Easy Backsplash Installation Using Metal Decorative Tile
Last updated August 21, 2024
Brooke Ulrich is a wife and mother of 4 crazy kiddos and owns All Things Thrifty, an online destination geared to the typical, busy, American woman. Brooke is a former college professor with a master’s degree in corporate communications but her main passion is decorating. She is a treasure hunter and loves to find a good deal. Brooke specializes in refinishing furniture, upholstery, and room decor.
A Note From The Home Depot
For her backsplash installation, Brooke Ulrich of All Things Thrifty made it an easy job by choosing peel-and-stick metal tiles by Aspect.
Here, she shows you exactly how she completed the DIY project.
Table of Contents
Backsplash Installation
Before the Backsplash Installation
After the Backsplash Installation
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Backsplash Installation
Adding a backsplash can be intimidating, but a backsplash makes such a difference in a kitchen or bathroom. It adds the finishing touches, increases character, and can really help you define your style.
With Aspect metal decorative tiles, you don’t need to fret over grout or using a tile saw. Plus you can install the tiles right onto your wall with a little prep work.
Follow along as I show you how I completed this super easy it is to use these peel-and-stick tiles for a backsplash installation.
Before the Backsplash Installation
After the Backsplash Installation
Step 1
To begin, remove the outlet covers and prime the walls with Kilz Latex primer. This step is essential to help create a surface for your tiles to adhere properly.
If you don’t prime the wall, you can install the tiles with added adhesive, but priming the wall is a better choice in my opinion because then you don’t need to fret over buying more adhesive or applying too much.
Step 2
Measure your wall area and lay out the tiles on a flat surface.
Step 3
Cut your starting pieces. In order to stagger the placement of the tiles, you will need some two-inch pieces and some four-inch pieces.
When cutting your tiles, place some masking tape on the top of your tile. This helps prevent the tile from getting scratched by the saw blades.
A miter saw or a scroll saw works great to cut the tiles.
Step 4
Start placing your tiles carefully by removing the clear film from the front, and the white film from the back.
Take note: The adhesive is very aggressive. Be very careful to place your tile carefully because once you push it onto the wall, it is very hard to remove. We did have to remove a few during the installation process, and it took a lot of muscle and a crow bar, so be extra careful.
Start on one end of your project area and stagger your tiles by two inches.
Step 5
Continue your pattern across your project area until you reach a tricky or intricate spot. Use card stock paper and scissors to make a pattern.
Make sure your pattern fits snug.
Trace the pattern onto masking tape on your tile with a pencil.
Don’t forget to place a piece of masking tape on each tile before you cut it. This helps prevent the tile from getting scratched by the saw blades.
Step 6
Cut your intricate cuts with a scroll saw.
Step 7
After your tiles are placed snuggly, measure and cut your trim pieces. Remove the backing and stick them to the wall. The trim makes it look 100 percent done!
Some tips that we picked up along the way:
- Before you begin, remove the clear film from the front of the tiles. We found it was much easier to peel it off before it was on the wall.
- Once you know the measurement you want to cut, place a piece of masking tape on the tile, mark with a pencil and cut on the tape. You can see your line this way and it will protect your tile from potential scratches.
- Lay a couple rows of tiles out on the floor beforehand to give yourself a visual to refer to.
- Measure twice, cut once (speaking from experience here)!
The backsplash is beautiful, and we finished our project in one day!
Browse Aspect brand backsplash tile and all our backsplashes and countertops at The Home Depot.
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This post was created in partnership with The Home Depot. The author may have received compensation for this article and associated images or video, potentially in the form of products and/or services. All expressed opinions and experiences are the author’s own words.
