Backsplash Makeover (Easy How-To Guide)

How to Install a Kitchen Backsplash with Subway Tile
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Removing an old backsplash and installing subway tile can make your kitchen look so much better! Doing a DIY kitchen backsplash can be intimidating, but it’s not that hard if you stick with it. The key in removing backsplash tiles is making sure you are aware of what’s behind the kitchen walls and be safe. Replacing the drywall gives you a firm foundation for your new tile backsplash. Laying out and cutting the subway tile is easy with the right tools, but make sure you’re keeping your area clean and get all the adhesive and grout off the tiles after each step. In one short weekend you can have a gorgeous new subway tile kitchen backsplash!
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[@IntogreatSynthesis]

It’s great that you included the reality of diy projects in this video! So many people are fooled by heavily edited videos into thinking projects are easy peasy 😂 Super helpful to see it for what it really is. Thanks and great work!

[@negotiableaffections]

DIY tiler here, and I've done my share and then some. Grizzly story time... 12" square floor tiles using a diamond wheel to cut them, all seemed fine. Now, I never knew that diamond wheel cutters tend to produce ceramic 'sawdust' so when grouting I was working with the sponge and bucket technique BUT ungloved... The next day my fingertips burned but I could see nothing until we used the magnifying glass... the pad of each finger was impregnated with microfine slivers of ceramic. A warning to every newbie out there. And yes, tiling can feel like a thankless task until you see the final result! Nice Job, Brad!

[@radchander]

These kind of real life personal safety tips are always very helpful.Thank you,

[@zieghart2]

I did my first subway tile when ai was 17. My dad warned me about the splinters and told me to use gloves. Being a stuborn know-it-all teenager I decided to ignore his advice and ended up getting a bunch of cuts. That was the first and last time I ever did tile without gloves.

[@negotiableaffections]

@@zieghart2 I am not alone - I share your pain. 😥

[@christianhelms6676]

Finally, something I wasn't completely clueless on before I watched the video! The backsplash came out great, dude. A couple tips for the future incase you do another one: Usually no matter what kind of tile, you can run a vertical row at the ends to give it a clean cut off look. If you have any visible chips, a tile polishing pad on an angel grinder will work wonders like it was never there. And the biggest one. when you do your final wipe with the spunge, wipe in an upside down "V" direction and slightly overlap each one like when cutting grass. You'll find that you end up wiping off spots multiple times with each pass. Not sure how well I did it explaining but it has saved me a lot of heartache in the past. Keep the videos coming!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thanks, Christian, nice tips, I definitely need to pick up a polishing pad!

[@cdavi060]

This tutorial was excellent! Purchased basically what was stated here, following the instruction and knocked out my first ever backsplash job in my home perfectly. Thanks!

[@kleinisfijn]

Couple of tips: When placing tiles, place the bottom edge on the tile below first, and then fold the tile to the wall straight next to the previous tile. Then slide the tile away and place the spacers. That way you never fill the joint with adhesive. I already see you doing it, but it might help other people. When speading adhesive on the wall, spread a little bit further than the last tile, and don't get near the last tile with the trowel when you need to spread more. That also helps to keep adhesive out of the joints. When cutting tiles with snap cutter, sand the edge. Right after cutting the edge is razor sharp, and you can still cut yourself on it after grouting. Just a quick swipe with some 320 grit sandpaper will do, or better, a diamond sanding block.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Yes, should have mentioned that tip with sliding it. And the tile is definitely sharp!

[@clarkt9925]

I had to read these instructions a couple of times but now I understand what you’re saying and it makes perfect sense. Thanks!

[@sgsax]

After we finished the backsplash in our kitchen, my folks liked it so much, they asked us to to theirs. 😁 Between that and three bathrooms, we have lots of practice tiling. And it's super-satisfying to see the finished product. Looks good! Thanks for sharing!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

I bet you blew through the last few!

[@ManWander]

nice and refreshing to see a video that shows it's not always easy to do these kinds of projects - thanks for keeping it real

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

A pro tiler I spoke to said he uses a small diamond file and they are less than $10.00 at H Depot. They are in the tile, mastic area. They smooth the edges of those chips and the rough edges that a tile saw leaves a tile with. This was a great tutorial. I'm painting my cabinets white after I make new rustic doors for them. I want to put in new hinges too. In the ones I currently have, the side that attaches to the door slides into a slot and is tightened by a screw. They loosen all of the time and when I go to open them the door comes off. New hinges are on order.

