Quick tip. When using the "nibblers" to cut tile, wear safety glasses of course. Using a freezer bag, put the tile inside and chip away as needed. Saves time later trying to clean up all those sharp fragments that go flying all over the place.
Fantastic again! Just a couple of things I learned doing tile work 1) Round holes are a bitch. You were lucky. Typically a tile get cut in half and using the nibbler a hole is created from both sides. Plan on using 2 or 3 tiles at each hole - you will trash a couple. 2) Never use a light grout on floors. It picks up dirt and shows a traffic pattern 3) Grout comes in two types - sanded and unsanded. Sanded grout is for larger joints and has a rough texture. Unsanded is for tighter joints and has a harder more impervious surface. Read the instructions regarding joint size. Consider this when picking tile. 4) if your tile isn't glazed you need to be careful with grout. It may get in the texture and leave a "shadow" along the joints that is impossible to remove. Really true if you are using an epoxy grout which is the most stain resistant. 5) Grout can also be sealed. Floors should be sealed. 6) The end of the caulk tube can be shaped to a 90 angle so it fits in the joint. If you can stick a nail in the tube hole its too big.
Get rid of the grout haze with a dry towel! You don't need to rinse it 15 times with a wet sponge. I'm always amazed how many people have this problem, especially in "how to tile" vids. believe it or not I learned this trick from the instructions ;P
We did this in our kitchen after we got tired of the paint. So many outlets/light switches - only got to do a few spots where I could do full sheets. To keep the tile from sliding down we put in finishing nails under the top row of tiles then pulled the nails the next day when we did the grout. Turned out perfect and was a great project for my wife and I.
One last suggestion for anyone doing this. Buy a 60 grit or 80 grit diamond sanding sponge and use it to smooth/round all cut tile edges and it will make your cut pieces look great!
Great video, but how and what did you use to extend your outlets and should I go to the bottom of my counter or do I need to leave room for caulking? Thank you
A decent alternative to just smashing the grout all over the tile is to use a piping bag to go over the lines and then push those piped lines into the spaces. It takes more time to get the grout on, but it creates less waste and saves a bunch of time on cleanup
I have the same color cabinets and granite- This was so helpful! I am considering backsplash tile and feel much more confident in doing the project myself~ Thanks!
I am doing this project right now in my kitchen using mat-mounted subway tiles, but I have 27' x 18" of tile to install, and I am doing tile over tile, which requires special surface prep and use of mortar instead of Type 1 adhesive. Instead of a chalk line I opted to use a laser level to keep the pattern straight and level. Getting around outlets is a challenge, and I have been doing what you do - removing individual tiles from the mats to get clearance around the outlet, then cutting those to fit and installing them. I have the same tile cutter as you do, I believe. If you need to cut U-shaped pieces, however, you really need a tile saw and angle grinder. It's too easy to break the tiles with the nippers.
Perfect timing...you seem to release videos on similar projects I'm currently planning. I'm using ceramic wood tiles.. I've done floors but not yet walls and I know it's almost the same process, just on a vertical plane. I wasn't ready to decide on how or where to begin and proceed. This video just like the others, it helps me out a lot and is just the inspiration I needed for getting things rolling...and for that I thank, appreciate and admire your skill, knowledge, passion and cleverness.
Hey April, I'm glad you are doing well and busy as ever. I was there when you did a video about starting your channel, you have come a long way and done good. Your DIY videos are a money saver, why not. Remember the Chain Saw carved Rooster, Chicken you made, I do. All the Best in '21, C.
Great video. I did the same about 25 years ago. But as I have moved and partially redone our lighting in this house this job is very appropriate especially as I can add insulation to this 100 year old house where I know there is none. Just amazing how this house was build especially as I live in Northern Ontario, Canada! The new lights look and work great.
A tip I got from the Home RenoVision DIY channel - let the haze dry and then rub off with a completely dry sponge. It will rub off... never done it this way but an interesting idea.
Great vid. There is one thing I would suggest to try differently. When you use a float to squeegee off the excess grout keep rinsing off the float and have a little water on it while squeegeeing. This will save you much time for cleaning up the hazy residue at the end.
Hi and i wnjoyed learning about how to do my own tile for my tiny home..it really helps. Im born and was raised in Tx too, now living in a different state Arizona, to be exact. Your video, was inspirational, very clear and staright to the point.
This backsplash is a great idea for your kitchen. It added a nice color pop. Your explanations and visual how to made this an enjoyable and highly educational video. Thanks for posting it. Stay safe.
