Kitchen Backsplash

can you teach me how cut tile on existing wall tiles. I want to put a new microwave and i need more space.

Mar,
It sounds like you need a grinding tool since the tile is already on the wall. It is that simple.

Dear Tim: I am removing the old tile from our kitchen backsplash in order to install new tiles. The old tile was installed with cement-based thinset. What is the best method for removing that tough old thinset? The wall is plaster, so I don't want to have to re-plaster it.

Thanks,

Ed D., Sacramento,CA

Ed,
UGH! Lots of tedious hand scraping.

Hi, Tim! I am about to embark on the fabulous journey of installing a backsplash in my kitchen. I've read soooo many books and websites about cement backerboard. I picked up Wonderboard at the Home Depot. After reading the blurb above, I'm not sure that I still need it because I have drywall installed already. Should I still install the backerboard on top of the drywall? I also had a question about the edges. I cannot find bullnoses anywhere and I can't find any resources on finishing tile edges without them. The person who did my bathroom before I moved in placed some kind of tubing on the edges because I imagine bullnoses were not available for that project either. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Ty,
The tile in my photo above was put on drywall.
Visit a *real* tile store - one that only sells tile - and see what options are available to you.

Is there a way to avoid ending up with a partial tile next to the wall, or what is the best way to avoid having a partial tile?

Carolyn,
Design the space for full tiles. Number of people who would go to this effort: 1 in 100,000

we are using brushed marble tiles for our kitchen backsplash. Please advise whether to use thinset or adhesive to apply to drywall. we have been advised the tiles need to be sealed before and after grouting.

Andi,
I would be inclined to use white thinset. The sealing advice is accurate.

I had granite (uba tuba green) counters installed, and they came with a 3" splash on the edges. I would like to put in a slate tile splash up to the cabinets. Two questions:
1) Should I remove the granite splash and take the slate tile all the way down to the counters, or just take the slate down to the granite splash?
2) If I keep the granite splash, how do I work around a ~3/8" gap that occurs in a 3' section of wall between the granite splash and the wall?

Dave,
Do not remove the granite splash. Fill that void with thinset the day before.

Tim,
We have just purchased a home where the sellers recently installed a ceramic tile backsplash--very boring with all the same color tiles. We would like to add a dozen or so accent tiles, spaced throughout the kitchen. Can we remove individual exisiting tiles and replace with the accents without damaging the existing tile?

Mary,
Yes you can. I am 99 percent certain in some of my past Ceramic-Tile columns I have outlined the steps you must do. Try to spend some time discovering those tips for me.

I'm having silestone countertops installed, and found silestone tiles 12x12 that match. I can find no information on if and how they can be used as backsplash tiles. Are they set like regular ceramic tiles, with grout lines? thanks

Luann,
Yes. Treat them like tile.

Can you install a tile backsplash on top of the existing tile backsplash or do you have to remove the old tile?

Noelle,
Yes you can.

I would really like to install a backsplash just like the one the gentleman is installing in the photo attached to this article (the white decorative tiles and border under a hood). Could you please tell me the name of the tile so that I can look for it locally?

The last owner of my home painted over wallpaper in my kitchen and when we went to prep the wall for the back splash we saw that it was paint over paper over laminate. Can we tile over the laminate? If not, what do we do?

Brian,
That would be me. I can't remember the name. But if you print out a copy of the photo and visit a store that just sells tile, they will know. Also try basket weave pattern tile in Google.

Tedra,
Go type this into the search engine at the top of this page. Be sure to use the quotation marks:

"adhesive chain"

Read the column and get your head around the concept. Then make a decision.

Tim,
Where the backsplash and counter tile meet, should that meeting place be a grout line or calk line horizontall? I am hearing different versions.

Thanks,
Joe

Joe,
I prefer caulk.

Hi Tim,

I want to install glass tiles as a kitchen backsplash. My question is, can I install the glass tiles on top of drywall?

