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Installing a Tile Backsplash: DIY Corner Coffee Bar

December 10, 2021Building Projects, DIY Woodworking

Installing a tile backsplash is a great way to make your space look upgraded. Check out the tips on making this beginner friendly.

The base of the DIY corner coffee bar is complete with the blind corner cabinet and mini fridge cabinet builds complete. I opted to get a granite that matched the rest of my kitchen as a countertop, and now it’s time for installing a tile backsplash. This is turning into such a fun DIY Woodworking project.

Read these to see how we got here:

Convert a Base Cabinet to a Blind Corner Cabinet: DIY Corner Coffee Bar

DIY Mini Fridge Cabinet: Corner Coffee and Wine Bar

Installing a tile backsplash is a great way to make your space look upgraded. Check out the tips on making this beginner friendly.

Installing a Tile Backsplash

I’ll admit that installing a tile backsplash intimidated me. I set out to make this as straightforward as possible without buying a whole collection of new tools.

If this is your first time tiling a backsplash, choose a tile that doesn’t require an intricate layout or tricky cuts. Taking this into consideration, I decided to go with a basic subway tile that came on a mesh sheet.

This provided me with an easy to follow pattern that was mostly set with the spacing of the tiles per square foot. Additionally, they only required straight cuts which I could use a tile cutter for instead of a wet saw.

Lastly, grout color matters! White grout on white tile will hide a lot of imperfections in spacing or jagged cuts, whereas using a gray grout will show these imperfections more.

So, white subway tile + white grout = easy!

What you need to install a subway tile backsplash

  • Pre-mixed mortar or mastic
  • Notched trowel
  • White subway tile on mesh sheet
  • spacers that match the spacing on the mesh sheet
  • tile cutter
  • white grout
  • grout spreader
  • sponge
  • sanded caulk

How to tile the subway backsplash

Prior to placing the tile on the wall, do a dry layout on the counter below the backsplash. This will ensure that the spacing will look good, as far as where tile cuts till be etc.

I like to start in the middle and work out, that way the end cuts end up looking similar and the line of sight in the middle of the backsplash looks good. This can also help make sure you have enough tile to fit your space.

Add the mastic to the wall

I like to use pre-mixed mortar or mastic. Mortar can be used with almost all tiles, glass and stone tiles need mortar. Mastic is designed for use with ceramic tiles and works for some porcelain tiles. Because I was using ceramic tiles, I could use mortar or mastic. My stores had mastic available so that is what I used for this project.

Work in small sections because mastic will begin to dry so small sections will keep you from having to scrape off mastic that is beginning to dry.

Use a notched trowel to spread the mortar on the wall in the section you will be working in. The notches will allow for grooves in the mortar on the wall which will help the tile adhere better.

Place the tile on the wall

The tile in mesh sheets make this part easy. Grab a sheet of tile and place it on the wet mastic and triple check that the tile is level.

Because the tile should not be flush against the countertop, use spacers at the bottom of the tiles between the counter and the first tow of tile.

Continue to place sheets of tile across the backsplash. At the end of the row at the edge or the corner, tiles will need to be cut. I kept a sheet of mesh tile to the side for my cuts. The tiles peel off of the mesh sheets easily so that they can be cut and placed individually.

To cut a piece of tile, use an inexpensive tile cutter for straight cuts. Measure and mark the tile where you want to cut it, then score and snap with the cutter.

Place the individual cut tiles on the wall where need until all of the gaps are closed in. Use spacers where needed with cut tiles to keep them in place.

If you have outlets or light switches on the backsplash, cuts will need to be made around these areas as well.

Grout the backsplash

The mortar or mastic will take minimum 24 hours to dry. I like to give it a minimum of 48 hours to dry before grouting.

After the dry time is complete, remove the spacers and ensure that the tiles are set and not moving around.

Spread the grout on the tile using a grout float, ensuring the grout is being pressed in all of the crevices between the tile. Once spread, wipe with a large wet sponge.

This is a messy process, but the sponge will get most of the grout off of the tile easily. The sponge and bowl of water will need to be cleaned often.

Continue adding grout until all of the crevices are filled and let dry!

Add sanded caulk along the edges of the backsplash and in the groove between the tile and the countertop.

Once dry, seal the grout with a grout sealer and wipe the tiles down with watered down vinegar to remove the grout haze.

Installing a tile backsplash is a great way to make your space look upgraded. Check out the tips on making this beginner friendly.

Reacp how to make installing a tile backsplash beginner friendly

  • Use a tile on a mesh sheet with clean lines/cuts
  • Use premixed mortar/mastic and premixed grout
  • Use a light grout color to easily hide imperfections
  • Make straight cuts with a simple tile cutter

Enjoy your new, beautiful subway tile backsplash!

More in the DIY Corner Coffee Bar Series

  • Convert a Base Cabinet to a Blind Corner Cabinet: DIY Corner Coffee Bar
  • DIY Mini Fridge Cabinet: Corner Coffee and Wine Bar
  • Installing a Tile Backsplash (current post)
  • DIY Floating Shelves (upcoming)
  • DIY Glass Front Cabinets (upcoming)
  • Styling a Corner Coffee Bar (upcoming)

Related Posts:

  • Convert a Base Cabinet to a Blind Corner Cabinet: DIY Corner Coffee Bar
    Convert a Base Cabinet to a Blind Corner Cabinet:…
  • DIY Mini Fridge Cabinet: Corner Coffee and Wine Bar
    DIY Mini Fridge Cabinet: Corner Coffee and Wine Bar
  • DIY Corner Coffee Bar Build: Wine Storage, Floating Shelves, Cabinets and more!
    DIY Corner Coffee Bar Build: Wine Storage, Floating…
  • DIY Mudroom Build: Corner Bench with Lockers, Cabinets and Board and Batten Peg Rail
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Welcome!

