Wallpaper + Tiles
Tiling a Splashback

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Tiling a Splashback

If you're put off by the thought of tackling your own tiling, a basin splashback is the ideal way to learn. And there is a wonderful array of tiles and mosaic tiles available to choose from. As long as the wall is in sound condition, you can tile straight onto the surface, but be sure to remove any wallpaper first.

Time to complete job: Half a day.
Approximate budget: From £25.

You will need:

  • Spirit level
  • Tape measure
  • Chinagraph pencil
  • Tile saw
  • Waterproof adhesive/grout
  • Sponge
  • Squeegee
  • Tile cutting jig
  • Timber battens - 50 x 25mm (2 x 1in) approx
  • Masonry nails
  • Hammer
  • Tile spacers
  • Dry cloth
  • Sealant
First Steps: Making a tile gauge
A tile gauge is used to plan the positions of the tiles and ensure that they are symmetrical.

Make a tile gauge from a piece of 25 x 50mm (1 x 2in) batten. Lay the tiles and spacers along the edge of the wood and mark the positions of the tile joints on the timber. You can now hold this batten against the wall, upright and across the surface, to show the tile positions.

Mark the wall to show the position of the first row of full tiles above the worktop. Lay a spirit level on top of the gauge to make sure it is horizontal. If there is a window sill in front of the sink, adjust the position so that the top complete row of tiles is flush with the window recess.

For more information see the Tile Association.
Step 1: Preparing to tile

Click to enlarge

Step 1: Preparing to tile

To hold the tiles in a straight line, temporarily nail a wooden batten to the wall so that the top edge is along the line you have marked with the tile gauge.
Nail the second batten at right angles to the first, along the left-hand edge of the area to be tiled. Check it's vertical with a spirit level.
Start tiling from the corner formed by the two guide battens. Use a notched spreader (provided with the adhesive/grout) to form even ribbons over about half a square metre of the wall.
Step 2: Tiling

Click to enlarge

Step 2: Tiling

Place the tiles onto the adhesive and use small sliding movements to position each tile in the correct position. Press spacers into each joint as you work across the row.
Fix all the whole tiles and wipe off any excess adhesive with a damp sponge before it sets. Leave the splashback to dry.

Tip: To check that the tiles will form a flat, smooth surface, lay the spirit level across them. You may need to add a dab of extra adhesive/grout if a tile is below the level of the surrounding tiles.
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