How To Install a Mexican Tile Backsplash
Introduction
I adore the bold colors, striking designs and authentic look of Mexican tile. It evokes feelings of old world artistry. So when it came time to tackle the kitchen backsplash on our house project, we took a road trip to Taos, New Mexico, to pick some out.
The more coveted Mexican tiles are hand formed, dried in the sun and painted by hand, which gives each tile a unique characteristic. However, the more affordable (and slightly easier to install) option is factory-manufactured tiles with authentic Mexican designs. The latter is what we opted for with this project.
Whichever you choose, you don't have to go to Taos to get your materials. There are lots of options for ordering online, with color schemes to fit just about any taste, from subtle to bold.
When to call a pro
If you're feeling hesitant about this project, you might want to call a pro if:
- You're uncomfortable cutting tile and you have a lot of complex corners and electrical outlets.
- You're installing the tile in an area that gets soaked frequently, like a shower or washtub.
- You're unable to make the wall behind the tile adequately secure.
Tools Required
Materials Required
- 80-grit sandpaper or 80-grit wet sandpaper
- Grout
- Tile
- Tile adhesive
- Tile spacers
