DIY Bathroom Tile Backsplash

While working on a DIY project to build a new wooden countertop for our bathroom counter, we decided to change out the tile backsplash too! Since we were able to save money on the countertop we spent a little more by adding a glass tile backsplash that we got from the Tile Shop. It came in 12 x 12 in squares and that we cut in half for a 6 inch tall backsplash.

When you are laying tile start at the middle of the work area and lay out your tile all the way to each end to make sure you don’t end up with a really small piece or either end. If you do try to adjust a little by moving the tile start point one way or the other accordingly. Once your tile is measured and cut you are ready to place it on the wall. For glass tile you will want to use high polymer thin-set.

Start with about an inch of water and add/stir thin-set until you get the consistency of peanut butter. Let the thin-set sit for 15 min and then stir again.

Use a trowel to spread the thin-set up on the wall. Add groves in the thin-set using the edge of the trowel. This allows air to escape when you press the tile to the wall. Once all the tile is placed, let the thin-set dry for at least 12 hours. We also add a “pencil” (a thin stick of tile) to either end of the tile to give it a nice finished look.

The next day we were able to apply the grout. Once again start with a small amount of water and add the grout mixture. You want the consistency of peanut butter. Then let sit for 15 minutes and mix again.

Use a float to press the grout into the spaces of the tile. Spread off the excess and try to go in a diagonal direction if able.

Before the grout gets too dry you want to go back over and wipe off the excess with a clean damp sponge. To do this have two buckets – one bucket of only clean water and one where you can wring out the sponge after every time you wipe it on the tile.