Be sure to spread the mastic evenly. Flatten down the grooves in the thinset with the broad, flat side of the trowel. Continue setting more tile sheets within the tile field, from side to side. Using a toothed trowel, begin spreading the mastic over the area where the first 3 feet of tile will be installed. Creating a plumb, or perfectly vertical, line from the countertop up to the cabinetry is a good way to do that. There is never pressure or hassle when you use Great Pros. With the tape measure, determine the center of your tile installation field. The space behind a sink is also a good place for a glass tile insert panel. Fill in depressions and cracks by smoothing them over with drywall compound. Spend ample time dry-fitting the tile on the countertop before installing it on the wall. Two mosaic tile sheets stacked are 24 inches high, total. You do not want jagged cut tile on the outside wall. With the notched trowel, pull out thinset mortar and fan it across the wall, using the flat edge of the trowel. The tiles will be held on the wall with thin-set or mastic. Starting at the bottom and working your way up, attach the tile sheets to the mortar by pressing them firmly into it. If the backsplash goes around a window, less tile may be used, but the general rule-of-thumb is to purchase 10% more than the actual square footage needed, to allow for broken pieces or possible mis-cuts. If you're wondering how much it will cost, check out our cost guide on installing backsplash professionally. Use a 3/16" V-notched trowel to spread white tile mastic (adhesive) on the wall. Adjust the Layout to Fit the Space Step 1: Set a Center Point Find the center of the wall that best suits your tile selection and mark a vertical line. Hold up one section of tiles to the wall, resting on the cardboard spacer. Additionally, watch our video demonstating the installation of a glass subway tile backsplash project we completed in New Jersey. Because installing glass is a little different then installing ceramic, knowing what to do is important. Caulk the corners of the tile. Measure beforehand to ensure your tile does not go over the length of your outside wall. How To Install Glass Splashback Part 3 – Prepping The Glass Backsplash This next step is easier with 2 people. Hold the second section so that it is 1/8-inch below the bottom of the wall cabinet and overlapping the bottom section. Do not touch or clean the tiles during this time. Measure the space where you want to install your backsplash. Step Three: Before the grout has completely dried, use a soft, dry cloth to clean off the remaining haze. To apply, hold the trowel at 45-degree angle and use the notched edge to make ridges in the mastic. Step Two: It is important that you take care to mind your timing during the next few steps. A glass tile backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom announces itself with shimmering light and rich colors. Aligning the outside edge with the wall and resting the bottom on the cardboard spacer, begin pressing the glass tile sheet into place. The type of tile you choose doesn't have much bearing on the installation procedure because it's basically the same for all of them. Apply the grout with a float, gliding over the tiles at a 45-degree angle. Step One: Start by measuring from the top of your counter to the bottom of your cabinets, followed by the height of the wall you intend to place the backsplash. One edge of the sheet should be on the centerline. Next, push the tiles firmly into the mortar, and continue applying the mortar and tiles in 3 inch by 3 inch spaces. Yes, this entire backsplash can be removed with just a few screws. You can easily test this by running your hand across the tile lightly. Supplies such as grout and tile adhesive add an average of $1.48 per finished square foot of backsplash. Compare prices and profiles of our licensed, bonded, and insured professionals and get the best price for your project! Grout the Tile Backsplash To avoid scratching the glass tiles, grout with unsanded grout. Attach Shelves – these shelves have a slot on the back side that you slide over the installed bracket. With scissors, cut the mesh backing that holds the tiles together. With glass mosaic tiles, it is usually possible to avoid. Only move the grout float diagonal to the grout lines. Step Four: Holding a block of wood firmly, begin tapping it with a hammer to evenly set the individual pieces of tile. Tile backsplashes need a 1/8-inch expansion gap around the perimeter where the tile meets the cabinets and countertops. Make sure that the ledgerboard meets the height of the countertop cardboard spacer, not the countertop itself. The size of the area will determine the number of tiles you’ll need to buy, as well as the space you’ll need to prepare, so keep this information noted down when purchasing your equipment. With outlets, you have a bit more tolerance because the outlet faceplate provides up to 1-inch of coverage in all directions. Mix and match from assorted sell units to achieve a consistent variation. