How to install a simple subway tile kitchen backsplash

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How to install a simple subway tile kitchen backsplash. Depending on the tile that is to be installed, and where it will be installed, it is sometimes appropriate to use mastic as an adhesive for the tile. When installing tile in a wet area such as a shower stall, mastic is not to be used, instead use a thinset mortar adhesive in areas that will be exposed to water. When using mastic to install subway tiles, ledger boards or bracing of the tile to prevent them from sliding down, will more than likely not be required. Mastic usually will hold a tile in place, unless the tile is very heavy. Mastic is a premixed adhesive that is sold in a bucket and is not thinset, and is not to be used in wet areas. A kitchen backsplash such as the one in this video is an instant where mastic is suitable. Use the correct size trowel to spread your mastic, the mastic bucket will have a description and a guide to help in the selection of the trowel for you tile. Once you have started to install your tile, always check to confirm that the coverage of adhesive on the back of the tile is adequate. Subway tiles more often than not will have automatic spacers on them; this will make it possible to just place a tile on to the next tile without the use of any other spaces. This is not always the case so check your tile before starting the installation. Once the tile is installed allow the mastic to set the appropriate amount of time before grouting.
All tile installed by Sal DiBlasi, Elite-tile Company, in the Boston North Shore area. This video contains affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission if you click on the product link.

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[marcfavell]

I must say anyone talking lip or saying you did not learn anything in this video, because you could not understand him or you in your opinion honestly believe he is doing something wrong with installation, I very highly suggest you watch all of the rest of his videos, because this gentleman is a master in his craft, has the best videos on YouTube hands down, no argument end of story, capiche!

[dougpeters]

there's other backsplash videos on YouTube but I keep coming back to this one- this guy is a no nonsense old world craftsman and it's one of the best videos out there.
Great job!

[itgetter]

Who else yelled out loud at 5:09? He caught it right away and fixed it, though! Serious professional, man. And thank you for this video - very helpful.

[dougaloo]

Thanks, Sal, for this helpful video. I like how you got right down to work without a 7-minute intro on what you're going to do. My son and I will be using your video tomorrow to guide us through a kitchen backsplash project just like this one.

[RCOU]

Sal, This is a great video. I just did my kitchen backsplash and it turned out great. I learned how to spread the mastic, cut outlets, use my new wet saw and lay out the tiles in 10 minutes. Thanks!

[JacanaProductions]

No spacers, no laser level, I like it - just getting it done! Excellent!!!

[leahstites]

"simple" HAH! That socket cut was a work of art.

[davescopes]

I've noticed some people mentioned about no spacers. I was a tiler for about 26 year's. many customers do like to see them used. but to be honest a good tiler won't always use them especially with smaller tiles or on a floor. many tiles are shaped at the edge to create a space. I've done much of my tiling just as neat without them. much of the time it's to stop a larger tile from sliding down the wall. great video mate

[mathteacher]

I have never seen such skill!
You are better than those guys on "Ask this Old House."
It is always a pleasure to see a Master at his craft!

[morganash]

Man, I just did my kitchen backsplash myself. I have never tiled anything in my life. And you make it look so easy. I was struggling and sweating for 3 days lmao!! Great job, hopefully Ill be as good as you one day!!

[bmrjma]

Did anyone else love the sound of trowel in the fast speed?😄

[supertrucker]

Thank you for uploading this video. I redid backsplash in kitchen 3 weeks ago and your video answered any question I had about job.

[yellowannie]

I'm telling you this guy is an artist !!!

[HotelEdenMusic]

Man, you are scary fast and efficient. Nice job.

[sarahharding]

This guy really knows what he's doing!

[kristinnuendo]

I’m about to install kitchen backsplash, which I have never done before. Glad you showed the wet saw cause I’ve never used one, but today I have to!

[ericwilkinson]

Thanks for your amazing videos! I have learned so much from watching! I just finished tiling my own kitchen backsplash with skills I learned from this video! Thanks Sal!

[SalDiBlasi]

If you just have a little patience, i do put the camera down on a tripod. I am just a tile setter not a movie mogul, my expertise with the camera is limited.

[czoubek]

I thought you were about to make me an offer I couldn't refuse. Brought to you by the God father :) Great video.. you are clearly a seasoned professional

[samhuntley]

Me, with absolutely no experience, was like "why no spacers?!?" and then at 7:07, Sal saw fit to school me. I appreciate this video!