How To Install Subway Tile Backsplash In The Laundry Room

What better way to add some pop in your laundry room than a glossy white tiled backsplash. Here are steps on how to install subway tile backsplash in the laundry room.

DIY Subway Tile Backsplash

If you are following along this is Week 3 of the $100 Room Challenge. You can read Week 1 and Week 2. In week 2 I sweated out the cabinet painting, but in the end, I got the job done. This week’s challenge of installing a subway tile was not as hard as I thought since it was my first tile job. I am really happy with the results of this tile project.

Material Needed To Install Tile:

• I used a white subway tile that I had left from a my kitchen back splash.

• The tile cutter or a wet saw was needed for straight cuts and L shape. cuts.

• There are many tile adhesive but I really loved Mapei Type 1.

• Trowel to apply the adhesive.

• I used a pre-mixed tile grout because it was easier and cleaner.

• The floater is essential because it spread the grout into the grooves.

• A yellow utility sponge that cleans the grout from the tile.

• The level is an essential tool to make sure the til is even all through the project.

Steps To Install Subway Tile:

Installing tile is pretty time consuming but if you follow these steps it will go by smoothly.

1. Take you tile and design on paper how are you going to lay them on the wall.
2. Before you place the tiles take your trowel and spread it all over the wall in sections.
3. The first tile has to be cut in half with the tile cutter. This will set the stage for the design.
4. Apply the tile on the adhesive and place a spacer in between the tile.

5. After you do one section, go to another section until all the tile is placed on the wall.

6. Cutting the tiles around the light switch is tricky. It’s not a straight cut. You have to cut in an L shape. For this, I borrowed my brother in law’s wet saw. I saved money and with his help, I was able to cut several pieces to fit around the light switch.

How To Apply The Grout:

Before you apply the grout take out the spacers. Apply the grout with a floater in a 45-degree angle forming an X motion each time. Apply enough firm pressure so you get all the grout between the spaces of your tile. Once you inspect that all the spaces has been filled with grout you can swipe all the excess tiles with the floater and proceed with damp sponge.

With a damp sponge take off all the sanding residue the grout has left until its nice and clean and the tile looks shiny.

Budget so far

I am trying to stay as close to the $100 mark as I can but looks Like I’ll be going over. I spent $84.00 for painting supplies and tile supplies. The shelving and plumber pipe for shelving will be over $25. Total: $109

Tips I learned To Installing Subway Tile.

When cutting tile, I soon discovered that the tile cutter only does straight cuts and I needed L shape cuts. The wet saw can cut any shape you need. You will need this around the light switches.

Very important when applying the adhesive using a trowel to form the lines onto the back of the tile to make the adhesive even. This will prevent the tile from not drying properly.

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Don’t forget to stop by and visit the other $100 Room Challenges. So many amazing projects.