Thanks,

Chi H., Philadelphia, PA

Chi,
You can. Be sure you prime it well using the special primer I mention in my Wallpapering columns.

I'm remodeling an old tile backsplash and updating with new ceramic tile. Behind the tile appears to be 1/4 in plywood. The plywood extends behinds the lower and upper cabinets. There is a dried adhesive where the tiles were, is it necessary to replace the plywood or is it ok to sand the old glue and adhesive over the top of the sanded glue for the new tile installation.

Mike,
Do not remove the plywood.

I am using rectangular ceramic tiles that I think are generally used as a decorative border as back splash for a bathroom counter. I want to know how to fit the inside corner in that the pieces have a raised design that do not allow the corners to butt together. Should I cut 45 degree edges? How would I do that with a standard wet saw? Is there another solution?
Marilyn

I have a clean, dry, level drywall backsplash with several electric outlets. Do I need to re-set them if I install a tile backsplash?

For the first row of tile backsplash, the row against the countertop (laminate), do I use grout or just place the tile directly against the countertop and caulk?

I will be installing 18" tile as a backsplash, there will be only one row, how far apart should each tile be?

Marilyn,
That is correct. You cut 45-degree angles. You can see an example of that in a photo in my column titled Ceramic Tile Patterns.

Cynthia,
You need to bring the outlet out to the new finished surface. The outlet has little ears that will sit on the tile if the tile is cut correctly. Remove the cover plates and you will see them.

Michael,
Caulk.

Michael,
One-quarter inch.

Hi! I am trying to find a nice backsplash that will go with our cherry cabinets, ubatuba (sp?) granite countertops, and hardwood floors. Can you help???

Thanks!

We just bought a house and we noticed there is a crack around a few of the tiles and one between the side of a cabinet and the tile. The tile looks like it is in good condition and we would like to keep it. What is the best way to fix the cracks?

Maria,
You bet. A fantastic decorative tile. Visit a store that just sells tile.

Sarah,
The best way is to replace them. The second best way is to fill the crack and try to paint the filler to match the tile. You will discover this is very hard to do.

We are considering upgrading our laminate countertops to granite next year. Should we wait until the countertop upgrade to install our backsplash, or is it fine to start the backsplash now? How will installing the backsplash affect the countertop installation, if at all?

I am trying to replace some of the ceramic backsplash tile in my kitchen. Please help?

My husband has just installed a glass tile backsplash in the kitchen. The problem is that the 1 in. squares (in sheets) are textured (rough surface) so the grout is very hard to remove by just wiping the surface. We almost have to use a brush to get grout out of tile crevices but I'm afraid it will also ruin the grout line. Any suggestions?

I am going to install a new kitchen, should I tile my backsplash before the kitchen is installed or after?
Thanks
Jay

We've just installed a kit kitchen in an older home and there are gaps at different points along the bench top between the wall and the bench top (at some points, enough for a tile to slip down). We want to do a tile splashback - what should we do, thanks.

I am about to tile my backsplash and I'm not sure what to do about the electrical outlets. I have been told different ways to get the outlet flush with the new tile. Is it best to just use a washer and longer screws to bring out the outlet or should I add an extended box to protect the wires and outlet?

with 16x16 inch ceramic tile how do you cut out for an outlet that will be in the middle of the tile not the edges

Hi...

We have black granite counters as well as a black granite full backsplash throughout our kitchen. I'd like to remove the backsplash and replace it with decorative tile. What is the best way to remove an existing granite backsplash. Thank you.

do you recommend using a formica backsplash also can backsplash be installed right up against the window frame?

Can you put new laminate on old laminate that is still very tight on the countertop? I have a wood trim front to my countertops.

Also what is the different between HD laminate, premium laminate and regular laminate.

We are installing one row of 4x10 ceramic tile above our backsplash. It's a continuous vine design. Two electrical outlets are spaced 2" above the backsplash. It seems the installer would need to place the tile completely around the outlets, but then the pattern won't match. Any suggestions?

