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How to Subway Tile a Backsplash Wall

by: Shannon Acheson posted on:
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So we just finished tackling a project that’s been on my wish list forever: a full subway tile backsplash wall in the kitchen! When we first redid the kitchen (painting the cabinets, installing stainless steel counters, updating the backsplash in the original part of the kitchen, flooring, light fixtures, faucet, etc.), I really wanted to go all out with a subway tile wall, floor to ceiling, over at the coffee/breakfast bar. But time and budget got the better of us, and the project went on hold. Well, it’s finally finished! Today, I’m going to share exactly how we DIY’d our subway tile backsplash wall so you can create one, too.

Rustic floating shelves subway tile wall

This subway tile wall kick-started our love for DIY wall treatments! Since then, we’ve added shiplap to a kitchen backsplash, a full living room wall, and more. If you’re curious about giving shiplap a try, I’ve shared all my tips in How to DIY a Shiplap Wall the Cheap and Easy Way!—it’s a super simple and budget-friendly option that adds so much charm.

DIY Subway Tile Backsplash Wall Tutorial

Materials:

  • Subway tiles
  • Bullnose tiles (for the edges)
  • Tile adhesive or mortar
  • Grout
  • Caulk (optional, for edges)

Tools:

  • Tile spacers
  • Notched trowel
  • Tile cutter or wet saw
  • Level
  • Pencil or chalk line
  • Grout float
  • Damp sponge
  • Diamond-tipped glass and tile drill bit (if drilling into tiles)

Instructions

Step 1: Mark Your Guidelines

If you’re not tiling from wall to wall, start by drawing straight vertical lines where your bullnose tiles will end. These lines will act as a guide to keep your tile edges straight and clean. We aligned ours with the edges of the counters on both sides.

Step 2: Install the Vertical Bullnose Tiles

Begin tiling by setting your bullnose tiles vertically to create a clean border. This frames the area and sets clear boundaries for the subway tiles. Use your level frequently to ensure they’re straight.

Start with vertical bullnose tiles

Step 3: Start Tiling at the Bottom

With the “box” created by the bullnose tiles, countertop, and ceiling, you can begin laying the subway tiles. Start at the bottom row (at the counter) and use spacers to leave a small gap between the countertop and the tile for grout and caulk.

Step 4: Build the Subway Tile Pattern

Work your way up from the bottom row, placing the tiles in a staggered, brick-like pattern. This classic arrangement gives the wall that timeless subway tile look. Use spacers between each tile to ensure consistent gaps for grout. Check your level often to keep everything straight.

Step 5: Save Tile Cuts for Last

Leave tiles that need to be cut (e.g., around outlets, light switches, or the edges of the wall) for the final step. Using full tiles as much as possible helps the process move faster and reduces the chance of errors. A tile cutter or wet saw will make precise cuts.

Step 6: Grout the Tiles

Once all tiles are set and the adhesive has cured (check the manufacturer’s instructions for timing), remove the tile spacers and use a grout float to apply mixed grout into the gaps. Work diagonally across the tiles to avoid pulling grout out of the seams. Wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge and let it dry.

Step 7: Clean Off Grout Haze

After the grout has dried, you may notice a powdery haze on your tiles. Use a damp sponge or a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the surface clean. For stubborn spots, a grout haze remover or a vinegar-water solution can help. Be careful not to scrub too hard to avoid removing grout from the seams.

Step 8: Drill into Tiles (If Needed)

If you need to install hardware like floating shelves, invest in a diamond-tipped glass and tile drill bit. Dean used one to drill holes for our shelves, and it worked like a charm. Just go slowly to avoid cracking the tiles.

Open Kitchen Shelves

Step 9: Final Touches

Caulk any edges, like where the tile meets the countertop, for a polished finish. Then step back and admire your beautiful new backsplash wall!

FAQs

Do I need a wet saw to cut subway tiles?

Not necessarily. If you only have a few cuts, a manual tile cutter or tile nippers may work. For precise or angled cuts, a wet saw is ideal.

What type of grout should I use?

Unsanded grout works well for smaller gaps, while sanded grout is better for wider ones. Check your tile spacing to decide.

