How to install a simple subway tile kitchen backsplash

[@itgetter9]

Who else yelled out loud at 5:09? He caught it right away and fixed it, though! Serious professional, man. And thank you for this video - very helpful.

[@marcfavell]

I must say anyone talking lip or saying you did not learn anything in this video, because you could not understand him or you in your opinion honestly believe he is doing something wrong with installation, I very highly suggest you watch all of the rest of his videos, because this gentleman is a master in his craft, has the best videos on KZbin hands down, no argument end of story, capiche!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Capiche, 😉

[@paulmcdonald312]

But he doesn't even use spacers, so no, he isn't a master Craftsman!

[@WhiteBoyizFresh]

Paul Mcdonald read description before you talk some tiles come with spacers think before you talk so much negatively these days.

[@jean-philippebelhomme7595]

Paul McDonald's. Usualy i Nevers comment on KZbin comment. But your comment is very disrespectfull. You dident lisened to aller the video, because at 7 minutes, he explain why he dont use space. You should Say sorry to this men (My english is bad. Not m'y first langage)

[@churrosmcchurros6909]

He may very well be awesome. But he could also certainly use some subtitles.

[@dougaloo]

Thanks, Sal, for this helpful video. I like how you got right down to work without a 7-minute intro on what you're going to do. My son and I will be using your video tomorrow to guide us through a kitchen backsplash project just like this one.

[@dougpeters1625]

there's other backsplash videos on KZbin but I keep coming back to this one- this guy is a no nonsense old world craftsman and it's one of the best videos out there. Great job!

[@JacanaProductions]

No spacers, no laser level, I like it - just getting it done! Excellent!!!

[@johnrespect4215]

Spacers? 7:07

[@SalDiBlasi]

If you just have a little patience, i do put the camera down on a tripod. I am just a tile setter not a movie mogul, my expertise with the camera is limited.

[@erictindall5807]

Can you use a grinder with diamond blade to cut the tile?

[@SalDiBlasi]

@@erictindall5807 you can and I often do, but a wet saw is a must have for most jobs if you plan to do more than just a backsplash.

[@erictindall5807]

Thank you sir

[@emilinebelle7811]

No worries! You’ll get it in time. People got to be critics. Makes them feel all warm inside. Wish I was as handy as you!

[@RCOU97]

Sal, This is a great video. I just did my kitchen backsplash and it turned out great. I learned how to spread the mastic, cut outlets, use my new wet saw and lay out the tiles in 10 minutes. Thanks!

[@SalDiBlasi]

+RCOU97 you are welcome

[@eitay10]

Nurse cheac

[@mathteacher2651]

I have never seen such skill! You are better than those guys on "Ask this Old House." It is always a pleasure to see a Master at his craft!

[@yellowannie22]

I'm telling you this guy is an artist !!!

[@bmrjma2144]

Did anyone else love the sound of trowel in the fast speed?😄

[@mikevarga2058]

No

[@davescopes249]

I've noticed some people mentioned about no spacers. I was a tiler for about 26 year's. many customers do like to see them used. but to be honest a good tiler won't always use them especially with smaller tiles or on a floor. many tiles are shaped at the edge to create a space. I've done much of my tiling just as neat without them. much of the time it's to stop a larger tile from sliding down the wall. great video mate

[@Guayas59]

dave Scopes he showed as well that the tiles had spacers built in.....

[@leahstites9484]

"simple" HAH! That socket cut was a work of art.

[@dario7000]

It will come off,mastic on the primed drywall omg,not professional job

[@spendover]

That cut wasn’t great believe me, it was shocking… the mistake on the bottom would have been visible once the socket front went on. Use an angle grinder not one of those cheap wet cutters

[@4yh2soda]

This guy…daaang EXPERT. So humble too

[@morganash6358]

Man, I just did my kitchen backsplash myself. I have never tiled anything in my life. And you make it look so easy. I was struggling and sweating for 3 days lmao!! Great job, hopefully Ill be as good as you one day!!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@HotelEdenMusic]

Man, you are scary fast and efficient. Nice job.