I used to sell tile in a tile showroom. One tip about cutting tile: Not all types of tile cut well on a snap cutter like the one used in this video. True, LOTS of tiles do just fine. However, there are just certain types that will NEVER snap off in a straight line. Such as some types of Mexican tile, some (not all) Italian tiles, and other handmade tiles. It has to do with the clay makeup, as well as how they are fired. There's nothing wrong with those tiles, they just won't cooperate with a snap tile cutter. So those types will need to be cut with a wet saw. If you're planning on purchasing those types of tiles, and you're doing it yourself, ask the showroom sales person if your choice will cut with a snap tile cutter. If you're not buying from a place that has a showroom, and if you are renting a snap tile cutter, try a few, and see if they cut straight. If your first 2 or 3 tiles don't snap off with a perfectly straight line, it's probably a good idea to give up on that tile cutter, before you ruin a whole bunch of tiles. The alternative is to rent a Wet Saw. Unless of coarse you've got a whole bunch to take your chances with!! Renting yourself a wet saw for your project is easy, as well as using one. You'll probably enjoy that saw more than you expected!! And you'll have much less wasted, broken tiles when the job's all done. ♡
just an aside there are two types of grout, for the tiles you are using "sanded grout/ contains sand particles" is fine but when you use "glass type tiles" "Non sanded" is recommended, for the sanded type will scratch the surface of the glass type when floating. Nice job on the back splash.
Non sanded grout is recmmended for backsplash because it cleans up and lets less water through it to the wall. Bear in mind you need a relatively thin grout line to use unsanded grout. 1/2" is too big 1/4" is okay but under 1/8" is better. If you use sanded grout make sure and thoroughly seal the grout. If your backsplash tile is a natural stone it too needs to be sealed.
Thank you for the video, so helpful. Any chance you could post where you purchased the tiles you used and what they are called? I absolutely love the look, and we will be adding a kitchen backslash in a couple of weeks. Thanks so much!
Beautiful look! It really makes the kitchen look complete. Very straight-forward and now I feel even I could attempt this job. I was always intimidated by the very thought of doing it myself. Thanks for instilling the confidence needed.
I *never* use a level when doing projects like this... even if something is perfectly level & straight, if the countertop/window/ceiling/cabinets/whatever around it are not, it's going to look bad. Saw a documentary one time that went over the Parthenon - it has no straight lines in the entire building, but rather was built with all subtle curves to compensate for the curvature of the human eye to *look* straight. I took that to heart in everything I do & make things look right. BTW, first relevant comment. =)
About a minute into your video I wondered why you were wearing long pants instead of your usual shorts - even though you were indoors. All became clear when Ariat products entered the story! Looks like good stuff!
Laser level is a game changer for tiling walls. Also, grouting can be pretty nerve wracking if you do by yourself. Also, make sure to plan out your edge treatment before starting.
I have always been scared to try laying tile. However, this does not look too bad. This video is great encouragement with helpful information! Thanks April!!!
The backsplash looks fantastic! I rent my apartment so sadly won't be doing this but we will see what my potential future home may look like if I need to come back years from now to re-watch it and use your advice. 😂
April. Im doing subway tiles that are on a grid like these tiles. How come u dont use spacers on the bottom of the grid where it meets the countertop? And also are spacers needed in general throughout the grid tile or no?
AW some job AW . Really it looks awesome April, excellent information you provided. Keep up the good work and videos, thanks for sharing with us. Fred. 👏🏻👏🏻👍👍
The edges of the window are done in a way I've never seen before. Could you post something about how they were done? Very nice look, thanks for posting the video.
Nice colour backsplash! I would have avoided a project like this. But, considering you mentioned the cheaper options for tools (cutting the tile), that gives me hope...
Looks nice, but don’t think I woulda used mastic for this, as a kitchen “can” become wet; and that’s where mastic doesn’t work so well. But, every job diff and works for you, that cool👍🏻 Do like the color and look of kitchen, well done. But, I was taught differently; and like that you explained your process for ppl. Again, well done! Cheers✌🏻
i find it easier to clean the haze off the tiles by first using a dry scotch bright sponge thingy to remove most of the haziness, then go over with a wet sponge to take the rest off... that way you dont have to go over it many times with the wet sponge... it cleans it faster!
Quick tip. When using the "nibblers" to cut tile, wear safety glasses of course. Using a freezer bag, put the tile inside and chip away as needed. Saves time later trying to clean up all those sharp fragments that go flying all over the place.
Great tip!
Fantastic again! Just a couple of things I learned doing tile work
1) Round holes are a bitch. You were lucky. Typically a tile get cut in half and using the nibbler a hole is created from both sides. Plan on using 2 or 3 tiles at each hole - you will trash a couple.
