How to Tile a Kitchen Backsplash

A backsplash is the perfect first tiling project — small area, forgiving layout, and a finished look that punches above the difficulty.

Remove the outlet covers, switch plates, and any old backsplash. Patch and prime the wall — the wall doesn't need to be perfect, but big bumps will telegraph through the tile. For most kitchens you're tiling onto painted drywall, which is fine for a backsplash (it doesn't see water like a shower).

Find the center of the largest wall section and snap a vertical line. Start tiling out from center — this guarantees symmetric cuts at the ends rather than a full tile on one side and a sliver on the other. For subway tile, mark a horizontal level line one tile up from the counter and start there; gravity will hold the bottom row only if your thinset is the right consistency.

Mix thinset to peanut-butter consistency. Spread with a 1/4" V-notch trowel for mosaic sheets, 1/4" square notch for subway tile and larger. Press tiles in firmly with a slight twist; use 1/16" or 1/8" spacers depending on your grout-line preference.

Let thinset cure overnight before grouting. Mix grout slightly stiff (not soupy), work it diagonally across tile joints with a rubber float, wait 15 minutes, then wipe with a damp sponge. Two more passes with cleaner sponge water, and you'll see the grout haze the next morning — wipe that off with a dry microfiber.