Would you like some help installing your glass tile backsplash?
Installing a glass tile backsplash can be intimidating. We can help you with that part. Click here to download your Free Checklist. If you are a DIY enthusiast but have never installed a glass tile backsplash, read on.
Our house is 115 years old. Anything we do to it in terms of renovations is going to be an improvement. The kitchen glass tile backsplash went from 75 inches of bliss to another 75 inches of a bonanza. If you want to tackle a DIY kitchen project, read on to see where you can save money, time, and maybe learn a thing or two from pink tool girl and crew.
Backstory
About 15 years ago, my friend Terry and I tiled a bathroom floor in my former house. That same friend teamed up with me again to install this tile backsplash. Great friends are worth keeping and friends who come back to help on additional house projects, they are to be treasured and spoiled when possible.
First of all, there was a 75 inch by 13-inch section of glass tile backsplash that needed installed and it took two hours from start to clean up. I thought, no problem, this really wasn’t hard at all and it looks fabulous. So fabulous, that after surveying our handy work, my man and I decided that if half of the wall could look this good, then the entire area should be done.
Buying Supplies
OH NO!!! Do you ever have that moment when you should have could have? I did.
Because my original purchase was for a small space, there was only enough glass tile to do the previously discussed 75 inches. The original plan was to tear down the rest of the wall to extend the kitchen.
Well…when something turns out so well you go to plan B. Find more tile and do the entire wall.
After a mass search to find enough glass tile to complete the job (not at the sale price….ouch!) we tackled the additional unfinished 75 inches to end up with 150 inches of sheer tile backsplash pleasure.
FREE MATERIALS CHECKLIST
I love how the backsplash turned out. It makes doing dishes a tad more enjoyable knowing that if some water does splash onto the wall, I can wipe down the glass tile with a measure of pride knowing I put this beauty up with my two hands……and Terry’s other two hands.
If you don’t think that you can do a tile backsplash yourself, please read on. Click HERE for a Free Checklist to help you get started. You can do this.
Grab a buddy and follow our tips and how-to suggestions. You can have your kitchen looking more spiffy in a few hours.
Step One- Measure Twice- Cut Once
First of all, measure the area to see if you have the same height for the entire section you are tiling.
Measure again to determine where you are placing the tile. Mark it with a pen or sharpie.
I used a chalk line to measure my 10×10 area then cut pieces to fit the additional 3 inches of space needed at the top.
I also needed to cut the end of my tiles since they were zig zag.
Step Two-Puzzle Time
Second, piece your tiles together like a puzzle. Plan the tile pattern to make sure that you are happy with the layout.
I needed three inches on the top of my layout so I cut extra tiles to complete my pattern. Remember to look at the color pattern as well as the shape.
Step Three-Stuck on You
Furthermore, read the instructions for the mortar that you purchased. It explains how much water to mortar ratio you need per square foot.
I mixed the entire bag which provided excess but I used it for a kids project.
You can purchase dry mortar at Lowes and mix it with water in a utility bucket. Use an electric drill with a cement mixer attachment. Follow the bags instructions.
Unless you have some herculean strength, use a cement mixing attachment for this part.
Special Note of Clarification:
Use the right (pink) tool!
While you may think that all mixing attachments are equal, they are not.
A paint mixing attachment is different than a cement mixing attachment. Use a cement mixing attachment for mortar.
Step Four- Perfect PB & J
Sparingly, put the mortar on a trowel and using your scraper apply the mortar to a small section of your wall where your first tile will be placed.
I like to think of this section as if making the perfect PB&J. Balance is needed.
Too much mortar will squish out from behind the tile and you will need to use the toothpicks to scrape it off.
Too little mortar and the tile won’t stick.
Less is more then add more if needed.
Step Five-Get into the Groove
Once you get your groove going this step is fun.
Continue applying the mortar then piece your tile in place remembering to go back and make sure that your bottom tiles aren’t sagging. Use your rubber mallet with a piece of wood in between the glass tile and mallet to lightly hammer each section to evenly spread the mortar under each tile.
Step Six- Icing on the cake
After letting the mortar dry for 24 hours or as directed on the bag, this is the final step: putting the grout into the grooves.
This kitchen is long and narrow and I wanted the lightest color to give size and dimension to my glass tile backsplash.
Step Seven- Sigh with Pride
Finally, step back and observe your work. Go back and repeat some of the tips that we suggested. Double check to make sure the seam spacing is consistent.
Remember to wipe off extra mortar from on top of the tile with an old rag or sponge where mortar may have squished out from behind into the grooves.
I hope that with our tips and checklist, you too will dare to DIY your own Glass Tile Backsplash.
Have an Awesome Day,
6 Responses