How to Install a Subway Tile Backsplash

"A multi-wall, floor-to-ceiling subway tile backsplash? Count me in!" said Daniel, somewhat impulsively.
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[@lowes]

FYI - All the tools and materials I used for this project are shown at 14:01 for your screen-grabbing convenience. Go forth and conquer that tile aisle with a smile, my friends! 💪😁

[@ralexfelton2]

What kind of brackets and shelves? I think going to similar with the covered brackets

[@lauramccann2019]

Kkkkk

[@lauramccann2019]

@@ralexfelton2 kkkokkk

[@lauramccann2019]

Kkkokk look k

[@lauramccann2019]

Kkkokk look kk

[@Moon-mn6vg]

Thank god you are back bro. Where have you been so long bro. I like your work.👍👍👍😀😀😀

[@lowes]

Thanks +Moon 21! In a nutshell...been busy working on non-fun things, but I'm getting back to the fun things 🛠️

[@MakeSomething]

Daniel is such a great host! Always fun and came out great!

[@lowes]

Appreciate it, man!

[@fortimeless3299]

Thanks For Sharing.Good Job From A Great Guy 👍

[@CreativeGardening]

After a long time. I was waiting for the new episode Daniel. Very informative bro ❤️

[@lowes]

Thanks Murtaza! Good to see you in the comments section again, man 👋You working on any fun gardening stuff lately?

[@CreativeGardening]

Lowe's Home Improvement Recently I upcycled an industrial pallette and attached to the wall for holding some of the planters. It adds soo much texture to the plain walls! Hope you like it man🤘 instagram.com/p/BhbEK9sADUg/

[@lowes]

Love it, dude!! Adds tons of life & texture 👌

[@ozziesheppard17]

as a pro I was assuming this was going to be a disaster when it was finished, but other than the gap at the top and the cuts around the floating shelving brackets (very interesting idea) it looked like a good tile job.

[@fishhuntadventure]

Ozzie Sheppard Yes. I need to hang three 27” cherry shelves over some white 3x6 tile for a customer. Tile goes on tomorrow; I’ll need to figure something like that out (unfortunately the misguided customer put cement board up in the kitchen instead of drywall; very messy and difficult to cut out!)

[@rachelsanchis]

The cuts killed me tho.

[@kelliking5418]

Looks great! My favorite part is when you hid those brackets so they wouldn’t show that much behind the tile.

[@sorakirei]

Thank you for the tip about the electrical spacers! Those thirty seconds around 7:00 were exceptionally helpful.

[@NYJason]

You’re freaking amazing, that is a 5 stars ⭐️ job

[@MrsBungle78]

Good info dude, especially reminding people of those obvious things that we often forget about (when we're tired & eager to finish up) like wiping edges when packing up for the day. Really helpful!

[@yaaadilaw]

Natural wood color similar to the shelves at the top to hide where the backsplash end would have been epic. Also, some stainless steel appliance to go with your hood. Otherwise from that, great! job

[@tjreid2517]

Hello Daniel😀 thank you for the tutorial on backsplash tiles... Your showing various subway tiles has come in handy.. Teach Me 👏👏 Learning from you 😀👍

[@tuvokandnelix]

Can’t believe Lowe’s didn’t hang on to Danny Go!!!

[@brandonhoffman4712]

As an industry professional, I have critiques. I only made it 4 and a half minutes before realizing this is not for me. It was when he was doing layout & basically telling people to start with what gives them EZ cuts, ignoring any semblance of symmetry. I do know my standards are high, it's what sets me apart from my competition as a professional. Edit: The only thing that brought me here was to see what Lowes is recommending. Glad I surpass their standards. Dear Lowes, you don't have to drill holes in walls for ledger boards either (look into the tape and superglue trick)

[@cheezbrgrz404]

I love the look of the hidden brackets for the floating shelves, awesome idea!

[@rachelleasedwalker6313]

By far the BEST backsplash tutorial I've ever seen. And I've been around the trades for 20 years!

[@brandonhoffman4712]

As a tile installer in the trades for 20 years. This isn't how I would do it. I only made it 4.5 minutes in. Once he was destroying symmetry on his layout I kind of checked out. Always center off your focal point with tile leaving larger cuts @ the walls. With subway pattern large and small cuts are irrelevant, you will get both. Moving your pattern to get bigger cuts destroys Symmetry and should only be done slightly if it's going to leave a large grout joint because the tile is too small to cut (less than 1/8" normally) Also the ledger board before that to hold up tile, you don't need to screw holes in the wall. You place blue tape on the wall where the board will go, place a thin bead of thick CA glue on it, spray CA activator on the ledger board, place board on tape, count to 5, release. If you keep the level in place, you can use it as an edge for perfect alignment. Then set this area in the beginning of the day, after lunch you should be able to remove the ledger and install tile under if needed, taping it up in place as you go.

