Installing a Marble Backsplash

It's amazing to see how a simple tile backsplash installation can make such a big difference in the kitchen. Not only visually, but also being waaaay easier to keep it clean!

Installing a marble backsplash in a rather small kitchen is a type of project that usually takes a weekend to be completed and depending on the materials you choose, it can be a very economical project, especially when comparing it to the amount of style your kitchen is going to get.

The biggest challenge when deciding on adding a backsplash to your kitchen might be narrowing out the choices on what to use!

There are hundreds of choices out there: Ceramic, wood, stainless steel, granite, glass mosaic, marble, etc. not to mention colors, textures, or sizes!

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My small kitchen was going through a complete makeover that would bring this dated space up to today's standards.

The kitchen island was enlarged, a range hood was installed, and the cabinets were painted. The final task during this kitchen makeover was installing a backsplash.

I decided to use marble because is a timeless, beautiful choice for the traditional look that I was going for with this makeover.

The price for this material was not the cheapest; remember that is good to splurge in areas that are this small and that get tons of attention.

Let me show you how this mosaic marble backsplash installation progressed:

The tools & materials I used:

• Marble Mosaics (enough to cover the area plus 15% extra in case of accidents). 
• Mortar (White, mixed according to specifications).
• V-notched trowel
• Non-sanded grout
• Grout float
• Bucket
• Spacers
• Sponge
• Wet tile saw
• Drill
• Grout mixing paddle -drill attachment
• Outlet Extenders
• Tape measure & level
• Silicone caulk
• Sealer
• Rosin paper

1. PREP WORK

The first task is to clean and sand the walls to prepare them for the tile installation.

The countertop was covered with rosin paper, leaving a very small open line all along the wall, where the marble was going to sit.

A temporary piece of wood (2x4) was installed on the wall behind the stove to support the marble tile while it dries. Make sure is level.

The outlets were extended to make them flush with the marble once the installation is complete. (Turn off the current when doing any electrical work).

This is also the time to think about how to install the tile if it has any designs.

For certain types of tile, it is important to center the design, usually above the stove.  I didn’t have to worry about this, as all my tiles were plain with no detail on them.

2. MIX & APPLY THE MORTAR

The mortar was mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions. 

A quarter of the mortar package was added to the 5-gallon bucket, slowly adding water and mixing it until we got a peanut butter consistency.

 

Apply the mortar to a small section of wall at a time. You don't want it to dry too fast, remember you need time to make those tile cuts.

The mortar was applied to the wall with the notched trowel at a 45-degree angle. 

3. CUT & INSTALL THE TILE

Installing the tile onto the freshly applied grout is as easy as laying the mosaic tile and gently pushing it onto the grout to set it in place.

Start at the bottom, laying that first section of tile onto spacers on the counter, and work your way up.

The tricky part comes when you have to work around outlets, windows, etc. You need to cut the tile to fit around those objects, and that takes time, especially when working with a slow-poke wet tile saw like the one I used.

MY EXPERIENCE USING A SMALL/ECONOMICAL WET TILE SAW

I bought this wet tile saw for under seventy bucks. It was one of the cheapest wet tile saws, but it worked!
better than renting one I guess.

It was in general a positive experience given how economical it was. This is what you have to take into consideration if you also take this same route:

• Protect yourself with a rain jacket or something otherwise, you'll be drenched.
• Adding to that first line, you better work this wet tile saw outdoors, water will splatter all around the place.
• It would be better to work with a partner, one that makes the cuts and one that installs.
• This type of wet tile saw goes slowly, you have to be patient. Don't push it.
• My mosaic tiles usually got separated from the mesh backing when the cut took too long. It was disappointing as I had to install the pieces one by one.

Plan the installation one small section at a time, making the cuts in advance if possible.

Spacers were used in between each sheet.

Many times it was easier for me to fill small areas by installing every single little tile at a time.

The installation continued, working around the electrical outlets until everything was covered.

4. MIX & APPLY THE GROUT

I waited 24 hours for the mortar to dry completely.

Once the 24 hours is done, the grout can be applied using a grout float and doing it again in a diagonally way, pushing the grout into every single crevice.

After applying the grout, wait a few more minutes for the grout to dry a little before cleaning the marble with a wet sponge, again in a diagonal way.

WHY IN A DIAGONAL WAY?

Working diagonally prevents the product from being pulled away.

5. SEAL IT

Once dried and thoroughly cleaned, the sealer is applied to protect the marble from stains, and mildew and to help on keeping it clean.

Finally, silicone caulk was applied in between the marble and the countertop.

This is how it looks now:

It makes a difference, don't you think so?

Next is the total kitchen cost breakdown


You can also click on the next links for:
Closing the space above the kitchen cabinets
Adding moldings to your kitchen cabinets 
How to paint the cabinets.
Build a range hood.
Build a fridge enclosure.
Update the kitchen island
Tips about installing recessed lights
Final kitchen reveal
1 ½ Year Later How the Kitchen is Holding up
Build-in Plate Rack
Pull Out Shelves in Pantry
LG Appliances Review and Complain

*This post contains affiliate links.

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