Kitchen Backsplash Tutorial (Featuring Floor & Decor)

We are finally done over at the Fair Oaks project and I could not be happier with the way it turned out!! You can check out all the before and after pictures plus all the materials and details on the blog. 

 In the meantime as promised I am partnering up with Floor & Decor again to bring you a kitchen backsplash tutorial featuring their carrara white hexagonal marble mosaic and our final kitchen reveal!!  This turned out so gorgeous and really gave the kitchen a chic beachy vibe which is exactly what I had in mind!

 <Disclaimer I am not a professional but if I can do it you can do it! Make sure you feel comfortable using the tools needed or have someone with you who knows how to operate them. Feel free to ask/comment any questions below.>

Tools & Materials Needed:

-Wet Saw

-Level

-Drywall Trowel

-Sponge

-Grout Float

-Construction Spatula

-Construction Buckets/Containers

-Latex Gloves

-Mortar (White)

-Unsanded Grout (White)

-Water

-Tile Backsplash 

Before you begin, depending on the backsplash you are using, play around with the sheets and see what direction and how you want to start.  We decided to start at the far end and have the flat parts of the hexagon be on the top and bottom. Then you can decide how you need to cut your tiles.  This is when you need to use the wet saw.  For the hexagonal shape we found this way to be easier when interlocking. 

Step 1:  Prepare the area by turning the power off to the kitchen and remove all outlet covers in the area you will be working.  It is a good idea to tape off the outlets.  Make sure the walls are clean and ready.

Step 2:  Use your construction spatula to smooth on the mortar.  Work in small sections. 

Step 3:  Once you have smoothed on mortar in the desired area use your drywall trowel to create lines in the mortar. This helps the backsplash stay put and not slide.

Step 4: Place your sheet of backsplash onto the mortar and press down.  

Repeat these steps as you interlock the backsplash like a puzzle.  If a few pieces fall off from the netting behind the backsplash don't worry you can go back and secure single pieces later.  Depending on your space you may need to cut smaller strips (as seen above) to finish the wall up to the cabinets.  We went right up to the cabinet by making straight cuts.  

Step 5: Check your ending sides with your level to make sure your lines are straight.

 (We added in a focal mosaic we picked up at Floor & Decor for above the sink)

Step 6:  Wait 24 hours for the mortar to fully dry and apply your grout. Use your grout float to spread the grout all around filling up all gaps. Let the grout settle for a few minutes and then go over with a wet sponge, wiping away the grout that is on the surface of the tile.

Step 7:  The next day go ahead and wipe clean the backsplash removing any grout haze.  Microfiber cleaning cloths work well! 

Step 8: Enjoy your new beautiful kitchen backsplash!

A special thank you to Floor & Decor for sponsoring this post! All opinions are my own.