[@matthewmills6452]

Um... he fast forwards the video when he works.

[@sarahharding3080]

This guy really knows what he's doing!

[@supertrucker1960]

Thank you for uploading this video. I redid backsplash in kitchen 3 weeks ago and your video answered any question I had about job.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Some times you get lucky, some times you don't.In this case i would have been short of the corner by a small amount, so on the long wall i started making the spaces between the tiles just ever so slightly wider to make up that difference. Not wide enough to be noticed but, enough to do the job. This is sometimes possible sometimes not. If not, start with a half tile where the short wall ends and work back to the corner and make those tiles smaller so that they seem to be folded.

[@jsmcguireIII]

Sadly, I didn't have enough tiles to finish my job. It was just too fewtile.

[@SalDiBlasi]

😜😁

[@buffyvachon8026]

timber_beast 😂

[@Pyxe_ZA]

Nice one

[@samhuntley344]

Me, with absolutely no experience, was like "why no spacers?!?" and then at 7:07, Sal saw fit to school me. I appreciate this video!

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊

[@joedunn2545]

Lol I did also.

[@patrickg1695]

Just seeing this vid now. As a tile guy, if you are wondering this guy knows what he’s doing. Pay attention.

[@toshbarrio13]

If people dislike don't watch his videos , personal I liked it!

[@David_P132]

This guy is an artisan, he makes it look easy - it's not! Notice how he quickly cut that tile on the wet saw - for me it would break in two every time if that thin.

[@shaymoose17]

David P that's bc you're so jacked bro! Lol

[@renaissancemen1]

What I do Sal, to make the cutouts around the outlets easier. I buy those pack out boxes. They come in various thicknesses according to the tile you're using. No need to make the screw hole cut out. Square cutouts every time. Especially if you're installing a backsplash that already has outlets and switches installed. Take it for what you will.

[@kristinnuendo]

I’m about to install kitchen backsplash, which I have never done before. Glad you showed the wet saw cause I’ve never used one, but today I have to!

[@Mardasee]

I'm installing subway tile in my kitchen. Never tiled before and I'm a little nervous. First I had to remove the old tile and I used plaster of paris to patch the torn wall areas. I didn't tear the wall apart but some of the plaster skim coat pulled off exposing the drywall paper. I also used a paper stapler on the drywall to prevent the paper from expanding outwards after plastering which happened in the beginning. My uncle use to do kitchens and baths and I remember him telling me about the stapling trick and use lots of staples. My plastering job was rough but the wall is now vertically level and strong. Well I'm all prepared to start tiling now...after I finish my coffee.

[@SalDiBlasi]

I have had that cutter for 30 years, and my father-in-law had it for 20 years before he gave it to me. I have changed the handle on it a couple of times

[@1suraj]

Sal DiBlasi hi, your work is brilliant. Would you be able to help me please? My kitchen worktop is 1200mm long and its uneven. It raises 2mm at the right end. How do I ensure all my tiling is even? Your help would be much appreciated. Thank you.

[@umersumra5206]

Goon wark

[@canadianbacon79]

@@1suraj start at the highest end, and grind out the bottom and keep starting level consistent with other side. First row make sure is level. You won't notice 2mm less on side, but you'll notice uneven 2mm

[@roclayson]

Hi Sal. I just finished a shower with the exact same tile on the floor and 3x6 subway tile on the walls. The client wanted herringbone in a vertical pattern. Very tedious but it turned out well after watching all your tips and videos.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@llc1976]

I was wondering why no spacers. Man U make it look easy!!

[@bheron01]

The tiles have little nubs on them which act as spacers.