[@HO-hw4gu]

Maaaan I've been installing a backsplash in my kitchen, which I've never done before. I'm glad to know that I am not the only one who is having the issues lol. Thanks for being real and telling all of the hard times and frustrations. I had turned to my wife while applying the grout, and was like the videos be lying, because they all be like " oh it's so simple and quick you see". I was like BS it's simple and quick lol.

[@jbratt]

Grout that matches the tile hides problems. 👍

[@snogirrlx]

thank you - you inspired me and i removed a section of drywall with backsplash today and left enough of the stud exposed for the new drywall.

[@andrechadwick4233]

I just did our kitchen backsplash, and yes you are right it’s a little tough on the back, but in the end it’s worth it , good job my friend

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

yes, it's definitely a weird space to work in. Either squatting or bending the whole time

[@g30ffm0rt0n]

I feel your pain. I recently finished a tiled backsplash in my kitchen renovation. It came out fantastic, but as it was my first ever time doing any tiling at all, it was a bit of a stressful experience.

[@juliepender7157]

It's nice to see you struggle sometimes too! I'm glad you included it.

[@GM-dh5xi]

Finally someone gave credit wear credit is due. Not a project the butcher, baker, candle stick maker can knock out on a weekend like a lot of these videos say. This project requires some skills.

[@bignick3303]

We did the same subway tile (size/color) except we opted for a light grey grout to give our all white kitchen some contrast. Yours looks good!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

We were on the fence with a light gray, but stuck with "white" which is darker the tiles so does flgive a little bit of contrast. But I bet yours looks good too

[@e.bertrams]

Thanks for confirming me in my decision to source this out. And thanks for letting Alan Rickman/Snape add his own snippet of comment 😁

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

God rest his soul 🙏

[@antcaruso3465]

Great video! That said, to make life easier, it may be best to switch out your outlet boxes in the kitchen. Rip out the old and put in the adjustable type. This will allow you to move the box out to the desired depth, to allow the plate cover to be flush with the backsplash tile.

[@gpzjeffrey7974]

Use the two bucket method for cleaning the grout, one to get the grout off the sponge, one to re-wet the sponge. Also, lots of subway tile comes with built-in spacers for tighter grout lines.

[@bluegenie840]

Nice job and I really understand that I’m tile contractor and doing this job for long time but people think it’s easy job they never know how much crazy is this job

[@waikelehawaii4409]

Nicely done. The only thing I'd add is to always seal your grout. Especially if it's white and especially in the kitchen near the stove where grease and splatters abound. Sealing your grout will keep it looking nice and bright white for a long time to come.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

This premixed variety has a sealer additive in it 👍

[@Therealphantomzero]

Props on the thumbnail. Very slick I'm sure you were going to get feedback on that.

[@JenWoodhouse1]

Totally agree with you! Tiling was horrible for me too!

[@kaycox5555]

Really awesome outcome. Congrats.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

thank you!

[@firearmsinstructor320]

you are entertaining...to say the least. haha. Thanks for this. I really appreciate the time it takes to make these for us. Great job!

[@peterblyth112]

Drinking game: Take a shot every time Brad says "Level" in the tiling segment

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

hahaha, well at least the did come out level

[@miguelare3]

@@Fixthisbuildthat damn stop already im really drunk 🥴

[@JillofAllTrades2]

@@miguelare3 😂😂😂

[@psychorabbitt]

Take a shot every time Glen from DIY Creators mentions pocket holes and you'll be dead of liver failure.

[@moneymakingmikeg.9555]

Brad, Brad, Brad!!! That's me cheering you on Bud. Great video as always Bud. Bro., so happy for your Channel growth Man. It was your wainscot video from years ago that got me watching & I think you were around 70K subs back then & I thought you were BIGTIME!! Now you're BIGTIME Bro.!! Well deserved. Hoping all is well Bud, Dirty Jersey out!!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

lol, we've had a good run so far. Here's to keeping it going!

[@joshuahammack592]

LOL...we just finished a subway backslash in our kitchen...OMG AGGRAVATING!!! I feel your pain brother!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

great outcome, but yeah...aggravating at times!

[@MCsCreations]

Awesome, Brad! Fantastic job! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

thanks, brother!

