How to tile a kitchenette splashback?

LeopoldProjects

Hi, I want to have a go at tiling the splashback for a kitchenette.

Can someone please advise on what I need to get from Bunnings.  

I want to use a fast tile adhesive to mount the tiles to the wall. 

I will have to tile around 2 Power Points. What is the best way to cut the tiles around the power points but also to cut the end tiles. 

Then what grout should I use. 

Also any advice of caulking at the end. 

Tile size is 600mm X 300mm. 

Length of bench top 2200mm

Any advice would be much appreciated. 

Thank you 

JacobZ

Hi @LeopoldProjects,

It's fantastic to see you'd like to try your hand at tiling a splashback for your kitchenette.

You might like to start by having a look through How To Tile a Splashback for some guidance.

For this application, I would suggest using a mastic such as Davco Powder Mastic Tile Adhesive or Dunlop Mastic Tile Adhesive. You'll require a Bucket to mix it in, a drill to mix it with and a Mixing Paddle.

You'll need to apply the tile adhesive to the wall with a notched trowel. The size of the tile determines the size of the notches. With a tile of this size, I'd suggest using this QEP 12mm Square Notch Handyman Adhesive Trowel. Apply the adhesive to the wall with the notched side of the trowel and backbutter your tiles with the smooth side. When you put the tile on the wall, press it on and move it lightly from side to side to "break the notches". Breaking the notches will cause the adhesive on the tile and the wall to suction together making your tiles stick as well as possible.

Use tile spacers and wedges to keep the bottom row of tiles just up from the benchtop and to create consistent grout lines between your tiles.

For cutting tiles, you can make straight cuts with this 600mm Tile Cutter which can be hired through your local Bunnings' Hire Shop. For cuts around the powerpoints, you can use a Diablo 6 x 90mm Speedemon Ceramic and Tile Drill Bit to drill out the corners of the cut you're planning to make, you can then use an angle grinder with a diamond cutting disk suitable for tiles to connect the holes and cut out the piece around the power point.

You can use any grout you'd like, and your choice is mostly down to the colour that will best match your tiles. This Dunlop Flexible Coloured Grout comes in a variety of colours that is certainly worth checking out. Check out How To Grout Wall Tiles for some guidance.

Once your tiles are in place, use silicone in a colour of your choice to seal the bottom edge and around the outside of the tiles. Check out How To Silicone a Gap for some guidance.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob