To Install Subway Tile Backsplash Fast<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How To Finish The End Of Tile<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"how](\"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-to-install-subway-tile-backsplash-tile-installed-to-ceiling.jpg\")
How Long To Wait After Installing Backsplash Before Grouting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step Five: Remove Spacers & Excess Tile Adhesive From Grout Lines & Tile <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"remove](\"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-to-install-subway-tile-backsplash-remove-excess-glue.jpg\")
![\"glued](\"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-to-install-subway-tile-backsplash-finished-wall.jpg\")
Step Six: Prepare Grout For Subway Tile Backsplash<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Consistency Grout Should Be<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-to-install-subway-tile-backsplash-grout-consistency-in-bucket.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"what](\"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/how-to-install-subway-tile-backsplash-grout-consistency.jpg\")
Sanded vs. Unsanded Grout<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How To Seal Grout For Subway Tile Backsplash<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step Seven: Press Grout Firmly Into Grout Lines Of Subway Tile Backsplash<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"YouTube](\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/VFHrQ4e2RFc\/maxresdefault.jpg\")