[@somoni]

So professional and you made it look so easy!gathering up the courage to do my backsplash myself! Thanks for the informative video!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@slsrme]

Ok....I can watch you put the mastik on all day...the sound is awesome...lol

[@SalDiBlasi]

😁

[@jayd4256]

Sal, you take your time and do it right. Wish you were in the Houston area because the guy that did my backsplash did a horrible job. Seems to be a common theme here in Houston.

[@ericwilkinson6758]

Thanks for your amazing videos! I have learned so much from watching! I just finished tiling my own kitchen backsplash with skills I learned from this video! Thanks Sal!

[@czoubek]

I thought you were about to make me an offer I couldn't refuse. Brought to you by the God father :) Great video.. you are clearly a seasoned professional

[@lowesonia8551]

Excellant work from some one, who has seen a lot of shoddy, craftsmen in her life.

[@SalDiBlasi]

+LOWE sonia I have probably seen more than you, and ripped many of them out.

[@IndependenceCityMotoring]

I'm reading in a few places not to start from bottom, but to start from second row to ensure things are level throughout.

[@SalDiBlasi]

If you are reading on DIY places, then ignore them and follow what a 35 year pluis installer does. Check out some of my other 773 videos.

[@bmker5469]

You make it look so easy. Everytime I do tiling it looks like a Roman road.

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@pamelacurtis6278]

Thanks so much, great video. My diy white subway tile back splash came out perfect with all your great pro tips.

[@TheSacredlizzy]

Was it hard ?

[@pamelacurtis6278]

@@TheSacredlizzy It was pretty easy only took a weekend to complete

[@alexandretoczy9159]

One word ... respect

[@quietkey2003]

Great job and my eyes seen what your skills were doing. Your explanations were great and I understood them. Thank you for taking the time to share your talent(s)....peace

[@SWhite-hp5xq]

Got skills old boy!

[@WayneHolland-p5e]

Thanks for the help!

[@earlywinter6749]

Awesome instruction. I am going to try this in my kitchen.

[@lvmjiron]

I love how soothing your voice is :)

[@SalDiBlasi]

☺️

[@greencitypainting6015]

Great video!! What is the sanding tool you use around 2:50 of your video to knock down the rough edge of the tile?

[@antoniojurado5049]

Wow!! Outstanding work! You could've done it wearing a tuxedo and nobody would've known that you worked before the party 😅

[@MrDoug527]

I get it!! Subway tile is in, I installed it myself four months ago. It's the porcelain tile that isn't in. Natural stone is it. Not something that looks like it belongs in a 80s McDonald's restroom.

[@cedarandsound]

MrDoug527 right...better to look like a 1970's new york subway or a pink floyd album cover. plus porcelain is more durable.

[@rickseifert9040]

A true craftsman

[@nickbrodeur3940]

thanks for getting back to me, and look forward to your next video

[@kimharmon6387]

Wonderful video! Really liked how you explained how measuring, notching, clipping with the tile nippers by showing each step ! The camera angles were great! Felt like I was there looking over your shoulder. We are getting ready to tile my backsplash today - so happy we found your video will be referring back to it a few times as we go! Thank you!

[@amysolomon2489]

Great demonstration!

[@sarahmorris599]

Thanks for this! I'm working up my confidence to do my own backsplash, and your video helped tremendously.

[@4ndrewthe]

+Amanda McCall and I's te bestest english spoker in the earth. You tell her, stuck up proofreader, LOL.

[@tlrandel]

+Amanda McCall Srsly. I'm sure there are some writing/editing blogs they could troll. "Come for the tiling knowledge, leave with a priggish scolding." WTF.

[@saxjonz]

Thanks for sharing! You are a bloody artist. Clean, quick and easy. Awesome video.

[@pikapower74]

Rajaذظسصيِ haashir Is it

[@jeanremybober623]

Lawrence Jones s

[@freddymccarthy9727]

better marker is a "Sharpie-twin tip" which will show up brighter, rubs offeasily from glazed surfaces and can be seen when using high-rev wet saw...have fun everyone and don't spread too much mastic at one time for your first try...F

[@josephtaylor6285]

My cousin, I can't understand you. I had to go to another site to learn. The terrible thing about it was that your site was the first one I got to, which should have been an advantage. Thought you needed to know.