2) Never use a light grout on floors. It picks up dirt and shows a traffic pattern
3) Grout comes in two types - sanded and unsanded. Sanded grout is for larger joints and has a rough texture. Unsanded is for tighter joints and has a harder more impervious surface. Read the instructions regarding joint size. Consider this when picking tile.
4) if your tile isn't glazed you need to be careful with grout. It may get in the texture and leave a "shadow" along the joints that is impossible to remove. Really true if you are using an epoxy grout which is the most stain resistant.
5) Grout can also be sealed. Floors should be sealed.
6) The end of the caulk tube can be shaped to a 90 angle so it fits in the joint. If you can stick a nail in the tube hole its too big.
This is a great find. Good, thorough tutorial. Simple explanations as well.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.
Get rid of the grout haze with a dry towel! You don't need to rinse it 15 times with a wet sponge. I'm always amazed how many people have this problem, especially in "how to tile" vids. believe it or not I learned this trick from the instructions ;P
We did this in our kitchen after we got tired of the paint. So many outlets/light switches - only got to do a few spots where I could do full sheets. To keep the tile from sliding down we put in finishing nails under the top row of tiles then pulled the nails the next day when we did the grout. Turned out perfect and was a great project for my wife and I.
One last suggestion for anyone doing this. Buy a 60 grit or 80 grit diamond sanding sponge and use it to smooth/round all cut tile edges and it will make your cut pieces look great!
Tilers Tip. Use a little dish washing liquid in your rinse water to prevent the hazing (streaks) on the tile. You're welcome :)
Great video, but how and what did you use to extend your outlets and should I go to the bottom of my counter or do I need to leave room for caulking? Thank you
A decent alternative to just smashing the grout all over the tile is to use a piping bag to go over the lines and then push those piped lines into the spaces. It takes more time to get the grout on, but it creates less waste and saves a bunch of time on cleanup
As a first time home owner who has never done a project like this in her life, I really REALLY appreciate this video! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
My only suggestion would be to have a small piece of Schluter to end your backslash! Gives it a nice and clean finished end
I have the same color cabinets and granite- This was so helpful! I am considering backsplash tile and feel much more confident in doing the project myself~ Thanks!
Awesome! Thanks for Sharing and for watching.
I am doing this project right now in my kitchen using mat-mounted subway tiles, but I have 27' x 18" of tile to install, and I am doing tile over tile, which requires special surface prep and use of mortar instead of Type 1 adhesive. Instead of a chalk line I opted to use a laser level to keep the pattern straight and level. Getting around outlets is a challenge, and I have been doing what you do - removing individual tiles from the mats to get clearance around the outlet, then cutting those to fit and installing them. I have the same tile cutter as you do, I believe. If you need to cut U-shaped pieces, however, you really need a tile saw and angle grinder. It's too easy to break the tiles with the nippers.
Great video. Can you please explain how you handled the light switch and outlets, to bring them out to be flush with the tile?
The new safety shoes are beautiful! Nice work as always. Stefano, Bologna Italy
great job... something that I used when doing vertical tile is placing a nail or screw to keep from slippage.
How nice. So, lovely. Such straight lines. Very neat. Impressive.
I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.
Perfect timing...you seem to release videos on similar projects I'm currently planning. I'm using ceramic wood tiles.. I've done floors but not yet walls and I know it's almost the same process, just on a vertical plane. I wasn't ready to decide on how or where to begin and proceed. This video just like the others, it helps me out a lot and is just the inspiration I needed for getting things rolling...and for that I thank, appreciate and admire your skill, knowledge, passion and cleverness.
All electrical splices (ie the ones under the cabinets feeding the lights) must be enclosed in either the fixture or a metal or plastic electical box.
Beautiful. My question is what did u have to do with the outlets...did you have to bring them out more to compensate for the tile?
Hey April, I'm glad you are doing well and busy as ever. I was there when you did a video about starting your channel, you have come a long way and done good. Your DIY videos are a money saver, why not. Remember the Chain Saw carved Rooster, Chicken you made, I do. All the Best in '21, C.
Great video April. You did a beautiful job on your backsplash for your first attempt!
I really enjoyed this! It was informative without any fluff and easy to understand.
Great video. I did the same about 25 years ago. But as I have moved and partially redone our lighting in this house this job is very appropriate especially as I can add insulation to this 100 year old house where I know there is none. Just amazing how this house was build especially as I live in Northern Ontario, Canada! The new lights look and work great.
