Tile Installation Project: Install a Back Splash In Your Kitchen

A good tile installation project is a great way to improve both the beauty and the functionality of your home. Let's look at installing a tile back splash in your kitchen.

Install a Tile Back Splash

First off, what is a tile back splash? A back splash is a vertical extension of a counter that serves a protective function. Back splashes protect the wall from splatters of liquid. In the kitchen, there are generally a few areas that you might find a tile back splash, behind the range top, near the sink, and on any counters where food prep is done.

A back splash is usually made of natural stone, glass, or tile of some sort . Glass tile mosaic is one of the most popular forms of tile back splash. They make clean up a lot easier. For example, let's say that you want to bake a cake, and you accidentally bumped the mixer so that cake batter splatters all over the kitchen. With a tile back splash installed. But how do you install a tile back splash?

Use the Right Tile Tools For The Job

Start with your tile tools. One that you're going to need for sure is a notched tile trowel . You're also going to need thin-set mortar, rags, and other types of professional grade tile tools. One of your first step before you put any tiles down is to measure the surface carefully so you can get an accurate measure of the square footage. If you're going for glass tile mosaic, Mosaic tile can be applied to any wall surface as long as it is clean, smooth and solid. If you have wallpaper or loose paint, make sure you remove them first. Sand the area thoroughly and sponge away the dust. Gather all the tools and supplies you need for the project before you begin. Lightly tape mosaic sheets up to make sure your layout works.

Cut sheets with a utility knife , cutting the mesh from the backside of the sheet. Work out how you will handle any gap between the tile and the bottom of the wall cabinets. Above all else, plan out your project carefully, and review your steps too.

Make sure you have not only the supplies that you're going to need, but the time to do the project properly. Otherwise, you might find yourself having to scramble to find either tile tools or something like grout or thin-set.

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The Tile Tools That You Can Buy Online (Contd.)

Tile tools are fairly diverse.  For example, a tile hole cutter is designed to cut a hole in the center or other surface area of the tile.  This is ideal for things such as outlet holes.  However, there are more tile tools around as well. 

Don't Forget a Profile Gauge as One of the Tile Tools You'll Need
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Tile Tools for Shaping and Applying Tile

One of the other types of tools for tile tile projects is a tile drill. Tipped with carbide, a tile drill can be used on ceramic, wood, or glass.  If you're going to use a tile drill, make sure that you also use some form of lubricant to cool the tip of your drill or you run the risk of overheating. 

Another tool that you're also going to need for a professional grade tiling project is a profile gauge.

A profile gauge is a tool that you can use for cutting or trimming irregular tile shapes.  It's versatile in that it isn't confined to just ceramic or porcelain.  You can also use it on wood as well.  Once you measure your tile, you can use other shaping tools such as tile nippers.  If you need to remove already installed tile from the floor, that's where a tool such as a tile removal chisel can be used. Tile chisels are also great for removing plaster and thin-set as well.  

Tile Tools and Professional Grade Projects

One tile tool that you may not have considered getting, but it is one that you're going to need is a rubber mallet.  Rubber mallets should always be used in lieu of regular hammers.  Even with a rubber mallet, however, don't hammer too hard or you can break your tile. 

As we covered in a previous article, make sure that you always have more than enough tile for your project.  You want at least a couple of square feet of tile above your measured project space to cover any damage to your tile while you're putting it down.  In addition to tile, also make sure that you have enough of the other supplies as well such as thin-set, grout, and of course, the right tile tools for the job.  A best practice to follow is to have ALL of the materials you are going to need before you even start the project.  You also want to measure your work space at least two times to make sure there aren't any errors. 

Finally, make sure you know what you're doing.  One mistake and a beautiful tile floor or new backsplash can become an eyesore.  So read up, get your tile picked out, and make sure you use only professional grade tile tools. 

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Read Part 1 of this article here.  

Tiling Projects and Professional Grade Tile Tools

Tile tools are just one part of a good tile project.  There are also best practices that you should follow.

A straight edge is one of the tile tools you'll need
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Tile Installation Tips

First off, your grout or thin-set should always be smooth, without any lumps.  If your base is lumpy, then it can create gaps and bumps under the tile, which can cause areas of greater or lesser stress.  The more foot traffic you have on your tile, the more likely it is to get damaged.  When you're mixing your thin-set or your grout, wait a bit while you're stirring with the tile tools you're going to be using for the project.  This will allow the mixture to be lump-free.  On the subject of lumps and smoothness, make sure that your floor is flat.

If  your floor has waves or other areas where it is uneven, then you're going to have to work a lot harder to get each individual tile flush with the other tile, even with the right tile tools.  Lippage is usually a result, which makes your floor uneven.  Check your floors with a 4 foot long straight edge or level.  Any areas that are 1/4" or deeper should be filled in with thin-set.   

