How to Tile a Kitchen Wall + Inspiring Kitchen Wall Tile Ideas

November 26, 2020

Tiles have long been a popular option for kitchen surfaces. Made from a variety of natural and now synthetic materials, you can install tile in any shade or finish to suit your decorating style. Select options from natural stone, a beautiful and durable ceramic or even the translucent appeal of glass, and your kitchen walls are sure to be both tasteful and useful. Deciding to install a tile wall is a great idea and can easily be done with the right know-how and tools.

Not sure if you'll have the time to install tiles on your own? Easily find a local kitchen renovator and have a professional efficiently install your tiles for a great new look in your kitchen!

Why Are Tiles a Great Option For Kitchens?

The daily activity in a kitchen can be a lot of fun and it’s completely necessary to feed you and your family. However, it can also leave a big mess for you to deal with. On a daily basis, this is simply too much mess. Food spatter and grease buildup can make your kitchen look less than sparkling and can even result in damage. Tiled walls are a great way to make your kitchen easy to clean.

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No matter what type of tile you choose, it can be scrubbed and washed to eliminate any mess that comes from daily life. This way you can enjoy living in your kitchen with the confidence of knowing it is easy to clean up.

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The Step By Step Guide on How to Tile a Kitchen Wall

1. Prepare The Walls

For a tile wall, you can typically apply directly on level plaster or plasterboard. Make sure that it’s completely smooth for the best results. A professional plasterer can help with this step to ensure the surface is perfectly smooth, as any bump or dent will make your tiles uneven, and it could even break your tile.

After clearing the space, you’ll need to remove any receptacle covers and cover your counters. If your tile will not be supported by the counter or skirting boards, you may need to install temporary support such as a board to keep your tiles level until they are fixed.

2. Plan Your Layout

Tiling a kitchen wall takes some careful planning to do properly. Depending on your pattern, you may want to work out how it looks horizontally and vertically to be sure that there will be no narrow and difficult cuts to make.

Since you’ll be working around cupboards, shelves and likely a sink, it’s important to lay out your work so it can be installed easily.

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We recommend laying it out on the counter to see how it will look in your chosen pattern and to plan out your cuts. You may wish to dry fit your tiles so you can place them in the pattern ahead of time — but be sure that you are allowing space for grout.

You’ll also need to have the proper spacing between your tiles and next to your counters and shelving. By taking the time to set it out, you’ll see if there are any awkward sections that won’t look right when they are applied.

3. Place The Tile

Now that both your walls and your tiles are ready, it’s time to install. Make sure you have the adhesive or thin set mortar recommended for your tiles and are using a wall grade grout. The right materials means you’ll have the best looking and long lasting results.

With your mortar mixed and ready, apply it to a small section of your wall. It should be even with grooves from your trowel parallel for the best grip. After the mortar is in position, it’s time to lay your tile.

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As you place your tiles, be sure to use your spaces so they are applied evenly. Set your tile with a slight twist so they grip the mortar properly.

After your tile are placed and cured, it’s time to grout. Mix and apply, being sure to fill the gaps. Allow it to cure for the proper time and then wash excess off your tile surface with a sponge. You’ll want to be gentle as you do not want to scoop grout back out as you clean. After the grout is cured, make sure to seal it properly so it will last.

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Kitchen Wall Tile Ideas

1. A Timeless Classic

Always popular, choosing subway tile can make your kitchen walls look incredibly trendy but also timeless. It’s available in a variety of materials from ceramic to glass, porcelain to slate, all in this classic rectangular shape.

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You can also choose to mix and match the finishes for a truly unique look for your tiled kitchen wall. And remember that there is no set pattern for subway tile: use a traditional half or two-thirds offset or mix it up with the ideas we’ve listed below.

2. Interesting Patterns

There are many unique and interesting patterns to use with your tile so your wall will be anything but boring. From the classic offsets to diamonds to straight lines, nearly any idea you can come up with can be represented with your tile.