[@brandonhoffman4712]

When returning a wall, mirror your focal corner cuts, or do some math and make it look like the subway pattern wraps the corner.

[@peadar-o]

You’re back! Yippee! 😁🍸

[@myjunkmail007]

Very well made video...professional quality! Excellent tutorial and tips, too. Nice job!

[@thefilthelement]

Thanks for breaking down the little steps and tricks much better than most instructional videos I've seen. I normally hate all white rooms but you added enough contrast to make the white pop and look great.

[@lowes]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@94rome]

Love it!! I've wanted to do this in my bathroom for so long haha, hopefully on summer vacation I'll have time. You're such an inspiration :D

[@lowes]

Thanks Maria, and good luck! All you need is one long weekend 💪😄

[@JenaTuckerAquariums]

Looks fantastic!! This was the best instructional tile video I've seen, and I've watched a ton if videos. Great job 👍😁

[@dubs31]

wow, fantastic job. that's a very clean update to your existing kitchen. appreciate you taking the time to explain the process and any possibly snags/ complications to look out for.

[@08fighter08]

Where have you been ? Great to have you back. 😁

[@chiisana0sekai]

Omg, this project looks kinda intimidating. So that's how you cut tiles into a specific shape...🤔

[@farithjarir7616]

yeaaaa, Wall Guy's back again

[@nellbert]

Yesss

[@kangokidkidd4037]

NICE WORK...it would have been nice to have some company to give YOU a hand like I DON'T KNOW......the WIFE....lol

[@lowes]

Yeah, except that she was quite busy keeping my boys away from the mess 😬

[@andergat]

I really like your presentation style and DIY videos. Cheers

[@156aliciasy]

I'm gonna do my kitchen thank you

[@jackyc1402]

OMG what a difference, it looks absolutely beautiful, I love the floating shelving the best. I have learnt alot just from watching this video, I would never have attempted anything like that, but now I might think about it and be brave enough to attempt it so thank you I've learnt alot.

[@j_freed]

Does look great. And will 'age' better than some trendy looks like stone, I would think.

[@mesaklalropuia1140]

Who's here before 200 views😄😄 Because they love the lowes youtube channel😂😂

[@jamesmcinnis208]

"Lowe's has tons of wild and crazy tile options." And absolutely no color.

[@Hale9983]

when you grout i would suggest only grouting one wall at a time and then wash it. if you wait till you grout it all good luck with your struggles of cleaning it. if you use the premix grout only do 10 sq ft at a time

[@jenniferstewart7024]

Best breakdown of installation of tile I have ever seen. Thanks

[@Odeliza]

Que feliz! I am so glad you are back! Adorei your DIYs. Ciao

[@NichulausClayton]

More walls More walls More walls, you're the best!!!

[@think41c]

Great video! To nit pick just a tiny bit, at 12:58 you mention it's grout in a tube, but it's not grout in a caulk tube, it's silicone caulk (exactly what you should use and did use). From Mapei's website: Keracaulk U (unsanded) are premium-grade, easy-​to use, easy-to-clean siliconized acrylic caulks formulated to match all of MAPEI's colors.​

[@cadenrivera2998]

7:55 “Rock on DUDE!!!”

[@prisillaspace]

👊👊👉 I would've chosen the white grout too. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@MHow-qc3ns]

WOW! What a job! It's perfect. However, what you did is WAY ABOVE MY PAY GRADE. I'll have to call Bob. He's my tiler. Bravo dude!

[@ZowieFawn]

Thanks. Was just talking about doing this in the coming weeks.

[@brandonhoffman4712]

Layout should be centered off the main focal points. If cuts get small in places it's mostly how it is. If you shift the pattern it won't be symmetrical in the focal area (window, stove area, etc)

[@brianschrier6193]

Where's your spacers? Why back butter every tile and not butter the whole wall? Why not go farther below the countertop line? Seems like bad info for diy homeowners.

[@shelbyclark3733]

Oh my god!!!!!! I've been waiting on you to come back!!!!

[@nadiacawley.realestate]

Such a great video, very informative! Also impeccable work and attention to detail.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

Maybe it’s because I’ve been riding NYC subways for 20 years, but I can’t stand Subway tile. I think it looks cheap and ugly.

