How to Tile a Splashback - the 'Proper Way'

[@SamuelFindlayFoodie_Sam]

I'm 30 seconds in and I'm totally onboard with this guy

[@NeonXXP]

One tip, having just cut tiles myself with an angle grinder before watching this, do a shallow cut across the entire desired area before going deep. That way if it snaps from vibrations it will not snap in an undesired place.

[@jamiegleave7620]

Worth noting too that when you cut thin pieces behind sockets, do NOT overtighten the screws when refitting sockets as they can create pressure points which can crack the tiles you've spent ages cutting.

[@1971wizzard]

Or if, in my house the plugs are inserted and yanked out this too can lead to cracks, no matter how careful the installation was!!!

[@stuartday1876]

Done this before, followed by words that would've made Bernard Manning blush!

[@AcheForWake]

Was coming to write the same advice 👍🏼

[@philipwardle6820]

Great demonstration :) Worth checking whether you might need longer screws for the electrical accessorories in advance of starting the job, to allow for thickness of tiles + adhesive. If not any issues can always be sorted out later, of course !

[@gaz99968]

Hi Like your videos. You should score the plasterboard with a Stanley knife and use SBR primer before tiling. Those tiles are only held on by the paint on the plasterboard and might delaminate in the future. 👍

[@chrisdrake447]

Cheers, Stuart! As a below-average DIYer with only one small tile job under my belt, I am grateful for this advice-packed episode. It’ll help me calm down and avoid (well, minimise) the slight sense of panic I always feel when starting such jobs.

[@davidjennings2179]

Hope it went well Chris

[@spaceantelope1]

You didn’t use a laser or a tile saw for a diy tile video, unlike every other tile video. Great great job!! Thank you!!! AAA+++

[@jameswhelan8139]

There is something so satisfying watching Stuart's video's. More top tips to help all of us amateur DIYers.

[@stuartday1876]

I would've used the silver trim along the top of the tiles too, instead of silicone, but obviously it's personal preference.

[@timtim4603]

I agree with what he’s saying about round sockets/switches, not easy areas to do, his work is first class and a natural teacher, thanks Stuart for all the people you have helped

[@nickjordan2276]

Watched this video a few times and I have now completed my first subway tile splash back... Really useful.

[@FrankWoodPhotography]

Perfect timing. I’m about to tackle mine!

[@valborchardt3596]

Thank you dear, great job. Something i seriously need. This house is rented and whoever put the kitchen in never knew what tiles are. Thanks again

[@davidblake1663]

As always; clear, concise, well-edited, informative, and presented better than any of the DIY shows on TV. You're great. You help people. I wish your channel every success.

[@dogbreath6974]

Another great video Stuart. One small tip, I would cover the sockets with a small plastic bag to protect from adhesive/grout marks, excellent tutorial otherwise.

[@philipmorris57]

Or low tack tape ❤

[@derekhansen7508]

Nowhere to hide filming tiling close up Stewart so well done. Excellent quality work.

[@101projects2]

I did this exact Job a few years ago, practically a carbon copy, same surface area same subway tile, several plug sockets to navigation round, literally only different was the colour of tile I used, I watched several YT beforehand took what I thought was the best advice from them all and just took my time, turned out perfect, The method I used was exactly the same as in this video, nice to know I did it right first time, good thing as I've since taken on several tiling jobs around the house since using the same method, only thing I'd say is don't over tighten plug sockets screws and you may need to use longer screws as the added tile thickness means they'll be to short.

[@NilaPhillips]

Do you need special electric screws for wall sockets?

[@AdityaMehendale]

14:41 Hindsight is 20x20- would you consider using a white silicone-caulk *just* in the wee bits around your cabinet? That would hide the imperfections in the cuts there, creating a more uniform overall seam, visually.

[@jeffclark4834]

Proper DIY taught by a proper teacher. Cheers mate, really clear instruction.

[@bartoncessna1]

Excellent results as usual. White tiles + black grout = no hiding place! Great job.

[@swbjackson]

One thing extra I would have done is to put blastic bags around the sockets. It saves any chance of getting adhesive or grout stuck down the side of the switch.

[@joline2730]

SWB: I use masking tape 👍👍

[@gmac5112]

Currently doing renovations in my place. Use your channel as my go to. Only recently found your UAE channel as well 🇦🇪. My go to hoilday location😂

[@DavosSuperColoring]

Well I was gonna say a 2 mm spacer will push the first row under the hidden spot of the socket and switch, I have to admit on a larder splashback it's most of the time 2 rows around them ... fair to say it took you more to edit this video than the actual job ... great content

[@63lilypad]

Excellent video, thanks Stuart, I can;t wait to get started on my laundry project.

