A kitchen is a busy place, and a backsplash is an essential, yet often overlooked aspect of its construction. A tile backsplash acts as an extension of the countertop in a way, protecting walls from grease, water, and other potential damage, particularly behind sinks, stoves, and other active areas. A striking backsplash grabs attention in a kitchen and adds instant style. Despite its importance, a backsplash is simple to install after you’ve chosen your favorite tile design from Astro Masonry.
Supplies Needed to Install Tile Backsplash
Here are the supplies necessary to create a beautiful backsplash using the straightforward method we’ll review next. Installers will need painter’s tape, a measuring tape, a utility knife, thinset mortar, grout (mix yourself or premixed for simplicity), masonry trowels, rubber float, small bucket, water, tile spacers, and tile of choice. We’ll discuss picking the perfect tile in a bit!
How To Tile a Backsplash
There are a couple methods for tile installation, but let’s tackle a simple method that works for most and uses the supplies listed above. Start with a clean, dry wall surface. Cover any surrounding areas such as counters and appliances with drop cloths or similar protection and secure with tape. Mark the outer edges of the space to be covered with tile with painter’s tape. Measure the area to be tiled. Cut tile to size if necessary.
How to Mortar Backsplash With Thinset
Apply thinset mortar to the wall area to be tiled. Using a trowel (check manufacturer recommendations for the appropriate size for your chosen tile), create a smooth, even ridge layer.
Next, the fun part—installing the actual tile! Carefully place each section, using the rubber float to help push to the wall more securely as desired. Utilize spacers to keep even spacing between the tile as it is affixed. When tiling is complete, remove spacers. Fill voids between tiles with grout using either a trowel or the float. Place the water in the bucket and using the sponge, gently wipe any excess grout in a diagonal motion from the face of the tiles only. If after 24 hours the tile looks filmy or hazy, this step can be repeated for a clean finish.
How to Design a Kitchen Backsplash
Astro Masonry is the best source for backsplash materials on Long Island and is sure to have the perfect tile that meets your project vision. We have a variety of patterns and colors to match your existing kitchen, or to plan your future design around.
How To Add Subway Tile Backsplash
Subway tile is a popular design for many kitchen backsplashes. First utilized in—you guessed it—the New York City subway system in the early twentieth century, subway tile is still riding high on the style wave. Similar in appearance to narrow bricks, Astro has several subway patterns in a variety of color schemes and sizes of tile to choose from. Some of the more common subway tile sizes are 2×6, 3×6, and 4×16. For a consistent pick that will outlast style trends but still offer some flexibility, subway tile is the way to go.
Basketweave Backsplash
Basketweave tile offers a three-dimensional appearance that is eye-catching without disrupting the flow of the kitchen area.
Brick
Capture the look of brick without having to learn how to install brick backsplash by taking advantage of our brick-look tile options. This tile is indeterminable from actual brick, yet much easier to install and maintain with the qualities of tile!
Octagon Backsplash and Other Shaped Backsplash Tile
Tile for your backsplash wall goes far beyond the standard rectangle! Shaped backsplash tile can make a kitchen backsplash even more eye-catching and evolve an entire project to the next level! Honeycomb hexagon tile backsplash can propel a kitchen design to ultra-modern, while an octagon backsplash look evokes memories of days gone by. Diamond shaped backsplash tile can even bring a three-dimensional look to the project, really making the area pop. Backsplashes can even utilize round patterned tiles, or get extra-unique with geometric shapes.
Backsplash Color
Backsplash colors aren’t limited to traditional masonry shades-be sure to check out our upcoming article on how to choose the perfect backsplash color for your kitchen!
Get Stocked Up
Now that you’re ready to get started on your tile backsplash, request a quote so that we can get you equipped. Or, simply stop at our Long Island masonry yard in Deer Park, NY, to shop from our inventory, see samples, or place an order to complete your perfect project.