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. 2. Test outlets before proceeding to place tile. For example, if there is a corner on the left side and a refrigerator on the right side, begin with full tiles on the left and end adjacent to or behind the refrigerator, again with full tiles. Flatten down the grooves in the thinset with the broad, flat side of the trowel. Use painter's tape to protect your surroundings wherever you are installing your glass and use only a white thin set mortar recommended from the glass manufacturer to adhere your tiles. Mosaic glass tiles in 12-inch by 12-inch squares are held together with a mesh backing—no need to set tiles one by one. I purchased the Ryobi $125 wet saw at Home Depot, custom ordered the blue glass subway tile from Dahl tile along with the thin-set mortar, trowel, spacers and grout. Mosaic Glass tiles are divine. After the mortar sets and the tiles have been cleaned of any excess mortar, mix up the unsanded grout to the consistency recommended by the manufacturer’s directions. The tiles reflect the light to give your kitchen or bath the appearance of being brighter and larger. If it's uneven, go ahead and re-tap the uneven places. Find out why everyone usesus for home projects! Step One: Grab your grout float, apply and press grout between the tiles. Try sticking to a work space of 3 feet for the best results. Yikes, I didn’t harp to long on that scenario. To install glass tiles, start by spreading the mortar on the wall in a 3 inch by 3 inch space. Use the wall marks as a general guide of where to apply the mastic. 4. It is important to apply grout sealer annually. It's better to have all spacing issues worked out ahead of time—well before working with the thin-set mortar. Place tile squares along your counter allowing a 1/8" gap between each to leave room for grout. Occasionally tap the tiles with the one-by-four and the hammer to flatten them, especially where tile sheets meet. Sand down bumps with a drywall sander fitted with a drywall sanding screen or sandpaper. Select your Glass Tile BackSplash: Tile Cirle.com offers a variety of glass tile selections including subway glass tiles and mosaic glass tiles. With the notched edge, pull across the thinset horizontally. Friday: Prep the wall, apply the thinset, and install the tile. For our new kitchen, we have decided to use a horizontal 3″x6″ glass subway tile to provide a clean, modern look. Installing a glass tile backsplash is made easy with a sticky thin-set mortar that secures the tiles firmly to the wall. At this point, you want to establish your horizontal spacing. Saturday: Wait for the thinset to cure for a full 48 hours. Determine the square footage of your backsplash: Measure the length of the backsplash, in inches, and multiply it … Glass Tile Advantages Unmatched beauty: The translucence and endless color varieties of glass arguably make it the most beautiful, contemporary-looking backsplash material you can choose. Apply the mortar using the appropriate notch in straight lines Prime the flat edge of the trowel with a small amount of mortar Knock down the mortar ridges Back butter the clear glass tile with a thin film of about a sixteenth of an inch Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. 5. When applying and pressing grout, move the grout float diagonal to the lines only. (See below for tools and a shopping list. If you have outlets on the wall you plan to install the backsplash, you will need to cut the tile beforehand. Glass Subway Tile Backsplash Installation Tips One of the easiest ways to give your kitchen a new, custom look is to install a glass tile backsplash. You can check out our cost guide post to estimate how much it would be to intall backsplash in your kitchen professionally. How-to Install a Glass Mosaic Tile Backsplash Illustration by Gregory Nemec. In most kitchens, the distance between the top of the countertop and the bottom of the wall cabinets is 20 inches. Learn how easy it is to install a kitchen tile backsplash with these step-by-step instructions. Replace the electrical outlets with extenders, if needed. Working in 2-foot square sections to prevent the thinset from drying on you, add thinset to the wall in a three-step process: At the centerline, press a sheet of tiles into the thinset, resting on the countertop spacer. Shoot the laser level's vertical line at this spot. These backsplash installation costsare fo… If the space between the top row of tiles and cabinetry is greater than an inch, cut your extra tile pieces to fit the space. The manufacturer recommended this mastic for this type of tile. After the grout has dried, clean off the haze with grout haze cleaner. Avoid placing cut tiles in visible places as much as possible. Tile backsplashes look great and are low maintenance, and glass tile is