- 1). Measure the area where you wish to install the backsplash using a tape measure. Arrange the stone tile on a flat surface. Use the measured area to place the tile as you plan to on the backsplash surface. Place the tiles so that as many full sized stone tiles are used as possible, with any partial sizes necessary split along the sides of the tile area or arranged so that they're beneath any cabinetry above the backsplash. Mark the partials with a piece of chalk for cutting.
- 2). Cut the marked partial tiles with a wet saw. Align each tile on a tile cutter platform with the chalked cutting line in line with the saw's blade. Begin the water flow over the blade and guide the tile through the blade to cut each along the marked line. Allow the tiles to dry completely before installing.
- 3). Remove any electrical outlet covers in the tiling area. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the outlet covers in place and pull the covers away. Clean the tiling surface with a pH-neutral cleaning solution and a sponge. Rinse the surface clear of the cleanser with a sponge dampened with water and pat the surface dry with a clean towel.
- 4). Sand the surface of the wall if it's painted to remove the glossy finish and create a slight texturing for tile adhesive. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to avoid removing the paint entirely. Wipe the wall clean of residue with a damp sponge after sanding.
- 5). Brush each tile with a stone tile sealer using a wide paintbrush to keep the tiles from staining the adhesive and grout. Let the sealant dry overnight before mounting the tiles.
- 6). Apply a layer of mastic adhesive to the wall with the flat of a notched trowel. Tilt the trowel to about a 45 degree angle after applying an even layer of the adhesive. Run the notches of the trowel through the adhesive to create ridges in its surface.
- 7). Transfer the tiles from the test layout to the wall. Press each tile firmly in place, twisting the tiles slightly as you mount them to spread the adhesive along the tile rear. Place tile spacers between adjacent tiles to even the spaces between and allow room for tile movement. Mark the location of electrical outlets onto tiles covering the outlet areas with chalk and cut them to fit with the wet saw before placement. Allow the mastic to dry overnight.
- 8). Remove the tile spacers between the tiles for grouting. Spread grout into the spaces between the tiles with the flat of a grout float. Place the grout onto the tiles and then use the float to move the grout into the tile joints. Fill all joints except for the one running along the base of the backsplash area. Fill that joint with a bead of caulking instead to create a waterproof barrier along the base of the backsplash.
- 9). Wipe the tiles with a damp sponge to remove excess grout. Wait two hours and wipe the tiles with a lint-free cloth to remove the remaining residue. Allow the grout 10 days to cure.
- 10
Cover tile and grout both with a layer of the stone sealant to add waterproofing. Allow the sealant 48 hours' drying time before replacing the outlet covers and touching the backsplash surface.
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