The Mosaic Tile Installation Trick To Lay Them Flat For Flawless Results

Installing your own tiles can be a remarkably easy project that can save you money on a backsplash upgrade. However, there are a few common mistakes to avoid when tiling that stop many homeowners in their tracks. Making sure mosaic tiles lay flat can be difficult and halt an otherwise great project. Luckily, by using a backboard or "waste" tiles behind your mosaic strip to create an even surface, you'll get seamless results in no time. 

Simple tips for installing tile backsplash include properly prepping the wall. Do this by removing any original backsplash or tiling, revealing the drywall or other flat surface that you'll be laying tile onto. If the surface isn't flat, like warped drywall or uneven mortar, your tiles are going to protrude or look bumpy, resulting in a very unprofessional finish. Fortunately, there's an easy and inexpensive way to remedy this with cement board or backboard. Cut the boards to the correct size and use grout to affix them onto the area. Then, apply mortar and carefully place the tiles on top, using tile spacers and levels to ensure that they're in the correct spot. Finally, use grout to cover the spaces between the tiles, finishing off with a grout sponge that evenly distributes the mixture and removes any unnecessary excess grout.

If you've got leftover tiles hanging around from a previous project, you could use these instead of backboard to achieve a flat and flawless finish. Although backboard can typically be picked up for less than a dollar per square foot, that cost could quickly rack up if you have a large kitchen to tile. To save money, you could ask friends or family if they have any old boxes of tiles hiding in their garage or basement that they don't intend to use and that they might be willing to gift to you. Before starting the project, you'll need to carefully measure the surface area and calculate how many of the "waste" tiles you'll need. If you don't have enough, it's best not to use them and opt for backboard instead, since finding more waste tiles with the exact same depth may prove tricky.

To install your mosaic tiles using "waste" tiles as a means of creating a flat surface, follow the same steps that you usually would when tiling, with one key difference. Instead of laying your mosaics directly onto the wall, you'll want to first lay your "waste" tiles onto the surface. Secure them in place using grout or mortar, and, once level, apply your mosaics on top. By doing this, you can create a perfectly level surface and enjoy a more luxurious feel with the mosaic tile trend.