[@vampov]

I don't even know if you mentioned this and if you did you really need to emphasis the importance that your first row is level and flat. If your counter is not level (which mine isn't) and you base your tiles off of that datum the whole thing will get jacked up and you will see it. I bought a laser level just for this purpose.

[@simpleMarian]

i would love to change mine to that . my kitchen is small and not much natural lighting so i think this is perfect

[@iLoveTurtlesHaha]

Why would you redo the backsplash and not use something cool like stainless steel, copper, or bronze tiles or something else that's modern? Blah, so bland.

[@quaysha1]

6 months...6 months i have been avoiding attempting doing this myself. I hope its as easy as he makes it look

[@ClodomirJr]

OMG Daniel is back with another great video! 😀😀😀😀👍👍👍👍

[@casid9929]

Great video. Wall behind stove bothers me-I would have to paint it or couldn't sleep!

[@wyvern5903]

Should've routed out a groove for the shelving brackets to make them a bit more hidden. Would've only taken an hour or two.

[@superspecialty5169]

Like your ideas, but not your utterances of “ah”. Not subscribing… to bad for Lowe”s!

[@brittanyrodriguez1323]

Patiently waiting for season two from my favorite wall guy... so really... anytime now!

[@roadrunner123]

Nice job! You keep saying "we" and you are doing all the work!

[@AdamAdam-hy7ko]

Well done man 👌👌, miss your art. !!

[@matthewseed3386]

A rotozip with a metal carbide bit will cut out holes much easier with a new bit you can just about draw pictures in ceramic tile.

[@roxanaperez1333]

I always force my dad to do those mini splashes! Just for the pure joy to see different grout colors

[@eddieruhiman872]

I am one of the lovers of all your creative ideas, your creative tastes are similar to mine...

[@catherinewooding1304]

You didn't use spacers. Any reason why? Can I skip spacers?

[@bodinian]

That kitchen will be so easy to clean. I'm doing something like this when I get my house.

[@ndsrocks1]

4inch angle grinder is your friend, good vid, nice work

[@lowes]

Those sparks, tho 😬 I just need to get over my fear. I bought a Kobalt grinder a couple years ago and I've used it like twice, lol.

[@jtypo]

Angle grinders are good for certain things, they're nice because you can have multiple attachments. I use a 4 inch and I have a big beefy 7 inch for removing a lot of metal fast when sharpening lawn mower blades!

[@davidmckaig8134]

Thanks! Great job! Bet those black socks got trashed in the process!!

[@lindaroyal8161]

NICE - all kinds of great hints and tips and short cuts. Good video to have handy when doing your own tile job.

[@xkidROBOTx]

Hey, everything looks great but I was wondering what materials you used for the floating shelves. I found the link to the brackets in the comments, but nothing on the type of wood. I want to do something similar in my laundry room and any insight would be much appreciated!

[@lowes]

Hey there, Noah! I used some specialty cedar 2x10 planks from a local lumberyard to match some other elements in our house, but you could get a similar look by staining regular untreated 2x10's.

[@megantron98]

Thanks for the informative video! Missed your vids Daniel.

[@1javixD]

This video inspired me to tile the bathroom

[@lowes]

Excellent! How did it go, +1javixD??

[@pattcolasso]

Amazing! CONGRATS!!!

[@salmajaquez2932]

DANIEL IS BACK ♥️

[@jb1401]

Dude you have talent and make great videos. Ty

[@BRiddy49]

Do you have a product item number for those floating shelf brackets?

[@lowes]

Here it is, Brad! low.es/2wKeHhg

[@cheeksbecool]

enjoyable vids, fun idea for when i get a place

[@kimberlymhankins]

More from Daniel! I actually think I want to tile now!

[@jamesroach6348]

Long time no see! Glad to see some new videos from you!

[@jacquelynkarney9001]

Where do you live? Can you do my kitchen? Lol

[@iam4ndphysicians438]

Great video. Thank you. informative.

[@Tyrone-Ward]

Heeey The Wall guy!

[@danniemck]

Hype train! Good to see you again Daniel

[@ericferdinand7626]

Thank you! Very helpful!

[@kaycox5555]

Sweet outcome

[@jarongaus]

Great information and tips. Many thanks.

[@jenolivehong3700]

Hi, did you have to seal the kitchen backsplash with an sealant? If so, which one do you recommend?

[@lowes]

Hey there! I didn't have to add any additional sealant. The tiles themselves don't need it, and the grout I used had the sealer already included in the mix!