Find inspiration for DIY home projects and crafts on a budget! You can usually find me with either a hot glue gun or a can of spray paint in hand 🙂

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Recent Posts

  • Installing a Tile Backsplash: DIY Corner Coffee Bar
  • Ikea Malm Hack: Flip a 2 Drawer Malm Nightstand
  • DIY Indoor Climbing Wall: ORC Week 8
  • DIY Gaming Couch from Scrap Wood: Fall ORC Week 7
  • DIY Mini Fridge Cabinet: Corner Coffee and Wine Bar

makeitwithkate

Who loves a planked ceiling? 🤚 🤚🤚 This is Who loves a planked ceiling? 🤚 🤚🤚 This is a great beginner project - details below, and highlight bubble titled “ceiling”:

🌟 unfinished pine tongue and groove from @loweshomeimprovement 
🌟 Early American and Weathered Oak stain from @varathane 
🌟  @ryobitoolsusa  sander, nail gun and miter saw 
🌟 moulding from @homedepot 
🌟 inspiration from @angelarosehome 

Steps:

1️⃣Sand and stain all of the boards, I like to layer the stains with early American first then weathered oak

2️⃣ cut boards to width

3️⃣ place them in the opposite direction of the ceiling joists with the nailer, nailing into studs as you go

4️⃣ attach moulding and caulk the seams

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Arched built-ins are done!! 🤍🤍 I love this s Arched built-ins are done!! 🤍🤍 I love this simple transformation and think it really updates this living room a bit. ➡️swipe all the way through to see the before! #diy #diybuilds #girlswithpowertools #homedesign #homedecor #livingroomdesign #moderntraditional #shediys
Back to renovating this space piece by piece, good Back to renovating this space piece by piece, goodbye carpet and hello hardwoods! Next up, updating the built ins a bit :) ⏩ swipe to see the before 😳 #diyblogger #homedecor #moderntraditional #homerenovation #bhg #houseflip #homeupdate @flooranddecor
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Who loves a good #ikeaflip ?! 🤚 Better yet, who Who loves a good #ikeaflip ?! 🤚 Better yet, who loves a FB Marketplace/IKEA flip??!! 🤚🤚🤚 #ad Would you take a look at how this @myoverlays Gracie kit COMPLETELY transformed this piece! It looks so custom! ➡️➡️ swipe to see the before and tell me if you would think it’s the same piece!
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🌟 WEEK 8 🌟 The game room is DONE!! This #one 🌟 WEEK 8 🌟 The game room is DONE!! This #oneroomchallenge was so much fun to participate in. I got quite a bit done in this room! Here’s a recap: .
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1️⃣ mock up and design 
2️⃣ faux brick wall 
3️⃣ built in gaming console 
4️⃣ faux marble countertop
5️⃣ picture frame shelves 
6️⃣ diy neon sign 
7️⃣ diy gaming couch
8️⃣ build a rock wall

And that’s a wrap!! You can find tutorials for all of these components on my blog (link in bio) and video walkthroughs in the highlight bubbles @betterhomesandgardens @oneroomchallenge 
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🌟 WEEK 7 🌟 I built a couch!!! Out of SCRAP W 🌟 WEEK 7 🌟 I built a couch!!! Out of SCRAP WOOD. Fun fact- the back of this couch, swipe to see, is made out of wood that made up built-ins in this room that I ripped out as part of my very first DIY project. That is some awesome repurposing! 
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The tutorial I used is from @homemade_modern 
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Next week is the end of this challenge, it’s been so fun! #oneroomchallenge #repurposed #diybuilds #girlswithpowertools #bhgorc #ryobitools #diyfurniture #girlswhobuild @oneroomchallenge @betterhomesandgardens
🌟 WEEK 6 🌟 I made a neon light sign!! Learni 🌟 WEEK 6 🌟 I made a neon light sign!! Learning new things is one of my favorite parts of DIY. This was a roller coaster of emotions but I’m so thrilled with how it came out!! This challenge is almost over, but I have a few more tricks up my sleeve. (Also this week, the backlit moulding!) #bhgorc #oneroomchallenge @betterhomesandgardens @oneroomchallenge #diyneonsign #ledsign #diyled #diyblogger
🌟 WEEK 5 🌟 I can’t believe we are in the f 🌟 WEEK 5 🌟 I can’t believe we are in the final stretch of the #oneroomchallenge - if I’m being honest, I’m loving the slower pace of taking this room bit by bit instead of doing it as quickly as I can. Have you enjoyed following the slower pace or are you ready for me to move on to the next space already? ▶️ this week, I’ll be making a neon LED sign 🤞- I’m excited for this!! #bhgorc @betterhomesandgardens @oneroomchallenge #gameroommakeover #kidsplayroom #builtins #brickwall #fauxmarble #paintedleather
I like to DIY, and I also love to have fun :) Foll I like to DIY, and I also love to have fun :) Follow my journey as I discover a love of power tools, and turning my builder grade colonial into a home. The real fun is in stories ;) see ya there! #diy #girlswithpowertools #diyblogger #buildlikeagirl
Psst…if you missed it in stories, these leather Psst…if you missed it in stories, these leather chairs are PAINTED! My mind has been truly blown by this. I wish you could feel them through the screen, you would never know! I used the @heirloomtraditionspaint all-in-one paint and they look updated and perfect. #oneroomchallenge @oneroomchallenge @betterhomesandgardens #bhgorc #furnitureflip #leatherchairs #diyblogger
See that sideboard over there? ▶️ swipe to see See that sideboard over there? ▶️ swipe to see what it looked like before! #furnitureflip #diyprojects #furnituremakeover
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