How to Install Slate Tile
Backsplash

10 May 2010- Installing slate backsplash is perhaps the most easiest, inexpensive and fast kitchen remodeling idea. You have to install slate tile backsplash only on a small area behind your kitchen countertop which makes it a faster DIY project. Secondly, you'll need only a few slate tiles due to smaller area of application that makes it comparatively inexpensive kitchen project too. Again due to the fact that you need to install only a few slate tile for backsplash, it will need lesser efforts on your part and it thus becomes easier for you to install slate backsplash! So, here are step-by-step instructions for installing slate tile backsplash for your kitchen remodeling project.

Few Tips on Installing Slate Backsplash

Installing slate kitchen backsplash in smaller area has definitely some differences in tiling methods as compared to installing slate tile for larger areas.

• Smaller areas for slate backsplash would require smaller slate tiles. Larger slate tiles will look odd.
• To make your slate backsplash installation more easier, you can use acrylic mastic in place of thinset. It will save you mixing time and is also easier to spread over drywall.
• Whenever using slate tile to install backsplash, always ensure to seal the slate after the grout cures.

For more tips on slate backsplash, read Slate Backsplash for Kitchen- Some Facts, Tips and Ideas

Installing Slate Backsplash- Step-by-Step Instructions

For installing slate tile backsplash in your kitchen, you will require certain things that include cement backer board (though not extremely essential), backer board screws, penetrating grout and tile sealer, acrylic mastic, tiling trowel, tile spacers, grout, and grout float.

• For installing slate tile backsplash, first of all, prepare the surface of the wall. Check for the strength of drywall- whether it can hold the slate tile.
• Before installing slate tile backsplash, do any repair work required for the wall after inspection as directed in the first step.
• When sure that the drywall is in perfect condition to hold slate tile, clean it up and make it free from dirt and dust.
• If you have bought the slate tile with measurement 12 X 12 inches, fix a cement backer board on the wall. For this, you must first cut the backer board according to the size of the backsplash and then fix it on the wall with the help of screws spaced at a distance of 6 inches each.
• Now prepare the slate tiles for installing backsplash. For this apply some good quality penetrating sealer on the surface of the slate tile. Allow the sealer to dry up completely before installing backsplash. In fact, its better to do this work of applying sealer to slate tile one day before you install backsplash so that it gets dried thoroughly.
• Take the good quality mastic you got for your slate tile installation project. Take out a generous quantity of adhesive on a adhesive spreader. Spread it evenly on the wall to form a uniform thin layer. Remember not to apply all the adhesive on the full length of wall area. Instead, divide the wall into small sections and apply adhesive on each one of them at a time to make it easy for you. Avoid using excessive adhesive on the wall.
• Now arrange the slate tiles on the floor according to the one of your selected backsplash designs. For backsplash designs ideas, see some Terrific Slate Tile Backsplash Pictures
• Find out the center point of wall where backsplash has to be installed and start installing slate tile from there.
• Place the first slate tile and press it well into the adhesive. Keep placing the slate tiles on the left and right of the first installed tile to complete the row. Move on to the next row and fix the tiles till all the rows of backsplash are complete except the last row. Use tile spacer to make sure that enough space is there in between two tiles. Keep some space between the kitchen countertop and slate tile backsplash too.
• For installing slate tile in the last row of the backsplash, cut tiles to fit them into the remaining space.
• Let the installed slate tiles dry completely, for at least 24 hours.
• To grout slate backsplash, add the right quantity of water to make the grouting mixture (read the manufacturer's instructions for this).
• Spread some grout with the help of grout float on the installed slate tile. Force the grout well into the grout lines.
• When grouting is complete, wait for about 30-40 minutes to let it set well into the lines.
• Wipe off the excess grout from the slate tile surface with the help of a damp cloth. Avoid touching the grout line.
• Let the grout to cure for the next three to four days.
• After 3-4 days, apply two coats of penetrating sealer for more effectively protecting grout and the slate tiles of the installed backsplash.