How to install a simple subway tile kitchen backsplash

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How to install a simple subway tile kitchen backsplash. Depending on the tile that is to be installed, and where it will be installed, it is sometimes appropriate to use mastic as an adhesive for the tile. When installing tile in a wet area such as a shower stall, mastic is not to be used, instead use a thinset mortar adhesive in areas that will be exposed to water. When using mastic to install subway tiles, ledger boards or bracing of the tile to prevent them from sliding down, will more than likely not be required. Mastic usually will hold a tile in place, unless the tile is very heavy. Mastic is a premixed adhesive that is sold in a bucket and is not thinset, and is not to be used in wet areas. A kitchen backsplash such as the one in this video is an instant where mastic is suitable. Use the correct size trowel to spread your mastic, the mastic bucket will have a description and a guide to help in the selection of the trowel for you tile. Once you have started to install your tile, always check to confirm that the coverage of adhesive on the back of the tile is adequate. Subway tiles more often than not will have automatic spacers on them; this will make it possible to just place a tile on to the next tile without the use of any other spaces. This is not always the case so check your tile before starting the installation. Once the tile is installed allow the mastic to set the appropriate amount of time before grouting.
All tile installed by Sal DiBlasi, Elite-tile Company, in the Boston North Shore area. This video contains affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission if you click on the product link.
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[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@JacanaProductions]

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

[@johnrespect4215]

Spacers? 7:07

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@4yh2soda]

This guy…daaang EXPERT. So humble too

[@yellowannie22]

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

[@HotelEdenMusic]

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

[@matthewmills6452]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@sarahharding3080]

This guy really knows what he's doing!

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@toshbarrio13]

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

[@slsrme]

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

[@SalDiBlasi]

😁

[@bmker5469]

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

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@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

[@patrickg1695]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@antoniojurado5049]

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

[@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.

[@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,

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@bmrjma2144]

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

[@mikevarga2058]

No

[@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.

[@earlywinter6749]

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

[@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.

[@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]

😊👍

[@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.

[@AndreiNavicon.]

Hello, can I use 1 mm spacers for this type of tiles?

[@felixscorpian]

Do I need a piece of wood behind the stove for the tiles to sit? I’m using 4 by 16 tiles. And do I need spacers for the first row at the bottom? Thanks sir

[@johnc1280]

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

[@lvmjiron]

I love how soothing your voice is :)

[@SalDiBlasi]

☺️

[@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.

[@saxjonz]

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

[@pikapower74]

Rajaذظسصيِ haashir Is it

[@jeanremybober623]

Lawrence Jones s

[@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.

[@westcoastrepairshandymanse4682]

Great job, Sal

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thank you kindly

[@SNeal5966]

Hey quick question.....why wouldn't you use thinset? B/c it's bonding to drywall?

[@laurenriggs1701]

Do you need to do some sort of grout after you've laid the tile?

[@Fullrusher]

Can i back butter tiles like these ? Thats are 3 by 6?

[@saulchimal5228]

nice video really help full but my question is how much to install in 40ft 3x6 tile??

[@SWhite-hp5xq]

Got skills old boy!

[@rabsmiff]

Beautiful work! Wish I had the confidence and equipment to do this.

[@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?

[@noname-ye7zj]

Nice job

[@nickbrodeur3940]

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

[@WayneHolland-p5e]

Thanks for the help!

[@GregScavezze]

What brand is the tile? Trying to find similar with built in spacers. So much easier!

[@maggiel5604]

Does the adhesive have to be going the same direction?

[@MTTCOM]

VERY GOOD JOB, ALSO VERY GOOD COMMUNICATION ( 10 )

[@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.

[@jamesbarsham8892]

Finishing a job started by a customer. They tiled over the screw holes for the recpticles. Any tricks or tips to cut them out?

[@Xofttam]

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

[@SalDiBlasi]

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

[@jmmybizzarri8273]

What type of grout do you use? Thanks

[@kyledewar2117]

Are you not supposed to leave a gap at countertop and fill with silicone for shifting?

[@FijiLaw]

Fast, nice, i watched abit on you tube and i notice all backslash are been done with no spacers

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yes, white unsanded grout. Forgot the camera the day I grouted

[@amysolomon2489]

Great demonstration!

[@laurar4465]

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

[@Fireship1]

Great video Sal.

[@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!

[@cahitsimsek8994]

beyond excellent sal.

[@mtnmonamona842]

Wow, gorgeous. You make it look so easy! I want to try doing it myself.

[@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?

[@gheester]

Nice vid. Why didn't you use spacers and grout?

[@perryunruh1007]

What kind of block were you sanding with?

[@estebanperdomo8651]

hi mr Dblasi you can set those pcs only on the sheet rock ?

[@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.

[@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

[@kennethearleyjr6105]

You are good with cutting that tile

[@zibakhan9867]

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

[@cristophermontoya2569]

Do you need to put grout? Even though the space is very narrow

[@SalDiBlasi]

yes

[@deankouka558]

Can you plz tell me how to prep a wall for back splash if one stud is protruding out making the dry wall bow outward!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Plain the stud down to get it in plane

[@lufrankpiarulli6650]

Sal, great as always. I am doing a 3x12 subway backsplash for a friend. No nubs so I will use spacers. Are 1/16 inch OK? Also in order for the tile to go up to the bottom of the upper cabinets would it be OK to set the tile cirectly on the granite countertop providing it is level?

[@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.

[@itsme7679]

Thanks for the video

[@SalDiBlasi]

No problem!

[@phillipforbes7569]

good job my friend. very professionally done

[@gonegirl5874]

Did you cut the corner tiles a special way to fit together? Like molding is cut in corners

[@alexandretoczy9159]

One word ... respect

[@suzi_willpower]

Thanks for the great tutorial.

[@raquelcastillo1343]

Great video!!!

[@julianmarcusesposito3503]

Great job my fellow Italiano

[@SalDiBlasi]

Grazie.