Installing a new marble tile backsplash

Depending on your taste and the current décor of your kitchen, you can choose from a variety of marble tiles. Tiles vary in dimensions from 12x12 pieces to 1x1 mosaic marble tiles. Obviously, bigger tiles are easier to install. Mosaic tile backsplash does take a good amount of hard work and time. But, the final effect is well worth it.

Marble tiles vary in cost. Mosaic marble typically come in meshed sheets and a square foot of the sheet could cost anywhere from $5-$35. Choose a tile that suits your taste and décor.

Some of the other materials you require would include:

• Mortar

• Grout

• Trowel

• Spacers (for mosaics or smaller tiles)

• Sealant

• Sponge

The first step is to prepare the surface that is to be tiled. If the surface is drywall, you do not have to do anything. The new marble tile backsplash will come on over the surface. However, any existing tile backsplash will have to be painstakingly and carefully removed and the wall beneath sealed with drywall to make it a smooth surface. After this, you will need to remove any outlets, outlet and switch covers, trims and other masked areas. This is also the time to cover any unwanted outlets in the old kitchen. [Caution: once the power outlets are out, keep yourself safe by switching off power] If you have a cooking range hood, uninstall it.

Once the surface is ready, mix the materials and you are ready to start tiling. It is better to start off with a small area, work on it and move on to another area, particularly if you are doing mosaic. If you mix small quantities, you can save some money on the cost of a mixing paddle.

Mortar should be applied on to the wall with the flat end of the trowel and smoothed over with the notched side. Spread the mix evenly and smoothly over the surface. Once the mortar is in place, set the netted (rough) side of the marble into the mortar evenly. Be particularly careful with the spacing of the tiles as any misalignment can spoil the entire look of the marble tile backsplash. Place spacers evenly. Clean up excess mortar immediately.

Generally, the tiling surface is masked so that mortar does not stick to it. Remove the tape on the surface before the mortar dries. After the surface is dry and the mortar has set, you can apply 2 liberal coats of sealant with a sponge. After this, you can fill up the spaces with grout. Wipe away excess grout with the sponge.

Your Marble Tile backsplash is ready!