[@robertallen8385]

Sal, doing a backsplash with 3 x 6 travertine tile. What size notch trowel should I use? Also, doing a mosaic tile insert over my cooktop. What size notched trowel should I use for this? I enjoy your informative videos and your expertise. Thank You,

[@noname-ye7zj]

Nice job

[@BW-xz6ol]

Sal. Thank you. Quick question. Do you get paid more if I watch the ads without skipping? For you I would watch the whole ad. Great channel!

[@kurtwm2010]

looks great and you made it look easy. I am about to do the very same, also using subway tile. Let's see if I can get it done in 10 minutes and 6 seconds.

[@tannudolltannudoll511]

Kurt M

[@raquelcastillo1343]

Great video!!!

[@MTTCOM]

VERY GOOD JOB, ALSO VERY GOOD COMMUNICATION ( 10 )

[@markozcortez4278]

These tiles will pop out with the time you need to put some pressure on tiles or move then side to side that way they will get appropriate bonding

[@williamtowle30]

Schluter is cheap and such a better way to finish outsides

[@mickeyblue4731]

Awesome. You are truly an artisan!

[@jm-wi5ob]

I cut everyway with everytool in my arsenal and it just didn't work.. I went to the hardware store and purchased mosiac back splash and cut the thin pieces I needed that matched. thanks for the reply man keep up the good work and videos coming!

[@barkingshark6413]

Nice work...too bad you don’t live by me...I’d put you to work. Love the chip out for the outlet screw.

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@westcoastrepairshandymanse4682]

Great job, Sal

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thank you kindly

[@highlydoubtthat4578]

Fun and informative to watch, for sure. Question, what "sanded the edge" of the cut tile? (the white block) The fresh cut edges look way better when they are rounded over and loved when Sal did that.

[@suzi_willpower]

Thanks for the great tutorial.

[@cahitsimsek8994]

beyond excellent sal.

[@zibakhan9867]

Thank you for sharing.... very very help full

[@SuperEzzle]

So helpful! Thanks!

[@aleklysikov6033]

I didn’t see your stove hood!?? Anyway you need to start under hood area please! Left and right side same size tile proportions! You need make gap between countertop and tile =1/16.??? I’m professional tile worker just 26 years in USA.

[@marlea1988]

Oh yea I'm doing my own backsplash for sure.

[@kennethearleyjr6105]

You are good with cutting that tile

[@itsme7679]

Thanks for the video

[@SalDiBlasi]

No problem!

[@Linn85]

Seems easy enough! Although I am nervous about the cutting of the tile.. And you need to have the first tiles be different sizes no matter what, otherwise it will be the same pattern all the way?

[@ryanrummer9]

Brilliant. Very helpful and watchable.

[@mohammedmsq1767]

Experience cameing after work thanks

[@jimjimskimmer1935]

looks EXCELLENT!

[@Holabella]

Woo-hoo, lol I did this! Thanks to you! I've een wanting to add marble to the inside of a faux fireplace, but, I've been so nervous. Watched your vid, got some confidence going, bought my tools and voila the fireplace is marbled up with Emperador subway tiled. Mastic us still curing fingers crossed! Um yeah when you're offsetting the subway like you did here and have to use spacers you have to cut off a corner so they look like Ts that was annoying but overall it was easy piecy.

[@reyo4129]

Great job, like it, I have learned a lot, simple and look good!

[@Fireship1]

Great video Sal.

[@rneustel222]

Looks great. Thanks for the video!

[@xxperezositoxx]

Great video!! Just i got a question. Did you put the plaster or the mix directly to the drywall?

[@SalDiBlasi]

There is no plaster, but adhesive did go directly on the drywall.

[@xxperezositoxx]

ah ok, thank you.

