How to Build & Construct a Tile Counter Top Sink Backsplash
- 1). Measure and mark on the wall where you want the backsplash, using a level and square. Divide the backsplash area in half with a vertical line.
- 2). Spread tile mortar over the backsplash area with a mortar trowel, which has notches. Set your bullnose tiles in place around the whole perimeter of the backsplash area, with the finished edges of the bullnose facing away from the center area to be tiled. Put tile spacers between the sides of the tiles.
- 3). Set your first few wall tiles into place at the middle of the backsplash, on the bottom row, starting at the vertical center line. Put spacers between them, and below them, to keep a space from the countertop.
- 4). Build out and up, setting wall tiles until the whole space is filled. Cut the tiles at the ends on your tile cutter, if necessary, so that they're properly spaced against the inner edge of the bullnose tiles at the perimeter of the backsplash area. Let the tiles dry overnight.
- 5). Grout the backsplash with your grout float, pressing grout into the spaces between the tiles while squeezing it off the surface. Let it sit in the lines for five or ten minutes, then wipe the excess grout off with a damp sponge. Don't grout the horizontal joint between the bottom row of tiles and the countertop. Let the grout dry for a day.
- 6). Caulk the horizontal joint between the bottom row of tiles and the countertop.
