Tools and Materials
Items may be Special Order in some stores. Product costs, availability, and item numbers may vary online or by market. Paint colors may vary slightly from those shown. Availability varies by market for lumber species and sizes.
Backsplash with Adhesive Mats
When your kitchen needs a little pick-me-up and you want a quick and easy way to take on the project yourself, consider installing a backsplash with adhesive mats. Self-adhesive tile mats free you up from traditional methods of tiling and make for easy backsplash installation. There’s less mess and cleanup and they help you get the job done quicker. One side of the adhesive mat sticks to the wall and the other side is where the tile is applied. Once the mat and tiles are attached to the wall, you don’t have to wait to begin grouting.
Double-sided tile adhesive mats replace mortar and they bond instantly, letting you apply tile and grout the same day. Tile adhesive mats can be used with most types of individual tiles up to 12 inches square or mesh-backed mosaic sheets. Use the mats on clean, flat indoor surfaces such as backsplashes, countertops, and tub or shower walls. Adhesive mats adhere well to many surfaces, including stone, glass, ceramic, porcelain and more.
Adhesive mats aren’t meant to replace waterproofing products for tile. Avoid using them for floors, ceilings, fireplaces, steam rooms, shower floors, and surfaces that will be submerged in water.
What to Do Before Installing Adhesive Mats
- Prior to installing the backsplash adhesive mat, clean the wall well to remove dirt, grease, peeling paint or anything that would prohibit the mat and tile adhering properly.
- Remove any nails, hooks, etc. on the wall.
- Ensure that the surface is completely dry before installing the mats.
-
Plan your tile layout by dry fitting (arranging) the tiles in the pattern you want before installing them.
Install the Adhesive Mats
Install the Tiles
Tips for Installing a Tile Backsplash With Adhesive Mats
- Adhesive mats don’t do well in areas that have significant humidity or moisture.
-
Apply the adhesive to walls that are smooth, flat and damage-free, otherwise the tiles won’t lay flat on the wall.
- Ensure that you use tiles that can be supported by the adhesive mat. Tiles that are large and heavy may not hold.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Tile a Backsplash
What is the Easiest Way to Put Up a Backsplash?
The easiest way to install a backsplash is to use a tile adhesive mat. This greatly reduces the amount of time invested in the project, and clean-up is minimal.
How Do You Install a Backsplash with a Simple Mat?
Installation is easy. Measure and cut the mat to fit the space, peel off the wall-side adhesive and apply to the wall, smooth out any air bubbles, peel off the tile-side of the adhesive, then carefully apply the tiles to the wall.