How to tile a kitchen splash back

Tiling a kitchen splash back is a great way to add style and protection to your kitchen walls. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you tile a kitchen splash back:

Gather the necessary materials:
- Tiles of your choice
- Tile adhesive
- Notched trowel
- Tile spacers
- Tile cutter or wet saw
- Tile grout
- Grout float
- Sponge or damp cloth
- Tile sealer (optional)
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Pencil
- Safety goggles and gloves

Prepare the surface:
- Clean the wall thoroughly to remove any grease, dirt, or debris.
- Repair any cracks or imperfections on the wall.
- Sand the wall lightly to create a better surface for the adhesive.

Plan the layout:
- Measure the dimensions of the splash back area to determine the number of tiles you'll need.
- Start from the centre and mark a vertical and horizontal line using a level and pencil. This will help you keep the tiles aligned.

​Apply the adhesive:
- Mix the tile adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Using a notched trowel, spread the adhesive on a small section of the wall, starting from the centreline.
- Create ridges in the adhesive with the notched side of the trowel.

​Install the tiles:
- Place the first tile on the adhesive, aligning it with the centreline and pressing it firmly.
- Insert tile spacers between each tile to ensure even spacing.
- Continue applying adhesive and placing tiles, following your planned layout.
- Cut tiles to fit around edges, outlets, or other obstacles using a tile cutter or wet saw.

Allow the adhesive to dry:
- Check the drying time specified by the adhesive manufacturer.
- Let the tiles set and adhere to the wall completely before proceeding.

Apply grout:
- Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Using a grout float, spread the grout over the tiles, pressing it into the gaps.
- Hold the float at a 45-degree angle to remove excess grout from the tile surface.

Clean the tiles:
- After about 10-20 minutes, when the grout starts to set, use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe off the excess grout from the tiles.
- Rinse the sponge frequently and continue cleaning until the tiles are free of grout haze.

Final touches:
- Allow the grout to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Apply a tile sealer if desired, following the product instructions.

​That's it! Following these steps should help you tile your kitchen splashback. Remember to follow safety precautions, wear protective gear, and consult the instructions provided by the manufacturers of the materials you are using.