[@AlexA-bx8jr]

I laid stone backsplash over the cheap builder grade tile. There are plenty of great products that allow you to skip the drywall phase. Would do it again the same way. Made it super easy.

[@danciupuliga7210]

This video was very helpful for my first backsplash project.

[@sapelesteve]

Great work Brad! Now I know yet another job that I won't ever be doing myself! Thanks....😂👍

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

😂 😂 I don't blame you, Steve

[@Danman1972]

Great job with the tile. I did one in my last house that was great. Made counter tops as well with MDF and laminate. That was a pretty fun project and got rid of the avocado green stuff from the 70's. I will say that you missed the boat with the easy install for the switched under cabinet lighting.

[@ryenelder4363]

Looks great! Your editing skills are getting pretty darn good!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

all credit to our editor Chris!

[@capeworks]

I can't believe this has less then 100k views in 24 days! You need more views. I love this channel!

[@avopia4925]

thank you so much for putting this up with all the pointers etc, I am going to redo my kitchen myself, already into it, lol, but needed alot of what you pointed out in here, Thank You

[@justinhawk1451]

thanks for the video! just completed my kitchen subway tile backsplash with zero experience following your guidance. I'll be referencing your channel in the future!

[@valiblaj]

Looks awesome, man!

[@brandy2374]

Looks good but it would look a lot better if you would have taken the tile to the end of the countertop. Adding some bullnose for edging to fill that space would work.

[@coleve8596]

Here in the UK we abandoned the tile splash back about 5 years ago, probably for the reasons you were encountering. We now use a form of shower wet wall which now comes specially produced for kitchens. They come in a variety of sizes the most common being 8ft x 2ft. Great video

[@martylucas8557]

Seriously? That’s a real cop out. I think I know what material you’re talking about, Kohler sells it for shower surrounds. Besides being pricey, it’s very limited. What happens when you want to change it out or new home buyers don’t like the color or pattern? It sounds to me like the British are abandoning a profession a real skill set in being able to tile. I’ve seen enough botched tile jobs, even from so called pros, to know that tiling isn’t as easy as it looks.most of the tile work I’ve done has turned at pretty nice. But it’s harrowing at times to get the tile in place while the mastic is quickly drying or the grout cleaned before it dries. Try using Fusion grout…It’s a small section at a time or you pay big time for it! Check out Landberg Tile. Oh my goodness! What an incredible craftsman. He also has a good talent for putting his videos together. He’s got a great channel!

[@jenniferbecnel439]

Looks great Brad!

[@steelnstuff]

I use an Oslolator tool for the drywall removal... They have a drywall blade that does really good... doesn't go way past like the sawz-all would.

[@rhondacowley9818]

Looks very nice! Great job!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thanks!

[@xalwine]

Added about 3 hours of watch time on this view this past weekend. Thought I got lucky and didn't have to drywall, well unfortunately the prior owner cut some corners and mounted some mesh sheet tiles over holes in the very wavy drywall 😭 After that ordeal was corrected I had also fixed the wavy back wall. a two day project turned into a 4 day, 6 lowes trips, long weekend. Thanks for being as detailed as you were, it helped me feel confident about doing this as my first tiling project.

[@vampov]

It sure must be nice to have perfect counter tops. No one speaks to the rest of us that had builders that did not remotely level our counter tops.

[@ambrosia417]

This was wonderful --- thank you for sharing!

[@livinginpapua1125]

On open edges on the sides of the install, you can create a nice finish by using a plastic or aluminum tile edge.

[@jshoffner67]

How did you reposition the outlets? They have to be moved outward.

[@unsubtlesilk7081]

It looked like they had tile on the wall previously, so the boxes were probably pretty close to the correct space

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Since my install was on tile before they already had long screws, but that's all you need. Long screws and possible spacers if the outlet doesn't hit the tile on the top and bottom "ears"

[@kreativearts6738]

Looking good bro

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thanks!

[@sylviadheilly9498]

Good job buddy! And you’re right it’s a lot of work. Seems to go on and on forever.