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You can also take these ideas and give them a forty-five-degree turn to take a horizontal idea vertical. For more elaborate patterns that make a bold statement, consider using a herringbone or chevron.

3. Cladding Your Walls

Your tiles aren’t limited to being installed as a backsplash. Consider using your herringbone or chevron pattern as cladding to accent a wall within your kitchen.

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Applying this about halfway up your wall allows you to have the peaks extend onto a painted wall for added visual interest. If you desire to have more tile in your kitchen, this is a great way to do it.

4. Explore Available Finishes

Tiles now come in a variety of materials to give you the perfect look for your space. Glass is a great option to make any kitchen wall look luxurious with its eye-catching shimmer.

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It can also come as a mosaic, which combines the look of small glass tiles with ceramic and stone mixed in. This is an easy way to install a variety of finishes for an interesting tiled wall.

Summary

In a kitchen, tiled walls just make sense. It improves the look of your kitchen with great tile ideas and makes it so much easier to keep clean.

It’s time to make one of these great ideas a reality. No matter whether you have an existing wall covered in tile or are looking to tile a prepped surface, creating a clean and durable tile wall or backsplash is simple. Take the first step towards bringing your dream kitchen to life and submit a free request to get bids from top kitchen renovators!

Looking for more information on for your kitchen renovation? Easily plan your budget and learn all about the costs associated with your project in our handy Kitchen Renovation Price Guide!

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We’ve rounded up 10 of the best ways to turn your garden patio into the perfect place to spend your time. Don’t have a patio just yet? Take note of what great garden patio ideas inspire you and use this to plan out a brand new patio! When you’re out there relaxing with your sunglasses on and a drink in hand, you’ll be glad you did.

10 Unique Garden Patio Ideas

Take the Indoors Outdoors

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1. Take the Indoors Outdoors

Your garden patio can be a valuable space, extending your living area outside of the constraints of your home. Why not supply an outdoor patio with all the comforts of indoor living? You can sit back and relax with the right furnishings

Start with a good, weatherproof couch and chairs for seating. Add in side tables of metal or ceramic and make it warm and inviting with lighting and cushions. You can even add outdoor plants in pots for a spot of life!

Even a radio or television can be hung up for a true living room – as long as it’s set into a weatherproof solution! Otherwise, you’ll be dragging it in each time there is a hint of unpleasant weather instead of enjoying yourself.

A Place to Read

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2. A Place to Read

Sometimes the best way to relax is to curl up with a good book. In the summer, you can take your reading material outside, whether it’s a newspaper, book, or e-book! Your garden patio will allow you to take in the warm temperatures along with some entertainment or education. A reading nook is easy to create. All you will need is a comfortable chair and good lighting.

Then, why not add some beautiful flowers in colourful pots to brighten up your space or use some simple greenery to make you feel like your book is transporting you somewhere tropical.

Bright and Colourful

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3. Make It Bright and Colourful

When you’re searching for top garden patio ideas keep in mind that your garden patio should be anything but boring. Colour is an easy way to spice it up and make it a more inviting space. Give your existing patio furniture a fresh new look with paint. Try bold colours like blue, red, or yellow for a summery feel or, if you need new furniture, find products that are in the palette you want.

Aim for a monochrome scheme for a tied together look or, stick with a neutral like white, black, or brown with one or two colours as your accents. If you want to be truly bold, go for a full rainbow to create a unique and bright outdoor space.

Sunbathers Paradise

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4. Sunbathers Paradise

If you love the sun, you’ll want a garden patio that helps you get a tan this summer! Choose an area that receives the most light in your yard to claim for your space. Select plants for your patio to fill in some of the gaps and feel like you’re on a private island. Cactuses or succulents love the sun and don’t require too much water for upkeep.

Set up a chaise or outdoor lounger that makes it easy to lie out and catch some rays. Just make sure that your chaise doesn’t get too hot in the sun or it could turn into a painful experience. You can also add an umbrella for the days when the sun is just too much. This also adds a pop of colour and height to your garden patio!