How To Tile Backsplash With Uneven Countertop?

How To Tile Backsplash With Uneven Countertop?

It’s no surprise that a tiled backsplash can instantly update a kitchen. But what if your countertops are less than perfect? Don’t worry—you can still achieve a stylish look by using some clever tricks.

We’ll show you how to tile a backsplash around an uneven countertop in this post. So whether you have a sink in the middle of your counter or just a few bumps and lumps, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for all the details!

So, how to tile backsplash with uneven countertop? After installing the tiles, you must caulk gaps, apply grout and use sealers if needed. For details, let’s look further into this article.

Material Required To Tile Backsplash With Uneven Countertop

1. Chalk line
2. Grout saw (tile cutter)
3. Diamond-coated wet saw
4. Level and plumb bob
5. Notched trowel or 1/16″ V-notch tile notch
6. Sponge, bucket, and towels
7. Thin-set adhesive
8. Caulk gun
9. Grout and sponge
10. Rubber grout float
11. Notched hardwood trowel or 1/8″ V-notch tile notch
12. Razorblade
13. Nylon knee pads
14. Latex gloves
15. Bucket of water and clean clothes, for cleaning up excess grout while installing the tiles on the wall
16. A wet tile saw with at least a 10″ blade or wet tile nippers
17. Safety glasses and a dust mask for using a wet tile saw or nippers
18. Grout raking tool (a curette) and a bucket of water.

The Cheapest Way to Tile Backsplash With Uneven Countertop

The easiest way to create a tiled backsplash is by installing standard cut tiles. But if your countertops aren’t perfectly smooth, this can make your uneven surface even more obvious.

If you’ve used standard tiles and the seams are visible, consider cutting down the size of the next row so they butt up against each other. You could also try installing a strip of metal or something similar to cover any gaps between tiles if necessary.

8 Steps Involve To Tile Backsplash With Uneven Countertop Properly

Step 1: Prepare The Wall

The main thing to remember when working with an uneven countertop is that you must make sure your tiles are level. So, before you start installing tiles on your backsplash, use a thin piece of plywood and a level to check for high and low spots.

Place the thin piece of plywood over a few areas of the countertop to see how it fits. Now, use your level and plumb bob (a weight on the end of a string) to check whether the plywood is level or not.

If you notice high spots or low spots on your countertops, place thin pieces of wood over them so that they are leveled before continuing with the tiling process.

Step 2: Prepare The Tiles

If you’re working with a backsplash, it’s best to cut your tiles before you start laying them on the wall. Unlike most mosaic tile projects where you can fit pieces together seamlessly, tiling around an uneven countertop is not as forgiving. Therefore, it’s a good idea to make all of your cut-tile measurements before you get started.

Once you have the measurements of all of your tiles, write them down on a large piece of graph paper. Now, draw a grid system for each tile and place a check next to the ones that need to be cut.

Keep in mind that some tiles may have more than one measurement because they need to be cut on more than one side.

Step 3: Tile The Wall

Working in small sections, apply the thin-set mortar directly to your subfloor using a notched trowel or 1/16″ V-notch tile notch. Next, use your grout saw to install tiles around the countertop (or uneven area).

You’ll want to make sure that all of your tiles are level, so check often. Use a sponge and bucket of water to clean off excess grout from the wall.

Step 4: Caulk Gaps

Once you’ve finished installing the tile on the wall, start caulking any holes or cracks in between the backsplash and the countertop using a caulk gun. Then, use a wet cloth to wipe away all of the excess grout and caulk from your wall.

Step 5: Apply Grout

Next, you’ll need to apply grout over the backsplash tiles. Remember to wear latex gloves and a dust mask because this step can get messy. Then, use a wet sponge to wipe away the excess grout.

Be sure your sponge is nice and damp when you’re wiping off the grout because it will help eliminate any dust particles from ruining your newly installed tile.

Step 6: Sealer (Optional)

Once all of the excess grout has been removed, apply a grout sealer using a rubber grout float. Then, let the sealer dry completely overnight before you use your backsplash area for anything other than decoration.

Step 7: Clean-up

If necessary, clean up any residual grout with a damp sponge and bucket of water; then, wipe down your tiles with a cloth to remove any grout residue film. Finally, replace your protective eyewear and dust mask with safety glasses and a dust mask for cleaning up.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Now that your backsplash is clean and dry, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. You can place items back on the countertops or use them as you like. Just remember that these tiles are not as forgiving as traditional mosaic tiles and can chip or crack if they fall or are hit with a sharp object.

Conclusion

By following the seven steps listed above, you can tile your backsplash with uneven countertops and give it a cleaner look at the same time. Remember to always wear safety gear and measure twice before cutting once because these tiles do not have grout lines and can chip or crack if they fall.

Now that you know how to tile with uneven countertops, you can create your own custom backsplash that will really make your space stand out.