[@GeeWhizRS]

The tile spacers were a bit big for my liking - subway tiles look sharp with a thin spacer. Never use pre-mixed grout; it shrinks back; mix your own mud. Apart from that, not bad. 👌🏻

[@christianlautenschlager9693]

Ufff i live in Germany and the Ways how you do something like this is really different but still helpful. XD

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

how's it different? would love to hear how it's done elsewhere

[@christianlautenschlager9693]

@@Fixthisbuildthat well in Germany as i know there we 1put the new over the old when not noticeable or we remove the old tiles but not the rigibs. You calledt it Dry wall funny word. Well also there is no wood behind it (in most cases) but steel. That is what i noticed being Diferent from how you did it and how i know it, it´s done in germany. If there is something else you wana find out how it is done in germany i work am a wood carpenter myself. (with the wall, i got the knowloedge from working in a painting company.

[@UgY1994]

Im from Denmark which is close to germany, and ill say you doing it the same way in the video as "we" do. Ofc the layers behind the drywall is not the same. But you doing the same. maybe Christian just had a specific job where they needed to do it differently. Btw im a construction manager in my daily job.

[@markGibby]

Looks good. I did a little backsplash in my bathroom and I didn’t like doing it. It was hard work..

[@Jiangster]

Looks great! Good job!

[@thomasbrovarone7136]

Nicely done

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Thx, Tom!

[@alibuolayyan9038]

at 7:11 When you use snap cutter you will have two equal halves

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

yep, true. Another benefit of it

[@robertlura91]

Great job. Looking forward to trying this myself now

[@williamellis8993]

Looks great, Brad. How did you finish the exposed edge? Also don't forget to measure the height of the space to make sure you don't have a sliver at the top. And no "me" nails required this project. Take care. Bill

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Hey, Bill. I just caulked the edge but made sure that it was only finished tile on that side. So the ceramic glazing wraps around the tile then the caulk covers the rest

[@francishoover8633]

nice job. I usually butter the tile instead of the wall, it’s arbitrary tho. thin set doesn’t stick to spackle, better not to bother taping those drywall seams?!

[@radchander]

Nice job Safety tip: always turn off electricity before demo. If possible turn off gravity prior to installation. It can speed up the job and reduces mess.

[@TileReseller]

3x6 subway was always my favourite backsplash to do. Now I sell them and don’t go anywhere near installs lol

[@romnickambito3961]

Good job bro keep it up subscriber here from Philippines

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Awesome thank you!

[@kindle7191]

Professor Snape sighting had me in giggles!

[@robiandrich7860]

9:42 I am watching because this is currently me 😭🤣😭🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@fixedbyfiremen]

Good job, but a tile edge strip like Schluter edging would of made it more finished than a sharp tile edge. I do a lot of backsplashs and never do one without a finished edge

[@joaquinsuarez6090]

How do you attach the edger plastic or metal to wall?

[@Lurker01]

Just tile over old tiles. Use some grip and go. Huge time saver.

[@warriorwoodworking5136]

Speaking of not using a sawzall on drywall above the range… I was installing a vent to the outside for the microwave and drilling a pilot hole for my jigsaw, I unbeknownst to me drilled directly into the 220 wire which tripped the whole house breaker. After I checked to see if I had pissed myself, calmed down my wife, and counted all my fingers and toes, I found the drill had insulated me against the shock from the electricity but not against the shock the whole event was to my heart. Lesson Learned: Do not ever blindly go into any type of drywall removal using a tool that drills or cuts. Use the punch method by first knocking a hole in the drywall and then pulled it off the studs.

[@jakeklassen3702]

Pretty good job for a non pro. To get a better finish on the ends of cabinets try tile edging, a lot cleaner and better. Also the reason you were having problems with tile not wanting to move after a bit is because that was clay tile you were working with and that absorbs the moisture out of the glue. Plus you had raw drywall that does the same. You could’ve grouted the same day you set those tiles. That’s the one good thing about clay and drywall.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Considered an edge but didn't like the metallic look

[@jakeklassen3702]

@@Fixthisbuildthat that’s understandable. I’m guessing your supplier or where ever you went didn’t have much selection of edging because there’s actually tons of colours to choose from but Big box stores won’t have them all. It’s more of a tile speciality store thing.

[@joaquinsuarez6090]

@@Fixthisbuildthat They sell white plastic edging too.

[@Camperfanatic01]

Definitely use a laser level, but on a tripod so it doesn’t get in the way, just did this and definitely helped keep me level around a corner (L shaped kitchen).

[@marcopoulin1897]

Laser on kitchen splash only amateure use it

[@Camperfanatic01]

@@marcopoulin1897 might be true, but it let me do a professional job and saved me $. So I’d use it again.

