Tile pros thoughts?

3 years ago

My husband has a decent amount of tiling experience but it’s all flooring. We are renovating our kitchen. How feasible is a tile back splash for DIY? Are there certain types of tiles that are too complex to consider as a DIYer? Or ones that are more “fool proof”? I thought maybe the tile that comes as a sheet (I don’t know what it’s called) vs individual tiles but then saw somewhere that those might be best left to a pro? I realize this would largely depend on a DIYer’s skill. He has enough experience that we feel he can do a good job I’m just wondering which tile type might be a definite no-no or a solid option for a DIYer. We are also considering no BS other than a small granite one until a later time, too.

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Comments (7)

millworkman
3 years ago
" How feasible is a tile back splash for DIY "

Aa hell of a lot easier than tiling a floor.
Susie .
3 years ago
Backsplash was my first tile project. It is generally easier than a floor, but he will need to cut around electrical outlets and cabinets. Making sure the prep (drywall or backer board) is done well is important, but surely he’s done that on a floor. I wouldn’t choose a tile with a beveled edge or a surface that’s not relatively flat, as it makes grouting more complicated, but still doable. Lay it the tile and think through the pattern before mortaring it to the wall.
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Chris H
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you! Yes, he preps when tiling (I have no idea what that entails but he does) and has done lots of cuts for unique patterns (my basement hall is a mosaic of random extra tiles he created into a neat pattern 😂), so I’m guessing this would be fine. He has his tile saw and all the tools.
chispa
3 years ago
I've never laid tile, but have paid for the installation of several types of tile. A paper faced mosaic is probably one of the harder ones as the paper blocks your view of the tiles when they are being installed. Mesh backed mosaic can also be finicky as you don't want to end up with obvious grid lines. Definitely avoid penny rounds!

Handmade tiles are usually harder to install and require wider grout lines to cover up any irregularities in the size of the tiles.

Also think about how you are going to handle the exposed ends of the backsplash. Are you going to use a matching bullnose or pencil liner? Or are you going to use Schluter?
Chris H
Original Author
3 years ago
@chispa thanks. Good things to think about. Maybe subway tiles? I would like to consider a color that goes well with off white cabs and a dark counter… we have time to figure it out.
Chris H
Original Author
3 years ago
@User are the options at HD considered ”cheap”? We’ll also look at the local tile place.
chispa
3 years ago
I prefer to support local independent tile stores. Most carry a wide range of tiles at all price points, but plan to visit a few in your area, because they won't all have access to the same distributors, so they might carry some different brands. If two stores happen to carry a tile you like, then shop for the best price.

My preferred local tile store had much better pricing, for the marble mosaic backsplash I picked out, than a competitor a few miles away, but you need to visit and get quotes to figure out who is more competitive.

With local tile stores you can also borrow their large grouted boards to see if a tile will work in your space. Just make sure you return them promptly.