[@TJRayMusic]

Thanks for this! Having been a DIY man for a very long time I’ve only just needed to do some tiling. This video was spot on for instruction on the basics of tiling. Honestly, I’ve done all sorts but never tiled. Thank you

[@chunkymunky1974]

Great video, very helpful. Tip with the bin liners was revolutionary

[@joemakesnoise]

Awesome, need to do this soon. You always pop up with the right video at the right time. Thanks 😁👍

[@streaky81]

I'm one of those few people in the country. No way you could have done this video a month ago when I was doing mine? Had nothing but trouble cutting sockets out - dremel with a tile cutting bit over a piece of polystyrene saved me when even an electric tile cutter couldn't, even where the hole wasn't in the middle of the tile (sigh) I had some fairly thin pieces that refused to not snap. I removed my glass splashback that my house came with and honestly I'm happier for it, looks far more consistent and less of an afterthought; small wooden wedges and a rubber mallet and it came off easier than I expected, probably worth taping it first just in case though. If you have a mono-colour decor as I do and it looks like you do IMHO it's a good opportunity to add some colour, I got some nice teal metro tiles. My tip would absolutely be removing adhesive from in between after it's had a little time to set but not so much it's dried fully, far easier and less messy than when it's wet and far far easier than set. I used a filling knife to apply adhesive to the tiles around my sockets so i didn't break them as you did, that's how bad it got for me - worked out in the end though.

[@David-bl1bt]

Always worth dragging along a tile spacer held with a pair of pliers along the grout gaps to clear out residual adheaive. Or those you could wooden stirring sticks that you get in mcdonalds, just trim the end to the grout width size with a Stanley knife. I Always stock-up with hand full of wooden stirrers at every opportunity as they have a multitude of uses...stirring paint, varnish, mixing epoxy, using as shims, filling in narrow gaps in wood, a pseudo trowel for getting into tigh spaces and corners to name a few.....and they're free!

[@andandand2376]

Very useful…I feel ready to tackle my kitchen splash back now.

[@davenrale]

Lovely job

[@Paulsmith-sp2jp]

Brilliant video, very informative and detailed without dragging on, keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@aebel7035]

Looks amazing! Love the dark grey grout finish

[@Quaker521]

Nice job Stuart, it looks great. And you were right, the grey grout really ties the tiles into your cupboards. Great video.

[@abbcc555]

superb job

[@saschabrukoski2734]

02:54 Okay some smart person is gonna design a website where you enter in your tiling area, tile size, and spacing etc.. and it draws out where to start and all the cuts :D Fantastic job btw.. great channel 👍

[@Retrobution]

YESSSSSS! This is the reaction I had when I searched about this task and saw you had uploaded a video about it. Being delayed by plumbers and electricians for months it worked out that the kitchen has been a demolition site since october and left me with only 3 weeks before christmas to get all of the old cabinets out, new false wall added, dot dab walls all around, new ceiling, rewire and mostly everything is done by myself and my father (retired builder). So often i'd get stuck on something that I need some advice for (levelling the cabinets for example, using a level drove me absolutely bonkers, using a laser level with a small piece of wood with a line drawn on it saved the day). I will be tiling next week so am going to absorb this video and then go for it. ONE tip I would add though - it's a good idea to use a little plastic food wrapping bag to just put over a socket whilst it's pulled out.

[@Soultransurfer]

A good video, full of info and amazing results after. Thanks for the confidence. 💪🏼

[@glowaustralia8535]

Thanks for an incredibly easy and insightful overview on the process of tiling. I was worried, but now know this is a very simple process.

[@liamoreilly308]

Just found your channel this morning, wow. The time and effort you take in explaining what DIY job your are doing in the video is great. Love the story stick idea as it gives a geat picture as to where the tiles will be laid giving a better understanging of the lay out. Keep the great videos comming as they give would be DIY'ers a better chance of completing difficult jobs around the house.

[@Loppy2u]

Professional clean result.

[@bluecurlygirl]

Another great well explained video. Thanks Stuart.

[@sophiawallo6923]

Thank you for this, my partner and I are renovating our first house together and I'm about to go tile our backsplash for our new kitchen!! Many thanks for the amazing video

[@johnwallis96]

Great job as always brill

[@singhivan]

Excellent job. Turned out great. Love the grout colour. It really has a great contrast against the white tile. Cheers ✌️

[@David-bl1bt]

Yes, contrasting grout can create a stunning result.

[@simonhinson9367]

That’s a great job and I’m sure earned you a few brownie points from the Mrs too.

[@David-bl1bt]

Until she discovered black grout residue in her gravy jug 😱😂

[@HandyChick]

Thank you Stuart, great job, looks the bizz x

[@mikezachan7117]

Mate I’d be happy with that well done!

[@garulusglandarius6126]

Beautiful job as always Stuart 👍

[@UrWifesVibrator502]

Looks great. I would have put trim across the top of the short exposed tile next to the cabinets as well.

[@LMCWUE]

some great tips .Your work is flawless.Solid tradesman!

[@Jonbuildz]

It's on my project list next to do, however will be taking the splash back from behind the cooker to have a full tile backing :)

[@leesullivan8283]

Agreed with the comments re tiling over paint - don't. Never ever use PVA - only sbr. To save time removing the grout from between the tiles, place the tile with the edge touching the adjacent tile and move it sideways. If laying a tile on a line of tiles, make sure it touches both edges and simply move out and up - then put the spacers in. Saves chipping the edge of the tiles by using a scraper or a Stanley knife.

[@sergiolalopez3598]

Love how you've grown ❤️ Looks amazing. Great editing, good music... Love it ✌🏽️✌🏽️✌🏽️

[@julietphillips1991]

Perfect from prep to finish!

[@tonyhawk123]

Nicely explained. Cheers

[@pwissink1]

Very useful video and right on time👍

[@alf1982]

7:13 be careful when using an angle grinder and holding the piece that you're cutting. 3 weeks ago I cut my thumb doing exactly that. The cut resistant gloves were no match for the grinder. I've still got my thumb, and it's currently operating at about 75% functionality. I hope that'll increase when it's fully healed.

[@David-bl1bt]

Yep, SAFETY 1st DIY second👍

[@patrickjay6434]

You are defo my favourite DIY channel. Another great tutorial, thanks for sharing! 👍🏿

[@ThatNiceDutchGuy]

A clear explanation, exactly what I needed.

[@maciej9280]

the file You used on tiles, is it a special one or just standard metal file?

[@ralphtaylor5328]

Stuart - generally you will need longer screws for the electrical switches and sockets.

[@Kx110x]

Nicely done , and that tile cutter is definitely a very professional bit of kit . Best wishes as always 😀👍👍🤪

[@hyland1984]

I can vouch for this video. Did a 6 sqm in my house last week. Everything Stuart says is accurate. However, with awkward pieces, I found the angle grinder left chips and with the bevels, the tile cutter doesn't really work on small pieces - they break the whole tile. Hindsight, I should have bought a wet tile cutter.

[@David-bl1bt]

Or use a hand held tile saw, great for small intricate pieces, easy to control & keeps dust in-check. They aren't expensive but worth their weight in gold for getting you out of tricky situations.

[@hyland1984]

@David-bl1bt cheers for that. I'll be tackling the bathroom next year so doing the 6 sqm tiling in the kitchen was a practice in learning.

[@litessesine]

Thanks! All I needed to start my project 😊

[@SimonBurke-ny2qr]

Thank you Stuart I’m definitely going to tackle our splash back now 👏

[@tomalex4806]

Looks really nice. I did cringe when using the tape with the silicone seal at the end but the tiles look brill

[@streaky81]

I dunno, I used to do that but I kept finding the finish is better not - but with such a huge colour contrast I can totally understand it; seems to me the edge needs to be absolutely flawless else it's going to look weird.

[@Chriskreepa]

Black silicone is a little risky for the average DIYer right?

[@David-bl1bt]

​@streaky81 ...indeed, not for the feint hearted😱...mask a line first with painters masking tape, smooth off the silicone several passes, then gingerly remove the tape.

[@leewalerzak]

If using bigger tiles get the spacers with levelling wedges makes a nice flush surface

[@markirish7599]

Brilliant demonstration of how its done. Proper 👍

[@jeffgarnett1031]

Cheers for the video and advice,about to tackle the same type job in coming days 🤞

[@ricardo-c4l7l]

Great video, as always, Stuart. For DIYers attempting this using thick tiles, you may find the electric socket screws being too short to engage the corresponding lugs in the electric box. No problem, just buy longer ones- but make sure they match the ones you replace (brass or s/steel).

[@jasimog]

If longer matching screws are hard to find then try back box extension studs instead (eg Toolstation 79641).

[@NilaPhillips]

​@@jasimogdo they need to be electric screws?

[@craigjardine3989]

Great video. Perfect pace and content

[@teresabell1014]

Some really good tips !

[@andrewandlm]

This could not come at a better time. Just about to tile a small area and wondering how to start.

[@jonb8241]

Cracking work, as per usual 😊

[@David-bl1bt]

Thankfully not, at least not on-camera anyway😮

[@andyc972]

Great Job Stuart, another tutorial packed with useful hints & tips, gained you some Brownie points from Mrs Matthews too I trust ! The dark grout makes a nice contrast, but more importantly won't get stained and discoloured like a white one, when (inevitably) the splash back gets erm... splashed !

[@jasoncole7711]

Nice tile cutter - which one is that?

[@rorywheeldon1623]

Nice one Stuart, Thank's.

[@philipwilliams8114]

Bin bags are a great tip 👍🏻

[@joshpickles9022]

Thank you for a great demonstration.