one of the most attractive, versatile and easiest-to-clean backsplash materials out there. Use a utility knife and steel-rule straightedge to cut five ⅜-inch-wide strips of tile adhesive. Backsplash installations can be done by yourself as a DIY project, or you can find a professional to get the job done. Excess thinset will stick to the trowel or fall to the countertop. Tap the sheet with a short scrap piece of one-by-four and a hammer to set the tiles in place. This material is … Mosaic Tile Backsplash. Project Timeline. Cover the countertop in plastic sheeting and tape down the plastic. To begin installing a tile backsplash, you should first determine the boundaries that will contain it. As the grout begins to form it will haze your tile, when you see this take a moist sponge and clean away the excess. With multicolored, small mosaic tile, you can capture the look of an upscale spa in your kitchen, or you can have a more classic tiled-backsplash look with square subway tiles. The bottom row of glass tiles will require a space of 1/8-inch between the bottom of the row and the top of the countertops. For free quotes without hassle or pressure, fill out our 2-minute questionnaire. Simply enter your zip code and the square footage, next click update and you will see how much it should Cost to Install a Glass Tile Backsplash installed at your home. Using a rubber float or equivalent tool, gently press the tile into the adhesive to ensure. This is crucial because glass is transparent, and the color of the adhesive can affect it. Step Three: Begin with the bottom row if you are stacking more than one row of glass tile. Run the float diagonally across the tiles to avoid digging out the grout. Step Two: Place a strip of painter's tape along the top of your counter and on the bottom of your cabinets. Move the tile along the length of the placed tile and continue tapping it until all pieces are evenly placed. Natural stone should be sealed prior to grouting. When it comes to installing ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile backsplash we recommend you contact a professional. Sunday: Clean the tile, grout the joints, and caulk the perimeter. This video is to show how to install a glass tile backsplash. 1) Put your tile and tile adhesive in the room you are going to be installing and maintain the temperature at 70 degrees or more for a full 24 hours before you start this how to install a subway tile backsplash. Average cost per finished square foot of glass tile backsplash: 1. Lay out the tile on the countertop. The 1x1 inch squares may not look much butonce installed, they have this magical ability to transform the overallatmosphere of a place. Email us at info@greatpros.comFor issues with a project please call 623-745-0777, Questions You Need to Ask a Contractor Before you Hire Them - Questions to Ask General Contractor, The No-Stress Guide on How to Hire a Contractor near you, How to Find a Good Contractor - Everything you Need to Look for, Unsanded Grout (unless otherwise specified). For areas outside of the countertop area, create a ledgerboard by screwing scrap one-by-two or one-by-four lumber directly to the wall. One person can align the piece of glass where you want to install it, whilst the other places the 2mm packers against the wall. Similar to the previous step, use scissors to cut the tile to its correct vertical dimension, plus make any cut-outs for electrical outlets. Kitchen backsplash is a wonderful way to show off your design tastes. Note: if you still have ANY mastic or mortar still on the wall, you need to go back and work more on the tile removal process. How to Install Backsplash Project overview: Planning, materials and tools Nothing packs more style per square inch than mosaic tile for kitchen backsplash tile ideas. Remember to leave space for grout, usually 1/8". So if your kitchen’s got the blahs, give it a quick infusion of pizzazz with kitchen backsplash tile. I also decided to make the backsplash removable/modular. It's important to use white adhesive, because any color behind the tile will show through the glass. Install a Glass Tile Inset . Steps for Installing a Glass Tile Backsplash: Snap a chalk line onto the backsplash wall 5½ inches above the countertop. If it feels even you did it correct. You want the grout to be dry enough to hold the joints in place, but wet enough to be cleaned without applying too much pressure. Minimum = $9.13 2. Adding a backsplash to your kitchen is one of the most ideal solutions you can try if you want to upgrade the look of your home. If you're not sold on glass tile backsplash, check out these other types of back splash in our 2017 Backsplash Trends Look Book. If you need help, contact us for free quotes from licensed, bonded, and insured professionals! This area is not very visible since it is under the cabinets. If it feels even you did it correct. Be sure to wash the sponge frequently throughout the process