Installing Subway Wall Tile

This second floor bathroom is getting a full remodel with a new vanity set new lighting and outlets storage over the toilet area and a new bath fan.

Installing subway wall tile.

Dos and don ts from a first time diy subway tile backsplash install teresa odland updated. It s reminiscent of traditionally laid brick and works well in kitchens and bathrooms alike. 26 2019 after receiving contractor bids to tile our kitchen backsplash that didn t fit our budget my husband and i decided to tackle the project ourselves. 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 a simple subway tile kitchen backsplash. Mark the wall at the top of the tile. To see where the tile will end at the top of the installation make a jury stick. To install subway tile backsplash measure the wall calculate the number of tiles needed to cover it and buy 10 more tile than you need to account for waste.

Use a tile saw to cut any tile needed to size or around electrical outlets. After the adhesive has dried overnight apply grout to the tile using a rubber float. Then use a level to extend the line along the work area. Then you want the inside corner to look like the tile continues onto both side walls.

Next sketch your design on the wall and lay out the the tiles on a large table. You would typically center the back wall so the cuts are even on both sides. Hold a tile at this spot accounting for a 1 8 inch expansion gap. Depending on the tile that is to be installed and where it will be installed it is sometimes approp.

Install any border tile first then position the sheets of subway tile on the wall and press them in place. So i finally finished installing backer board to the tub surround of the bathroom. A 3 sided shower for example. 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.

Subway tile gets its name for the style s use in new york subway stations and other metropolitan subways in the early 20th century and it is a very popular style for bathrooms and kitchens. Generally speaking when you come to the end of a wall and you want the subway tile installation to look like it wraps onto the next wall. We chose to install our subway tile in the classic running bond pattern. However there are many options for subway tile arrangements including vertical patterns herringbone designs basket weave arrangements and more.