We removed the old plastic fake brick tiles from the backsplash in the kitchen. What we have now is a mess. The wall is bare wood planks partially covered with brown glue. I do not know what type of glue it is, but it is tan in some places and dark brown in others. The tiles had been falling off, so it is not secure. What can we do? My husband wants to put paneling on it and paint it. He knows how to do sheet rock, but refuses because it is messy.

Anne,
Maybe you can install and finish 1/4-inch drywall. Go ahead and try just one wall and see what happens.

Is there an adhesive or application I can use to tile over beadboard? My contractor did a lousy job right over the sink/window area. I would like to tile over without removing....I know there are no gaurantees, perhaps there is a thin layer application I could nail/screw over the beadboard? please help! Joanne

We are getting ready to install subway shaped tile in a herringbone pattern on the backsplash of the kitchen, on drywall. It is gloss-white, with an uneven edge to make it look old. I am a 'splasher' when it comes to cooking, so would like to install it with a grout that won't stain easily with grease, etc. What would you recommend? Is there a special groute for this, or would it be advisable to use a dark colored grout? I would prefer not to as it would look very busy, but don't want splotchy dirty looking grout either, thankyou, Karen

Ty, I have plywood on the wall where i am planning a tile backsplash. Can i apply the thinset and tile directly to this surface or do i need backerboard first?
Thanks

hi,
i just ripped out my entire kitchen and the new cabinets are in and im waiting for the countertops to show up...we want a backsplash but after we ripped out the old basksplash, the drywall is damaged and uneven. can i just place a greenboard overtop and tile over that or what other option do i have? (we really dont want to have to replace the drywall completely since the cabinets are already in place)

I have an uneven wall in the kitchen that has been patched up a million times due to different reasons (i.e. putting new electrical wiring/snake through the wall to create an electrical outlet, ripping off old tiles with some of the wall, etc). I want to put a glass tile backsplash on this wall and already the "tile guy" is giving me a scare saying that the job will cost a lot. I was wondering how expensive will this turn out and what would be inexpensive solutions to even out a wall? Thanks

I am in the process of having a tumbled marble back splash installed. The contractor would not move an outlet plate that has 3 parts to it. Now it is right in the way of the border for the backsplash. If I cover it the line is about 3 inches outside the line of the counters/cabinets. Is there a solution to keep my back splash border in line and keep 2/3 the switch in the tile and 1/3 out?
Thank you.

Is there a "best" type/brand of marble tile for use as a kitchen backsplash?

I am about to install tile backsplash in the kitchen. A 4 inch backsplash which was glued to the drywall before was removed. Right now, on the drywall there are area that paper got torn and other area that still has glue left. What do I need to do to prep the drywall for tiling? I am trying to avoid replacing drywall. Do I need to tear away all the loose paper and scrape the glue? Area without paper on drywall, do I need to use compound to fix? Thank you in advance for you advice.

Can I install ceramic tile over wallpaper or does the paper need to be stripped?

Hi,

I have blacksplash behind the kitchen sink that is starting to delaminate and warp. I don't correct name for this material. All our countertops are made from it. It is a very thin laminate that appears to be glued on particle-board like material.

Do you have any suggestions on how I could repair this (and possibly prevent future water damage) without redoing the entire countertops? Is there a way just to remove the damaged section? The rest of the backsplash not behind the sink is still in good shape.

Thanks
Clifford Vincent Arrow

Tim, I am in the process of putting up a backsplash in my kitchen and ran into a problem. Im using 3x6 glass tile that has to be put up with cement based thin set. My question is weather or not I need to put up backer cement board of just score the drywall with a utility knife. Im getting a lot of conflicting stories, I always have trusted yours.

I like the tile in the photo above. I'd like to know the brand, collection and any other information available about the tile. Many thanks!

Hello there Ask the Builder, I am wondering where the answers to all these great questions, including mine from beginning of July, are?? maybe I'm not up on where to look, but I just get a notice of when there is a new question, but haven't seen an answer from you since June... please give me the instructions on how to get the instructions!! we are heading into reno time on the backsplash and my Q's are still relevant, thanks, K.