to ensure the best results. Glass tile is a favorite material for backsplashes because of its beauty, versatility, and durability. Once slid over the bracket, insert the included screws in the holes on the bottom of each shelf and wrench to tighten them into place. Maximum = $17.89 In addition to the cost of the glass tiles, homeowners who are installing a glass tile backsplash will encounter some additional expenses related to the project. Compare prices and profiles to get the right price for your project! If you find that your wall is smaller than the amount of tile, consider moving the jagged end to an inner corner wall. The space immediately behind a range cooktop can be a great place for a full inset panel made from glass tiles. For a successful glass tile backsplash installation, you must use a white, latex-additive thinset mortar. Apply glass mosaic sheets, mesh-side down, firmly into the freshly spread setting material. With the notched edge, pull across the thinset horizontally. If you are unsure of what backsplash you want, check out our 2017 Look Book of Backsplash Trends. Glass is very easy to clean up, and it can help highlight a unique commercial cooking range. Following the line of tiles on your counter take a pencil and sketch a general guide for applying mastic and continue up the length of your wall. If it's uneven, go ahead and re-tap the uneven places. Then, make straight, parallel lines in the mortar by pressing into it with a notched trowel to help the tiles stick to the wall. Continue this process until the desired amount of backsplash is placed. Lay cardboard spacers flat on the countertop with their edges pressed against the wall. As such, it is easy to understand why they have becomeso popular. Maintain a thickness of around 1/4-inch. Maintain a thickness of around 1/4-inch. Use a measuring tape and a pencil to mark out the area your backsplash will cover. Create a custom kitchen backsplash with inexpensive glass tiles and marbles. 1. So, this gives you plenty of working room. Begin sliding the cardboard spacers out from the bottom row of tiles. If the edge of the tile does not butt up against a … After the tile has fully cured in the thinset, apply grout with the rubber grout float. You can easily test this by running your hand across the tile lightly. If you are filling space less than 1/8", purchase "unsanded" grout unless otherwise specified. Flatten the tile with a grout float if necessary. We hope you enjoyed our guide on how to install glass tile backsplash! Step by step, learn the materials and tools needed for a glass tile backsplash installation. Slightly rock the sheet up and down, perpendicular to the trowel lines, to collapse the ridges and help the tile settle into place. Step 2 We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to installing a kitchen tile backsplash. If you are removing any outlets or switch covers, remember to turn the power off from your fuse box. Knowing how to install tile backsplash is an effective way to save money by doing the work yourself. Tips For Installing a Glass Tile Backsplash, 28 Amazing Design Ideas for Kitchen Backsplashes, Kitchen Tile Backsplash Tips for Working Around Wall Obstacles, How to Convert an Acrylic or Fiberglass Shower to Ceramic Tile, Adhesive Tile Mat Backsplash Review: Pros and Cons, How to Repair Water-Damaged Tile Shower Walls. Determine where you want to cut the tile sheet. Adding a new backsplash or updating the existing kitchen backsplash is a fast way to update the most used room in your home. The Cost to Install a Glass Tile Backsplash estimator will provide you with up to date pricing for your area. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates a fast, no-fuss way to tile a kitchen backsplash. The wall should be perfectly flat and free from bumps or depressions. The average hourly cost of labor for experienced tile installers to cut and place the tiles is $71.50. Glass Tile is a very popular backsplash that comes in many different styles, types, colors, and textures that are easy to incorporate into your home. Fill out our 2 minute questionnaire to get started! It does not only transform a room but it also protects your walls from splatters and stains. Turn off circuits to all outlets in the backsplash installation area. A single layer of scrap cardboard taped to the counter with painter's tape works well as a spacer. Click here for more glass tile options. Notch the adhesive strips, if necessary, to fit around obstacles. Step Five: Let dry for 24 hours or the designated amount of time given by the maker. Excess thinset will stick to the trowel or fall to the countertop. Once you finish the bottom row, move to the second (top) row. It's usually fine if you need to increase the upper 1/8-inch expansion space to 1/4-inch or even 1/2-inch. Step Four: Wait two weeks before applying grout sealer for the first time. 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