[@michellezito5542]

Dear Sal- Yours is the only tutorial that gives me confidence to do this myself! I appreciate your approach and clear instructions. What tile cutting options would you suggest for a budget do-it-yourselfer? Would appreciate any advice! Thank you...Michelle

[@SalDiBlasi]

That would all depend on what kind of tile you intend to install, and how often you intend to use them. If it is one job with a soft wall tile, then the cheapest wet saw and manual cutter you can find. On the other hand if you intend to install harder tile or do several installs, I would suggedt buying more substantial tools, the best tools that your budget will allow, you could also rent tools, but that can quickly add up if you need them often or keep them for longer periods.

[@michellezito5542]

Thanks for the reply Sal! My tile is the same that you are using in your demo, except smaller size (2"x4") I bought a hand-held tool that scores the tile and with a squeeze of the handles, breaks it apart. (Cost:$9!!!) Good for cutting tile in half. After watching your demo closely, I don't think it will help for cutting sections around outlets though, so I will look for a cheap wet saw.( I am only doing one kitchen backsplash...)Thank you for your advice! Much appreciated! ~ Michelle

[@SalDiBlasi]

michelle zito

[@rtaylor3350]

michelle zito we bought a decent wet saw and have used it for a one install already, and plan to use it for a couple more. After you know you are done with ever installing tile, you could always sell it 2nd hand. We did that with tools needed to install 2 rooms with wood floors. We have now used same tools for 6 other rooms, so money spent was well worth it rather than renting :)

[@michellezito5542]

Ruth Taylor Thanks Ruth! I am tiling as much as I can, saving the outlets for last.. Haha!! I'm saving the fun for last, eh?.I think I may be able to borrow a wet saw from a friend!

[@suuptheen]

Great video.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks!

[@julianmarcusesposito3503]

Great job my fellow Italiano

[@SalDiBlasi]

Grazie.

[@SalDiBlasi]

This will not always work, but some how you have to give the visual effect of folding the corners to make it look right.

[@joegaragozzo1640]

True pro! Thanks for sharing.

[@southwestontario]

THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO!! Very helpful!! Amazing work!

[@Gamefeedvids]

Good job that, very impressive

[@Xofttam]

Automatic spacer tiles, never seen those before, wish mine had that!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Used to be very common, hard to find these days.

[@markgonzalez8828]

I would had used a level to get a reference. After 3 or for rows. Make sure it’s even if the counter top is off. Not sure if you centered the length of the kitchen. Schluter metal it’s the way to go on the sides. I’m not saying how to do it. I’m just sharing some things others can use. I also put a strip of wood the the tiles stay there without going down on the stove area.

[@joev4545]

I no longer use adhesive . Found that hot glue gun work much better, 3 dabs on tile, place on wall, sets almost instantly. No falling off or sagging. Even works with stone tiles.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Bad idea, it may seem to work, but it is a failure waiting to happen. take it from an experienced installer with more than three decades of installing tile and ripping out stupid stuff like you suggest.

[@nickbrodeur3940]

thanks, I have a tile saw but was wondering If any of those would work to save some time

[@SalDiBlasi]

+nick brodeur Subway tile is soft, so it probably will work, but i can't say for sure.

[@perryunruh1007]

What kind of block were you sanding with?

[@AQuiltmom]

This is a great how to video. Do you have any plans to do one showing how to prep the backsplash area? Can you apply the mastic to drywall joint compound, or does it have to be primed first? And what do you do if the counter isn't level? Ours has a slope.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Here is a series of videos that show from prep to end result. Ever backsplash is different, I can't possibly show every scenario.

[@AQuiltmom]

Sure, no one can show everything that someone might need. Did you mean to link to a series?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yes it is a series of videos for a backsplash I did, start to finish, there might be some helpful info in it.

[@laurar4465]

Can you do my kitchen? LOL. Great job. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@phillipforbes7569]

good job my friend. very professionally done