Mosaic tile: These mesh- or paper-backed sheets of miniature tiles have their own set of rules

Measure

Start by measuring the height and width of the area where the tile will be installed. Center the design, and size it so that you have a combination of half or whole tiles at the edges—never less or more—surrounded by a fairly even border of field tile.

To learn more pro tips on how to tile a backsplash, read Tim Keefe’s full article
How to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Transfer the Measurements

Transfer the measurements to a large piece of cardboard, and draw a full size mockup of the area to be tiled.

To learn more pro tips on how to tile a backsplash, read Tim Keefe’s full article
How to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Lay Out the Sheets

Lay the sheets of mosaic tile onto the cardboard, centering them in the measured area, and mark each sheet where it crosses the edge lines.

To learn more pro tips on how to tile a backsplash, read Tim Keefe’s full article
How to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Trim the Sheets

Trim the sheets of mosaic tile with a wet saw.

To learn more pro tips on how to tile a backsplash, read Tim Keefe’s full article
How to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Dry the Sheets

Some backing sheets are water soluble, so always dry off each sheet of mosaic tile, front and back, immediately after running them through the wet saw.

To learn more pro tips on how to tile a backsplash, read Tim Keefe’s full article
How to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Complete the Layout

Complete the entire layout on the cardboard before moving the whole assembly to the kitchen for installation.

To learn more pro tips on how to tile a backsplash, read Tim Keefe’s full article
How to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Spread Thinset

Using a notched trowel, spread enough thinset on the wall to install one sheet of mosaic tile.

To learn more pro tips on how to tile a backsplash, read Tim Keefe’s full article
How to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Apply the First Sheet

Apply the first sheet, firmly bedding it into the thinset.

To learn more pro tips on how to tile a backsplash, read Tim Keefe’s full article
How to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Use a Rubber Grout Float

Then, firmly press it in place with a rubber grout float.

To learn more pro tips on how to tile a backsplash, read Tim Keefe’s full article
How to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Fill in Half Tiles

After the sheets are in place, fill in half tiles individually.

To learn more pro tips on how to tile a backsplash, read Tim Keefe’s full article
How to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Level the Sheets

Continue with the other sheets, adjusting the edges of the mosaic to a level or other straight edge to ensure alignment.

To learn more pro tips on how to tile a backsplash, read Tim Keefe’s full article
How to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Shims and Spacers

Add tile shims and spacers as necessary to establish joints and prevent tiles from sagging.

To learn more pro tips on how to tile a backsplash, read Tim Keefe’s full article
How to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Support the Edges

Screws driven right into the drywall can be used as temporary support at the edges.

To learn more pro tips on how to tile a backsplash, read Tim Keefe’s full article
How to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Want to Learn More?

Veteran installer Tim Keefe shares his priorities and processes for installing a backsplash in his full article:
How to Install a Tile Kitchen Backsplash