We are remodeling our kitchen and plan on tiling a backsplash. It is 16 feet long and is slightly convex with the midpoint approximately 1/4" higher than the ends. If I had a 1/16" gap for caulk under the middle tile and kept the tiles level I would have a 5/16" gap at the ends which seems excessive. alternatively I could start at one end and cut tiles as I worked toward the middle. Any other ways around this problem.

thank you

I am installing a new granite countertop to replace formica. I will be keeping the ceramic tile backsplash. Since the granite is 1 1/4" thick and the formica is 1 1/2" thick, there will be a gap of 1/4" between the granite and the bottom backsplash tile. Other than filling the gap with 1/4" of caulk, are there any other products such as quarter round tiles that will fill in the gap? I thought of using wood but I'm not sure how it will look. Thank you.

For some great ideas on Kitchen Backsplash tiles go to www.metalwalltiles.net

I'm about to move into an apartment that has a glass kitchen backsplash. Replacing it isn't an option, so what's the best way to cover it?

Cut Granite Backsplashes: What are the options to cutting the 4" x 1" material. I saw a video on u-tube guy with a 7 1/4 electrical portable power saw with a garden hose running water across the material as he cut. That dosen't seem save or am I all wet. Also, behind my sink the wall is not true and has a bow that is altimately 3/4" gap between my splash and the wall.
Should I take the full length splash and cut it in half and cut slight angles
to allow the splash to come in closer to the wall.

Dear Tim,

The previous owners of our own installed large, porous tiles in a diagonal pattern on the kitchen backsplash. Is it even an option to paint this kind of tile or should we just remove it? Thanks!

I have dry wall and what I believe to be brick covered by wallpaper and layers of paint as my existing backsplash. Could I apply a cement backer board with screws and/or mortar to the drywall/brick and tile from there or is there some demo work necessary?

Just found your web site and have seen some good ideas. I am removing old tile and have thought about installing new 12x12 tiles, floor tile with a design. They will virtually run from the counter backsplash to the cabinets. What is your thoughts on this. I notice your aritcle recomments glazed tile and I don't know that floor tile is glazed but it doesn't appear porous.

Thanks

Our granite template is being made tomorrow and we are trying to decide whether or not to have a granite backsplash or to just have the tile backsplash come all the way down to meet the tile. Do you have any thoughts on this one?

I have just installed new cabinets and countertops and want to design a tile backsplash on the wall behind my cooktop. I want to use 4 X 4 tiles and intersperse some decorative tiles. What is coursing and how do you do it? My friend told me it is very important to course out the decorative pieces.

Tim, The backsplash behind my cooktop has laminate on it. Can I tile it if I install backerboard to the wall first?

I'm looking at installing the 1" glass tile that comes on a mesh backing that is about one feet. I've surfed the net to find how to install them and I'm not getting very detailed results. Please let me know what materials I need and if this is a project I should try to handle on my own~ Thanks

I currently have Formica installed as a back splash in my kitchen and would like to know my options for tiling over it. The Formica is glued to the wall very well. I read about this product called Quick-Tile (http://www.quick-tile.com). Has anyone used it?

What other options are available?

Hi, my kitchen has plaster walls which were slightly damaged removing old vinyl that had been used for backsplash -- can I repair this with just poly filla before we start to do our back splash?? we have never done this - can you give us steps to follow for installation?
Thank you
Debbie

would a tile backsplash work on any counter top? to save on cost would it look weird if you just had a backsplash over the stove?

Can you tell me if a laminate back splash can be install right over existing tile. Too much white counter tops ,back splash and cabinets with darker handles and trim. Thank you !

We just bought a new microwave and we have to cut 1/4 inches from the existing tiles on the wall in oder for it to fit. How do we cut the tiles?

We have granite counter and ceramic tiled backsplash - the grout between the counter and backsplash keeps cracking; the house is 2 years old and we've had the grout redone twice by the installer. Any suggestions?