Te quedo excelente la encimera!! Te felicito April !! 👍👍👍👍
Nice work April! Love my Ariat Boots but I've out grown them and cant find any in my size
A tip I got from the Home RenoVision DIY channel - let the haze dry and then rub off with a completely dry sponge. It will rub off... never done it this way but an interesting idea.
good job to be the first time, I like to use small spacers when starting and apply silicon because the grout tent to crack.
Great vid. There is one thing I would suggest to try differently. When you use a float to squeegee off the excess grout keep rinsing off the float and have a little water on it while squeegeeing. This will save you much time for cleaning up the hazy residue at the end.
Thank you VERY much for this tip!!!
This will be my first "big" project for my 1st time house, great vid!
Awesome! Enjoy the project, learn from any mistakes and never give up. Thanks for watching.
Hi and i wnjoyed learning about how to do my own tile for my tiny home..it really helps. Im born and was raised in Tx too, now living in a different state Arizona, to be exact.
Your video, was inspirational, very clear and staright to the point.
You have a huge but beautiful kitchen. Very nice job on the backsplash. 👍👍👍. ✌️😎
This backsplash is a great idea for your kitchen. It added a nice color pop. Your explanations and visual how to made this an enjoyable and highly educational video. Thanks for posting it.
Stay safe.
I use baby wipes to smooth caulk and wipe my hands. They make caulk smooth and are cheap. Thanks April!
I used to sell tile in a tile showroom.
One tip about cutting tile:
Not all types of tile cut well on a snap cutter like the one used in this video.
True, LOTS of tiles do just fine. However, there are just certain types that will NEVER snap off in a straight line. Such as some types of Mexican tile, some (not all) Italian tiles, and other handmade tiles. It has to do with the clay makeup, as well as how they are fired.
There's nothing wrong with those tiles, they just won't cooperate with a snap tile cutter.
So those types will need to be cut with a wet saw.
If you're planning on purchasing those types of tiles, and you're doing it yourself, ask the showroom sales person if your choice will cut with a snap tile cutter.
If you're not buying from a place that has a showroom,
and if you are renting a snap tile cutter, try a few, and see if they cut straight.
If your first 2 or 3 tiles don't snap off with a perfectly straight line, it's probably a good idea to give up on that tile cutter, before you ruin a whole bunch of tiles.
The alternative is to rent a Wet Saw.
Unless of coarse you've got a whole bunch to take your chances with!!
Renting yourself a wet saw for your project is easy, as well as using one. You'll probably enjoy that saw more than you expected!! And you'll have much less wasted, broken tiles when the job's all done. ♡
just an aside there are two types of grout, for the tiles you are using "sanded grout/ contains sand particles" is fine but when you use "glass type tiles" "Non sanded" is recommended, for the sanded type will scratch the surface of the glass type when floating. Nice job on the back splash.
Non sanded grout is recmmended for backsplash because it cleans up and lets less water through it to the wall. Bear in mind you need a relatively thin grout line to use unsanded grout. 1/2" is too big
1/4" is okay but under 1/8" is better.
If you use sanded grout make sure and thoroughly seal the grout. If your backsplash tile is a natural stone it too needs to be sealed.
Great to have in the kitchen. Nice backsplash April. It looks very warm.
Thank you for the video, so helpful. Any chance you could post where you purchased the tiles you used and what they are called? I absolutely love the look, and we will be adding a kitchen backslash in a couple of weeks. Thanks so much!
Beautiful look! It really makes the kitchen look complete. Very straight-forward and now I feel even I could attempt this job. I was always intimidated by the very thought of doing it myself. Thanks for instilling the confidence needed.
Awesome job April, the backsplash looks great! 😍👌🏻 Thanks for sharing the process! 👍🏻👊🏻
Great job! I have that same color granite. I just purchased a similar backsplash
I *never* use a level when doing projects like this... even if something is perfectly level & straight, if the countertop/window/ceiling/cabinets/whatever around it are not, it's going to look bad. Saw a documentary one time that went over the Parthenon - it has no straight lines in the entire building, but rather was built with all subtle curves to compensate for the curvature of the human eye to *look* straight. I took that to heart in everything I do & make things look right.
BTW, first relevant comment. =)
You explained the layout perfectly. Every layout is different based on what you’re need is. Thanks for sharing!
Please come to my house in Texas and do this lol. Good watch and techniques. Will need to do this soon enough.
This was super helpful to watch as we are remodeling our kitchen. My wife mentioned to me she wants a tile backsplash.
About a minute into your video I wondered why you were wearing long pants instead of your usual shorts - even though you were indoors. All became clear when Ariat products entered the story! Looks like good stuff!
April, It looks awesome! I used almost the exact tile in my kitchen!
How did you cut around outlets and make corner cuts with a score and snap bar cutter?