[@frankblack1481]

For paler colors of grout in a backsplash, sealing after might be a good idea.

[@russelldawson9560]

You didn't advise that it is crucial when (as in your project) you are tiling both sides of your glass backing, you need to ensure that the tiles either side of the glass are cut to the same size. It will look a dog if you do each side differently. Just adding another aspect to the planning.

[@relaxreflect5888]

Looks great my mate! I’m glad to see you didn’t do what I did once 🙄 I grouted my whole bathroom wall that I just tiled but for some reason I thought you had to wait for the grout to set then remove the access of the tiles! 😂🤦🏼‍♂️ needless to say, I had to remove all the tiles and start again. Obviously this was in the days before youtube

[@streaky81]

Welp.

[@WasLostButNowAmFound]

😂

[@francescadoyle8359]

At least you didn't rinse it i 3:20 nto the bath, rinse with a thimbleful of water and leave it to set on the waste of pipe. A real-life DIY horror that I inherited many years ago!! Other occupants had lived with this state of affairs for many years and hadn't the gumption to remedy it. 😂

[@carltrummer9103]

Thank you very much for this instructive video.

[@peterrobertbowers7639]

A very good. Instructional video to watch.. considering that, i too… as yet, have a kitchen wall to tile. I’m, also using metro tiles, with ready mix adhesive in a tub. ( i like those tiles) easy to work with, i would imagine. And also… i will be using that Dremel tool, to cut the tiles with for the sockets; so that will be interesting. i will also be using ready mix black grout to finish the job. The only difference being is… as opposed to yourself, is…. I’m absolutely rubbish at DIY. I’ve never tiled before. i started fitting a new kitchen around 2 years ago; and still have not finished as yet. But i guess you learn by your mistakes, as you go along. i just hope that.. when it comes to tiling, my kitchen wall; i end up making a good job at it, rather than botching it all up. This is where your video comes in handy. i will pop back into B&Q or Wicks at some point to see what else, i can buy towards finishing the kitchen off. Many thanks. Friday pm 27th October 2023. Southampton England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@JohnJones-wo1bc]

Great tips, thank you!

[@DjbreedKronikaudio]

Thanks as ive agreed to tile my uncles kitchen , thought id give it a go

[@cornwallkid100]

Nice little job but looks very pro ....👌👌👌

[@christianjanes]

Another great video. For entirely selfish reasons please could you do a video on laying a deck. Please and thank you.

[@360PhoenixFlip]

Great video! I’d love to see how much all of this costed

[@lizzyh3051]

Great I am thinking of having a go, but I don't have a straight edge to start from.. How do you get a straight horizontal line to start from when nothing is straight??? Hope you can help

[@ThePhilvantwo]

Corrugated plastic is better for protecting worktops, or even cardboard! I always use latex gloves and apply adhesive to the back of the tile.

[@peterlavelle3261]

great vid! simple, clear instructions... gave me confidence to do my first tiling job and it's turned out amazingly! would benefit from a follow-up/extended video to show how to do the "more awkward parts" (like my kitchen was full-of!) eg. uneven walls, worktop not perfectly flush (gaps at back) outward facing corners (not 90deg)

[@HBFREEWORLD]

Impressive - neat job .

[@kylsters]

Really well done

[@naschahoof7934]

Alot of specific tools needed really. If you're only ever gonna do this once or twice is it worth investing in them over getting someone else to do it?

[@paul_my_plumbs_uk]

😍😍😍👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿 More importantly was the Mr's happy???

[@1Goldigger1]

Brilliant video and explained everything clearly 👍.. I've got a similar space and layout to tile and I have the same tiles, which size tile spacers did you use?

[@devjon123]

We have a fitted kitchen with a tiled splashback between the worktop and the wall cupboards. One of the cupboards has a recess at the back that contains the Electricty meter and consumer unit. We decided to have a Smart Meter fitted but when octopus came to fit the meter he discovered that the incoming mains fuse is sitting behind the tiled splashback 😮The tiles are on a 10mm plaster board so I'm wondering if it would be possible to cut through a section of the grout and plaster to make an access panel 🤔

[@ezzerakhshan7938]

Hi there.. such helpful video. Sorry for the dumb questions but this is our first time doing DIY in our first house and we want to do our splash back. So 4 dumb questions: Do we actually need the trowel for putting the adhesive? Can we not do that with any flat headed scraper for example and what’s the significance of using the serrated edge of the trowel for this purpose? 2. Do we need the float as well or can again use just piece of foam maybe? 3. Also is grouting necessary.. can’t the adhesive be used alone to fill the gaps by putting enough in and if of the same colour as the grout? 4. Also are those small plastic spacers necessary? Thank you for reading the dumb question and thank you in advance for answering them 😅

[@sudo_nym]

The use of a chinagraph pencil is invaluable on jobs like this.