We plan to tile our backsplash with subway tiles. It looks like there are several options/strategies to use around an outside corner... bullnose, alternate, miter, etc

Do you have any opinions?

Thanks!

I am planning to do our kitchen backsplash. I want to ask you if, do I have to match the tile backsplash to the counter or the floor?

Hi Tim, I have my kitchen redone recently and am noticing that the grout between the granite counter and the backsplash tiles is starting to crack. The grout is sand-like, and i am not sure if the cracking is normal or something worth pushing the contractor to remedy. i've already mentioned to the contractor, who said that this is normal. The strange thing though is that the grout is solid everywhere else except for the spots where it meets the granite. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thanks.

Do you recall which brand of tile you used in the photo above? I really like the texture and am interested in finding something similar for my kitchen. Thanks!

I am about to install a tile backsplace and was wondering if i could install it dirrectly over the laminate sheeting that is on the wall now. Thanks

We are installing a kitchen backsplash with white 3"x6" subway ceramic tiles. Our countertops are granite - should there be a space between the granite and the bottom row of tiles? If yes, is that space filled with grout or with caulk usually? Also, what is the usual spacing between the tiles? We bought 1/16" and 1/8" spacers because I wasn't sure...

I am looking for a backsplash for my kitchen like I had about 35 years ago. It was a synthetic product that looked like painted brick. There were red brick looks also available. you could purchase this through the JCPenney catalog. They were thin tiles and looked like real brick. Are these still available?

I just installed back splash in my kitchen. Some of th gaps between the counter top and backsplash are to large to caulk. What can you do in that situation?

Hi,
We just finished grouting our backsplash a few days ago and we're just finishing up cleaning off the tiles. We have encountered a problem though. Many of the tiles still have grout on them and this makes the job look very messy. 50% of the tiles are fine but the other ones aren't. We've already tried sponging them off and we've used acid. Is there something else we should be doing?
Thanks,
Jesse

Hi Tim,

My wife and I are installing 12x12 stone tiles for the backsplash in our kitchen. This will be over the painted drywall already there. She seems to think that we need to sand the paint off, or at least have a rougher surface for the thinset to stick to. Is this so?

Thanks

Hi Tim,

My wife and I are installing a 12x12 stone backsplash in our kitchen which will be going over the painted drywall already there. My wife seems to think that we need to sand the paint off the walls first, or at least get a rougher surface for the thinset to stick to. Is this so?

Thanks

When tiling a backsplash, what do you with the outlets and turn on switches to bring them out to the level of the tile?

Thank you for your help
mj

Tim,
What's the best technique for tiling around all the electrical outlets on the backsplash. Do you leave the plastic plates and tile around them, or remove them first?
Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I have lots of outlets. Thanks!

I want to remove the 4-inch-high granite backsplash that was installed when my granite counters were installed. Will this leave any marks or damage to my granite countertops? I will be putting a ceramic backsplash on the wall after I remove the granite piece. I'm afraid I might ruin something by removing the granite piece, but I find it would look better than just starting the ceramic above that piece. Your thoughts?

I am installing glass mosaic tiles. After you grout an area, how long do you wait until you wipe off the excess grout with a sponge? How long is too long?

What is the best way to install tile over 1/4" wood paneling that has been painted?

Dear Tim,

I just moved into a home where the previous owner has granite countertops plus a large granite backsplash going up the walls and a granite windowsill. I want to remove it all. I am not sure what was used to install these large pieces but I would like to remove them myself saving the wall underneath. Can it be done?

We just took off our old kitchen backsplash and are replacing it with new glass tile. When we removed it we noticed there is a thin layer of white stuff on top of the drywall, and it's not thinset. Do you have any idea what it is? We have to replace some of the drywall b/c it was messed up in the demo, but we need to figure out what it is so the wall is even when we put up the new drywall. Thank you!

Can you put glass tiles over existing ceramic tiles.

