Are you looking for a new project to increase the value of your home? Installing a marble tile backsplash is a great way to do that, and it doesn’t have to be intimidating. With just a few materials and some careful execution, even beginner DIYers can tackle this sophisticated upgrade in no time. Read on for my step-by-step guide to installing your very own marble tile backsplash!
Gold Calacatta Marble Kitchen Tile Backsplash using Musselbound
Do you get excited to try new products as much as I do? Like, “Keep you up at night thinking about how awesome it will look,” excited? Like you just can’t wait until you can just find the time to get to work with the product already?
Well, getting the time to use Musselbound Tile Mat, instead of traditional mortar for our kitchen tile backsplash, could not come fast enough. I was so excited to use it and see how I would truly feel about it. This Double Sided Sticker is pretty amazing! You will love how easy it is to install marble tile backsplash in your Kitchen. No need to be intimated when it comes to tile installation. Let me show you how we do, and you can too. Let’s get started and enjoy this awesome DIY together!
Supplies Needed:
- Musselbound Tile Mat
- Calacatta Gold Marble
- Utility Knife
- Joint Compound Knife
- Brad Nailer
- Schluter PVC Trim
- Bosch GLL30 30ft Cross Line Laser Level
- Laser Level Tripod
- Spacers
- Longer screws #6-32 1-½ in
- Grout
- Grout Float
- Grout Sponge
- Wet Saw
How to Makeover your Kitchen Tile Backsplash
- Grab your Musselbound Tile mat and begin to roll it out. It is just like a double-sided sticker, with adhesive on both sides.
- Apply the backside of the Musselbound directly to the wall as you remove the backing.
- As you roll it down, just like wallpaper, use a joint compound knife to smooth it out. Make sure it has adhered well.
- Once you need to cut it, use your utility knife. You will cut along the base of the countertop and for outlets.
- Complete the entire area you want to tile.
- Using your Brad Nailer, secure some Schluter PVC Trim to the edge of the cabinet/countertop where the tile will end at the fridge. This will give a finished look.
- Once ready to tile, you will remove the top layer of paper to remove the adhesive to allow for your tiles to stick securely. (Musselbound comes with a few different sized spacers.)
- Begin along your countertop, using the desired sized spacer. Gently pull up the adhesive paper as you work your way around. Cut a piece of the paper backing as you go for ease.
- The nice thing about the spacers is you can pull them out pretty much immediately & reuse them since they are set right away.
- You can set your other tiles, leaving space for any areas you may need to cut later.
- Add your cut tiles.
- Extend your outlets using spacers. They will fold up accordion style. It will sit behind the screw of the outlet to account for the space that the tile made. Typically you’ll also need longer screws. I used pan Phillips #6-32 1-½”.
- The next step is to seal it since the marble is porous. Wipe sealer on, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe off excess. Wait at least 6 hours before you grout.
- Add your grout, by adding in sections until all of your tiled areas are covered. Wipe excess as you go.
- Seal one more time, especially with marble as it is recommended to do before and after grouting.
- Step back and admire your beautiful tile installation.
What Is The Best Laser To Use For Any Project?
I love, love, love my Bosch GLL30 30ft Cross Line Laser Level. It is so stinking easy to use. It is worth every penny. When I tell you I use it for just about every DIY project I have done, I am not exaggerating. It is worth the expense for the peace of mind it provides. Go get yourself a sweet laser! Just do not point it in anyone’s eyes.
When Using a Wet Tile Saw, Do You Have to Wait Until the Tiles are Completely Dry to Stick?
If you use Musselbound & a wet tile saw to cut your tiles for your DIY projects, you DO have to wait for the tiles to be completely dry before you can attach them. You can air dry, blow dry, and even dry in an oven on low temps to help with the time factor.
Do You Have To Use Grout With MusselBound?
Yes, you still use grout. I love that I can grout right away, whereas, with mortar, you typically have to wait 24-48 hours. That means completing beautiful DIY projects much faster. We all count that as a win, right?
If You Remove The Paper Will It Stay Sticky?
The answer to this is yes and no. Musselbound does not lose its stickiness by removing the paper. It stays super sticky. But if it gets dust and debris on it, it loses its stickiness then. So it is best to peel off the paper in the section you’re working on and not all at once. You can reattach the paper, too if needed.
There you have it! How to update your kitchen backsplash with stunning tile and Musselbound. I loved all of the new products I used for this chic and stunning kitchen tile backsplash. You will too! Check out my Gold Calacatta Marble Kitchen Tile Backsplash DIY video tutorial on the entire process. Be sure to tag me on Instagram in your finished projects so I can see how amazing they are! #howwedoandyoucantoo