Self Leveling Compound and Tile Tools

After you've used your straight edge, it's time to think about ways to make your tile project easier.  Never underestimate the power of self-leveling compound in fixing uneven floors.  It comes in powder form and is mixed with water.  However, be aware that it is not cheap.  It can run as much as two dollars a square foot.  Some self-leveling compounds require that you use tile tools such as metal or plastic lathes. While self-leveling compound works rather well, make sure that you're aware of some things first.

Self-leveling compounds seep into holes and cracks in the floor, no matter how tiny they are.  You could find yourself facing craters and pockmarks in the surface.  Caulk every single gap and hole before you put it down.  Next, work fast, and do it with two or more people.  Self-leveling compound starts to harden within 30 minutes. 

This may sound like a no-brainer, but in addition to the right tile tools, make sure that you have supplies in excess of your tile project.  In other words, make sure you have more than enough tile, grout, and thin-set before you begin your project.  You never know what's going to happen to the tile that you have, so it is a good idea to have extra. 

Ultimately, make sure that before you begin any project, make sure you know exactly what to do.  Start with the right tile installation tools. 

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The Tile Tools That You Can Buy Online

Professional grade tile tools used to only be available from a tile supply wholesaler.  Nowadays, however, they are available online as well.  

There are various tile tools available but it mainly depends on the kind and size of the tiles you are installing. It’s no fun to start your tiling project by cobbling together sub-standard tiling tools or trying to "make do" with tools that aren't really made for tiling, you need to be well versed with knowledge to have quality work. Learning about the tools available can help make the decision easier.

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Types of Tile Tools Available

Tile scriber

Made from a hard carbide and tungsten tip, the tool is used to score on the glazed surface of the tile so as to make it easier for the selected part of tile to be broken off, usually along the line.

The scriber has to be used alongside a straight edge to make sure that cut made is straight. 

Tile cutter 

A tile cutter comes in handy when cutting many tiles and you want to cut them in a straight line. The tool will allow you to cut the tiles in various designs, but the more common type of a tile cutter incorporates a wheel, which is dragged across and a breaking arm, which you will push downwards after pulling the scribe wheel across to break the tile. 

Once you get used to the tile cutter you will be able to work faster and you will also find it easier to use it than a tile scriber.

Tile Saws: Power and Manual

Tile power saw 

The tile saw is another tool that you can use to cut large numbers of tile and in a straight line; it is especially useful when cutting those hard, thick and tough tile, like the floor tiles. The power saw comes along with an inbuilt water system that is used to cool the blade while it cutting the tile, on the other hand it also makes it messy.

Tile hand saw

Used for cutting irregular shapes, it has little noticeable difference from a common hacksaw.it has a flame that is used to hold end, the distance between the blade and the hold end frame is usually larger than a common hacksaw reason being to provide more space for cutting large tiles .but they also so special saws which have rounded sections which have blades on all sides.

Ultimately, you want to find the tools that not only can you use, but the ones that are of good quality.  A lot of times, people try to save money by buying cheap tools only to find that they have to pay more when they damage a tile or break the tool that they bought.  So do it right the first time. You should only buy contractor grade tile tools whenever possible.  

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Tile tools should always be chosen based on the sort of tile project you are doing.

Tiling Projects and the Right Tile Tools

Your tile tool selections vary based on your project.  Here is a great tiling project for grouting a tile inlay from the DIY Network:

   
How to Grout a Tile Inlay
Once the tile inlay is installed, it's time to grout it. The experts show the best way to grout the tile inlay.


Step 1: Mix the Grout

Mix the grout in a small bucket. Add a little water and use a drill blending tool for easy mixing. Add a small amount of water or grout until the desired thickness is achieved. Allow the mixed grout to sit for about 10 minutes to reach the proper consistency.
mix grout in small bucket
Step 2: Apply the Grout

Use a soft rubber float to apply the grout to the joints. Pull the float across the joints diagonally to keep the grout in place.
apply grout to joints
Step 3: Remove the Excess Grout

Once the grout has set, use clean water and a sponge to begin removing excess grout. Pull the sponge across the tiles at an angle, taking care to rinse the sponge often. After the surface has dried to a light haze, wipe a second time using sponge and fresh water.

Tip: Use two buckets of fresh water, to prevent stopping for a water change.
remove excess grout
Step 4: Apply the Caulk

To seal around the border of a hardwood frame, apply caulk the same color as the grout. Fill in the seam, then wipe it smooth with a finger and damp rag.
seal around hardwood border with caulk
Step 5: Fill in the Nail Holes

Use wood putty to fill in nail holes on the hardwood floor surface and the the corners of the tile frame.   [READ SOURCE]

What Tools Would You Need For This Tiling Project? 

As this is an existing tile inlay, it is doubtful that you'll need a tile saw, but you never know.  More than likely, however, you're going to need grout tools of different types. 

The most important thing to consider is that you get tile tools that are designed for contractors

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