This video gives me the courage to tackle my kitchen, Thank you !!!!!
Laser level is a game changer for tiling walls. Also, grouting can be pretty nerve wracking if you do by yourself. Also, make sure to plan out your edge treatment before starting.
I have always been scared to try laying tile. However, this does not look too bad. This video is great encouragement with helpful information! Thanks April!!!
The backsplash looks fantastic! I rent my apartment so sadly won't be doing this but we will see what my potential future home may look like if I need to come back years from now to re-watch it and use your advice. 😂
This was a great video. Thank you. I will be doing this in the next few months.
How did you prepare wall? Did you remove the paint?
What backsplash is this I have the same color cabinets and countertops
OMG watching this I'm ready to demolish and renovate my kitchen ha ha ha. Thanks so much! Glad I found your channel. =)
I just did my first tiling project too!! It‘s so satisfying 🥰 You did a wonderful job!
April. Im doing subway tiles that are on a grid like these tiles. How come u dont use spacers on the bottom of the grid where it meets the countertop? And also are spacers needed in general throughout the grid tile or no?
april i love your works
Hello April, Love your tile job, really makes big difference.where would someone get tile tile.
You can use soapy water when applying caulk to make it easy and smooth
Hey April! I have the same color cabinets. Can you please tell me the name of the backsplash you used?
Great intro to backsplashing. Turned out real nice. About to try a small backsplash behind a dry sink. Ty for the tutorial! 👍
Loveeeeee this tutorial. Best I’ve seen for simple DIY thank you.
April, beautiful job. Where did you find that tile? We love it.
Fantastic work, April! Professional level work! 😃
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
AW some job AW . Really it looks awesome April, excellent information you provided. Keep up the good work and videos, thanks for sharing with us. Fred. 👏🏻👏🏻👍👍
This and the under cabinet light is such a game changer. Will definitely be doing this very soon in my kitchen. Thank you
It made a beautiful difference!!!
The back splash is a nice finish to the kitchen.
Great job April 👌 👍
Many excellent pointers, seriously good video, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
The edges of the window are done in a way I've never seen before. Could you post something about how they were done? Very nice look, thanks for posting the video.
Can you tell me what the name and color o your tile is? Looks great.
Your videos are always helpful!! 👌🏼👍🏼
Thank you for sharing!! ☺️🤟🏼
Glad you like them! Thanks for watching.
Do you know the name of the tile you used? Or where you purchased it? Thanks
Great work! Do you have the link or part number for this specific tile you used? Thanks!
Don't remember the name of the tile but I found it at a big box store. With the colors, I'm sure they still have it. Thanks for watching.
Great video and awesome job!! Looks amazing thanks for the inspiration
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
Buen trabajo con las baldosas quedo muy bonito. Un saludo.
Needed to back butter always! no air gaps on the tiles
What brand tiles are these
Nice colour backsplash! I would have avoided a project like this. But, considering you mentioned the cheaper options for tools (cutting the tile), that gives me hope...
Great looking backsplash, April. Awesome job.
Looks nice, but don’t think I woulda used mastic for this, as a kitchen “can” become wet; and that’s where mastic doesn’t work so well. But, every job diff and works for you, that cool👍🏻
Do like the color and look of kitchen, well done.
But, I was taught differently; and like that you explained your process for ppl. Again, well done!
Cheers✌🏻
Very nice! Thank you for the great video.
Love the house slippers.
You're gonna need more that that Ariat shirt this coming weekend. It's supposed to get C O L D!!
dry mix the grout before adding water to insure color consistency of grout
i find it easier to clean the haze off the tiles by first using a dry scotch bright sponge thingy to remove most of the haziness, then go over with a wet sponge to take the rest off... that way you dont have to go over it many times with the wet sponge... it cleans it faster!
How long do you let the grout sit before wiping off?
Nicely done😊😊
Great job…. How much of a gap to leave between the tile and granite; 3/16?
Turned out really nice A.P. !!
I can't wait to watch you in your new show on history channel.... ASSEMBLY REQUIRED will be awesome show.
Wow such a great presentation. I always wear Ariat!
Thanks! Yes, I love their line. Thanks for watching.
Looks good and pretty!! Great job April.
is there any preparation that needs to be cone on the painted dry wall before laying the tile?
Lightly sand it and clean it, so the adhesive sticks.
What an awesome project! I hope I get to try this on my future home!
My favorite part is the grenade sitting on the window seal after the project is done
Did I miss something? where do I purchase the tile sheets? Thanks for this awesome video!
You can find those sheets of tiles at any big box store. Thanks for watching.