I just moved into a new home and want to do a backsplash in the kitchen. The problem is that there is a 4" backsplash already in place. I do like the backsplash but wanted to do a backsplash to the counter. Do you recommended removing the current backsplash or trying to work it into the new design?

I like the look of a custom mural backsplash on marble tiles for my kitchen. However, I'd like to create one myself. Do you know what type of medium is used to paint on smooth unpolished marble tiles? How are the tiles sealed after painting to allow them to be used behind a cooktop? Thanks!

i want to install a tile backsplash in my kitchen but currently have textured walls. Can I tile directly onto this or should this be skim coated first and then tile or should I replace the drywall all together?

Hi, I want to use tile as a backsplash in my kitchen but there's a problem with the wall. It's in an older house and isn't totally flat against the countertop. The wall is drywall and has been painted. How can I apply tiles to this wall so they look even and level? Is there a substance available for leveling similar to what's available for floors? Thanks.

Hello,

What is the order to place a backsplash? Can a backsplash be placed first before the countertop?

I purchase a sample of the glass tile for my backsplash. Love it!! Can I incorporated ceramic tile or other materials as a framed border around this tile or must I only use a glass tile for a more dramatic look? Thank you for all the good information I have received on your website.

My kitchen has rounded corners on the walls -- should I just tile up to where the wall is flat and pick up around the corner where it is flat again or do you have other ideas?

hi Tim, I have a backsplash project with lots of 2 inside and 3 outside corners in a U shaped kitchen I don't know where to start (along the longest part of the wall or inside corner or outside corner). I'm doing subway white tiles and need to consider the brick look alike pattern, any suggestions on where to start the tile from? thanks

Can you discuss installation of extenders for wall electric outlets to accomodate thickness of tiles.

Tim, I recently installed a backsplash made of travertine 6 inch tiles. I took out the electrical outlet faceplates and tiled around them, thinking that the face plates would reinstall over the tile. I realize now that their is a gap of 3/8 inch between the faceplates and the actual outlet and not sure what to do. I could attempt to cut the tile so that the faceplate will fit inside the tile or 2. attempt to pull the outlet socket out further from the box so there won't be a gap... any suggestions?? thanks joe

Hi Tim. Do you have a video on sealing the grout on a porcelain kitchen tile backsplash?

we lost our tile layer just before he laid our back splash. we are left with some missing tiles behind the stove and a place behind our cabinet and sink that he cut out the drywall to remove the old tile. he was already paid now we have a mess. how can we fix this? how do we put up more backerboard and how do we make sure it's waterproff before adding tile? Also it appears that our paid for tile will be too thick to be able to clean behind our drop in sink. what a mess. please help.

we are installing a tile mural as part of a backsplash for a freestanding range. We don't know how far to go with the border tiles. Since it is freestanding, should we tile all the way down to the baseboard?

Hi
i have nice neutral color 18' floortile , can i use leftover tiles cut them in fours and then diagonal install as a backsplash under Maple cabinets, or should i go out and bye diffrent color tile?

My husband and I are installing glass tile (12' sheets) as our kitchen backsplash. During the removal of the old ceramic tile, we were unable to avoid also removing some of the drywall there were glued to. My question is should we replace all the drywall prior to installing the glass tile or use a cement backerboard in it's place? And when dealing with the sheets, what is the preferred adhesive?

I am considering appropriate areas to put tile backsplash in my kitchen. Is it appropriate to put backsplash in non cooking areas, such as behind a desk area in the kitchen?

Our backsplash tile has no corner trim available for a vertical wall section. How can this be trimed off?

We are ready to grout our newly installed glass tile backsplash. Many sources online say to use unsanded grout, but a local tile specialty store insisted we use sanded grout. To me, this would scratch the shiny glass. What's your opinion? The spaces between tiles are, at most, 1/8 inch.

Also, I have read that epoxy is a good choice, and may keep us from having to seal the grout...

I'm confused - grout with sand, grout with no sand, epoxy...? Any insight you have would be great!