[@Nate-kl6vl]

Very impressive attention to detail.

[@CMWCheung]

Hi how did you put the tile on the corner? Meaning did you put one side all the way against the corner and the other on top of the tile? Thanks for the video, it was very helpful

[@lowes]

Yep, you got it. I cut the first wall tiles pretty close to flush with the corner, then installed uncut full & half tiles on the second wall right up against them.

[@CMWCheung]

@@lowes many thanks!

[@CMWCheung]

@@lowes Mission success. Most I learned was from your video! The only thing I found out is to make to push the tile on the wall firmly as i realized they could actually stick out.

[@akapatience5571]

Very helpful video, love the look too!

[@MsNeonlily]

daaaaayum Daniel. This is impressive.

[@ScoobyDooUrMom]

Im so glad you r back! cant wait to see your net projects!!

[@sylviaswiderski5133]

Loved this, newbie point of view...😊

[@BraxtlyTools]

I LOVE THIS! Emmy Braxtly

[@alexispope6863]

Hit the nail on the head. Thanks!

[@claireyumena3953]

Did you grout the corners too as well as the bottom tiles meeting the countertop? Or did you use silicone to seal it?

[@lowes]

Good question, Claire! I used Mapei's caulk for both the corners and the bottom tiles: low.es/34bxVww

[@baseeratsaeed5559]

Great job - love it... We also just brought 4*16 subway tiles but the problem is that gap between the countertop and cabinets is 18 inhes and somewhere even 17 as countertop is not levelled... Can you please guide me with this....? Is it okay if the last row of times right under the cabinets is needed to be cut down in half (2 inches) and how to keep the rows of grouts aligned if somewhere the gap is 17 inches, not 18...

[@Power5]

Looks great. About to do shower this weekend. Was just looking for a refresher video as its been over a decade since last tile job and this video was perfect.

[@satriahadjobaru2718]

Hey....how's the progress?? Did you made a video about it? I'd loved to see your shower project

[@lowes]

Hey there, @Power5! We’re putting together a highlight video of DIY projects our KZbin subscribers have done and we’d love to include your shower tile! Nothing fancy…just looking for either an image or a quick video of the finished project. If you’re interested, send me an email at [e-mail]!

[@jvorholt29]

We need more videos with you!

[@tvstudentNL]

I'm so excited! We bought our house last summer and this whole time the backsplash has been an ugly aluminum sheet. The previous owner had interesting tastes (fake grass pitch in the bathroom and on the balcony, anyone?). We just bought 4''x8'' white subway tile, but handbaked (so a bumpy non-smooth glaze) to add a little texture. I'm so excited about installing the backsplash! This was a great informative video, we did not know about needing a baseboard for the bottom row (the countertop doesn't reach the wall so we'll be tiling behind it, as it were. Thanks for creating this valuable content!

[@MP-yz6sb]

Awesome job. I'm not a fan of that trim board you put up top by the ceiling and you can see that seam between the two boards off to the right of the kitchen window. Don't many of these subway tiles make a slim edging tile that would have worked?

[@Sepolden]

Great job, thanks!

[@miml9280]

the free floating shelf idea is so smart. you're a genius!!! this is perfect because I was planning on putting some subway tile into my kitchen. thank you soo much!!

[@lowes]

Serendipitous timing, +mim l! I'm really happy with how those shelves came out...maybe that method will catch on!! Here's the brackets I used (spray-painted matte black): low.es/2BYUEMq Let me know how it goes 👍

[@miml9280]

+Lowe's Home Improvement I will for sure!! thanks so much! I'm happy you're back. :) it might take awhile because the kitchen needs a total rehaul including a new sink and plumbing, new floor and new cabinets plus painting the cabinets that are ok. but I will def let you know how it goes :)

[@lowes]

Whew, you're really going for it! The good news is I think we've got how-to videos for all of those projects, too 😅 What kind of flooring are you thinking?

[@miml9280]

+Lowe's Home Improvement the flooring is the one thing I have! lol it's laminate flooring that looks like grey wood. the lower cabinets are going to be dark grey, the tiles light grey and the upper cabinets and shelves are going to be white. yeah it's a big project, the entire house is gonna take a lot of work. but I love doing things myself then standing back and saying I did that! me!

[@lowes]

That sounds like it's gonna be beautiful. Love that DIY spirit & can't wait to hear how it goes!

[@dingdongdaddy589]

Need to recess those hinges shelf side…

[@kerryjackson226]

What is that color on those cabinets?

[@jasonjasonson1517]

Good video and good energy from you.