[@stephenmiller6690]

They do make notched spreaders similar to a drywall knife or you can make your own by notching a Bondo spreader. Flooring and tile suppliers sell "notchers". And hopefully you kissed the cut edges at each end with a stone or sandpaper. They are as sharp as broken glass.

[@nachtdiertje1972]

Next time you do this, take down the uppercabinets. This is (mostly) a simple job, but makes the tiling much easier and saves your neck and you have a better overview of your work. First mark the bottomside of the cabinet ofcourse

[@nachtdiertje1972]

@@tombarnes4163 Nope, I always take them down. 15 minutes work, but much more comfort and overview during tiling.

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

We just had our cabinets painted so no way I was taking them down 😀

[@marcopoulin1897]

Stupide idea i do 100 splash year never remove

[@girishgudla]

nice job! safety tip: put your safety glasses when cutting those tiles.

[@warrenbutt3746]

Did you have to change the depth set of your outlet gang boxes to put the faces back on or did you use spacers? Or were they already pre-set and you used the same depth tile?

[@dbandera1798]

Looks great! I’d love you know what your countertops are.

[@intotopei]

Thanks for the video! Quick question, how did you make sure your first row was level? Thx

[@clerdall]

Did you move your outlets out to match the new depth of tiles or were they already the right depth?

[@aftonkarns1521]

Hey Brad - Question for you. I have a stone and grout kitchen backsplash and am wanting to remove it and put up white subway tiles. Do you recommend removed the whole wall like you did here?

[@hkbenedictma]

wow that looks like a lot of work! :)

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

It was!

[@desireel247]

What is the kitchen wall color you painted with? it looks very versatile and neutral, not too cool or warm.

[@obusventer4798]

Hi. Thanks for the video. Can you stick a tile on already painted drywall, or does it have to be onto an unpainted surface?

[@jayh8490]

damn, that kitchen looks great! you had a good tip in there that a lot of people don't do.... JUST PUSH THOUGH IT... don't give up with anything. Quitting is the only way you will fail

[@bobtallant5663]

About to start a similar project but checked the level on the countertop and it off by at least 7/8". How to proceed?

[@ignaciorodriguez700]

U should of use a finish on edge and to be more protected on ur outlets cover outlet and switches prongs with electrical tape

[@personalaccount4360]

I'm at the point where I put in the replacement drywall. I noticed that even though the old drywall was a 1/2" thick and the new drywall is 1/2" thick, the drywall sunk in a little closer to the studs than the old drywall. Is this okay?

[@johnc1280]

Doing a subway tile, can I use just mastic on existing painted drywall??

[@BQAggie2006]

A pack of baby wipes are also handy to keep around, really for any project, to clean up with.

[@LukeTheJoker]

Looks great! Come do my place next?

[@airmen_fresh]

Can you repair the wall without a sheetrock plate just use, wall mud to fix it?

[@andrewmuccillo]

9:50 for the "oh gosh compilation"

[@phillipreade9237]

Thanks!

[@Fixthisbuildthat]

Appreciate the Super Thanks!

[@grousgrek6560]

Nice job 👍 what kind of drywall mud did you use ?

[@TheLukemcdaniel]

You got into a groove adding the grout?

[@irainkoolaidTTV]

do you not have to collapse the compound ridges with subway tile?

[@Toyotajunkie]

Great job. And yes up is always better (in my opinion). Lol

[@Zamboni-0805]

Turned out very nice. BTW, di you paint your cabinrts yourself or did you have some do that for you. The rason I ask is I have some outdated oak cabinets that I would like to paint white, but I have heard a read that it is not as easy as one would think. Any insight on how you did yours wold be much appreciative. Thanks

[@andrey4549]

Looks good I do a ton of backsplash is and I always go from left to right it’s a lot easier

[@joaquinsuarez6090]

What about lefty people?

[@marcopoulin1897]

What about when you center the hood fan have to be the starting line

[@otrlonghaul]

How much would something like this cost?

[@sandravinup5102]

Hi Brad. In my son’s house even when he shuts the electric off at the box, he is shocked when he works on the electric. Even just putting a new outlet in he is zapped. Any idea what is going on there?

[@titanium2324]

Can you please make a video on how to use SketchUp? Or recommend someone? Thanks

[@johniii1220]

What did you use to extend the electrical outlets out to match the tile?

[@joaquinsuarez6090]

Just buy longer screws to secure them in place.