Bob and Cheryl wanted to add some style to their small urban kitchen. Previously the backsplash was a painted faux tile. While this designer-created plaster treatment looked great, it was high time for a real tile backsplash. They both wanted something with a fresh, updated feel that would be easy to keep clean.

In addition to updating the backsplash, Bob and Cheryl decided to replace their old countertop. They picked a clean and classic Laminate countertop and had it custom cut for their kitchen.

To further emphasize the backsplash, and not the counter, they had the back lip or backsplash of the new countertop cut off. This allowed the tile of the backsplash to come further down and meet the counter directly, creating a clean look and a more open feel.

For their kitchen backsplash the couple chose a beautiful glass subway tile from Home Depot. The neutral color adds sophistication to the small kitchen.

Installation:

The tiles were installed by their European tile setter Adrian. Adrian put the glass tiles on the kitchen wall in a bricked pattern.The picture to the right shows Adrian straightening the tiles as he installs them. The glue sets up quickly, so it would be difficult to move the tiles later on.

Cutting the Tile:

The tricky part with installing glass tiles is how to cut glass tile. An ordinary tile cutter just shatters or crushes glass tile. This is because the wheel that scores the tile is designed for a porcelain or ceramic tile. So, instead of using a wet saw with a special blade, what Adrian did for this small tile project was to use a glass cutter and a straight edge to score the cut. Picture on right.

Step one: Adrian measured and marked the tile to the size he needed.

Step two: He scored the tile with a glass cutter along a straight edge.

Step three: Adrian then used his regular tile cutter to snap the tile.

He laid the tile on the tile cutter lining up the score he made with the glass cutter to where the regular wheel would have scored the tile. Then he brought the handle down to snap or break the tile along the score line. This worked well for Adrian, allowing him to get all the necessary cuts exactly the size he needed them.

The tile adhesive that Adrian used for the backsplash was one recommended for use with glass tile. It is called OmniGrip and was also from Home Depot. The product is shown in the picture to the right.

It is always best to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer when it comes to choosing the glue for the tile. This is because the glue could yellow and/or change the color of the backing on the glass tile.

Stainproof grout from trafficMASTER was also purchased at Home Depot. Picture on right. This grout is a ready to use, premixed grout that contains Scotchgard. Adrian spread the grout on the glass tile backsplash with a grout float and wiped it clean with grout sponges and water.

Bob and Cheryl wanted to jazz up their small kitchen with a sensational backsplash. By replacing the countertop and installing a dazzling glass subway tile they got the update they were looking for. Now their small kitchen sparkles!