DIY Subway Tile Backsplash

Katie
by Katie
Are you wanting to install backsplash in your kitchen? It's a great DIY project that will save you a bundle. Subway tile is a classic style for backsplash, and it can really bring a pop to your kitchen. Here are a few tips for successfully
Get a good tile saw, and get comfortable with it.


I was recently given a wet tile saw by Ryobi that I really put through its paces. I bought a specific blade for glass tile at Floor & Decor to replace the stock blade. I’ve never done a tile project before, and I had never used a tile saw before.


After thoroughly reading the manual I gave it a try. I was a little slow, but I began to figure it out. Tile saws are the most expensive tool for a glass subway tile project, but I believe they can be rented. You might know a friend or family member who already has one, so ask around. I would recommend at least buying a new blade if you do borrow a wet tile saw.


To make my marks on the tile I used a black permanent marker. The marker did a good job of not being washed off by the wet tile saw. I later used a paper towel with some rubbing alcohol to remove any stray marks.


Once you start using your wet tile saw make sure you keep you water reservoir level where it is supposed to be, and change out the water occasionally. If you are done cutting for the day, make sure to empty your water reservoir, or your blade will rust. Most of all, just using steady, straight pressure will allow the saw to cut more quickly and easily. I had a lot of extra pieces by the end.
Measure around your outlets, and make sure you don’t accidentally tile over your outlet screws. You will need to extend your outlet later to be flush with your new tile surface. I had to pop some tiles off, cut them, and then reattach them because I forgot this for the first outlet I tiled around.
Only do U-shaped cuts if you really can’t avoid it


Cutting out a u-shaped section out of a tile instead of a corner or end piece is time-consuming. Mostly, I tried to cut U-shaped pieces to go around outletsBasically, you have to make ten or twenty cuts to carve out the u-shaped section one cut at a time. I tried cutting until there were lots of thin little pieces that I then tapped to break. It worked once, and then it didn’t work twice. It is risky. After I did get the u-shape roughly cut out I would file down the edge to make it flatter and smoother.


For more tips, check out this post on Clarks Condensed: http://www.clarkscondensed.com/diy/renovation/how-to-install-subway-tile-backsplash/
Katie
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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