How do I clean grout haze off tiles?

After the grout dries, use a damp sponge to wipe away haze. For stubborn spots, a grout haze remover can be helpful.

How do I prevent tiles from slipping while they dry?

Tile spacers and painter’s tape can help hold tiles in place as the adhesive sets.

More Character-Adding DIY Projects

How to Subway Tile a Backsplash Wall

How to Subway Tile a Backsplash Wall

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 1 hour
Additional Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Estimated Cost: Cost Depends on Project

Learn how to DIY a stunning subway tile backsplash wall with this step-by-step tutorial. Perfect for transforming your kitchen space!

Materials

  • Subway tiles
  • Bullnose tiles (for the edges)
  • Tile adhesive or mortar
  • Grout
  • Caulk (optional, for edges)

Tools

  • Tile spacers
  • Notched trowel
  • Tile cutter or wet saw
  • Level
  • Pencil or chalk line
  • Grout float
  • Damp sponge
  • Diamond-tipped glass and tile drill bit (if drilling into tiles)

Instructions

    Step 1: Mark Your Guidelines
    If you're not tiling from wall to wall, start by drawing straight vertical lines where your bullnose tiles will end. These lines will act as a guide to keep your tile edges straight and clean. We aligned ours with the edges of the counters on both sides.

    Step 2: Install the Vertical Bullnose Tiles
    Begin tiling by setting your bullnose tiles vertically to create a clean border. This frames the area and sets clear boundaries for the subway tiles. Use your level frequently to ensure they’re straight.

    Step 3: Start Tiling at the Bottom
    With the "box" created by the bullnose tiles, countertop, and ceiling, you can begin laying the subway tiles. Start at the bottom row and use spacers to leave a small gap between the countertop and the tile for grout and caulk.

    Step 4: Build the Subway Tile Pattern
    Work your way up from the bottom row, placing the tiles in a staggered, brick-like pattern. This classic arrangement gives the wall that timeless subway tile look. Use spacers between each tile to ensure consistent gaps for grout. Check your level often to keep everything straight.

    Step 5: Save Tile Cuts for Last
    Leave tiles that need to be cut (e.g., around outlets, light switches, or the edges of the wall) for the final step. Using full tiles as much as possible helps the process move faster and reduces the chance of errors. A tile cutter or wet saw will make precise cuts.

    Step 6: Grout the Tiles
    Once all tiles are set and the adhesive has cured (check the manufacturer’s instructions for timing), use a grout float to apply grout into the gaps. Work diagonally across the tiles to avoid pulling grout out of the seams. Wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge and let it dry.

    Step 7: Clean Off Grout Haze
    After the grout has dried, you may notice a powdery haze on your tiles. Use a damp sponge or a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the surface clean. For stubborn spots, a grout haze remover or a vinegar-water solution can help. Be careful not to scrub too hard to avoid removing grout from the seams.

    Step 8: Drill into Tiles (If Needed)
    If you need to install hardware like floating shelves, invest in a diamond-tipped glass and tile drill bit. Dean used one to drill holes for our shelves, and it worked like a charm. Just go slowly to avoid cracking the tiles.

    Step 9: Final Touches
    Caulk any edges, like where the tile meets the countertop, for a polished finish. Then step back and admire your beautiful new backsplash wall!

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

© Shannon Acheson
Project Type: Home Decor / Category: Budget Decorating Ideas

I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to finally see this subway tile wall finished. It’s a dream project that we worked on piece by piece, and it feels so rewarding to say, “We did this ourselves.” Plus, every time I grab my coffee in the morning, I smile at those beautiful tiles. If you’re dreaming about a project like this, I say go for it—it’s absolutely worth it!

Have you tackled a tiling project before, or do you have questions about this one? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

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54 Comments

  1. Fabulous Shannon! White subways are so classic and they work beautifully in your kitchen! love the mix of stainless and wood elements in your kitchen as well for a refined rustic chic + an industrial twist look! Thanks for the tips on tiling and all the consideration! I would be scared to drill the holes in the newly installed tiles!

    Love your island! great details!

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Tim. We were scared to drill into the tile too! That was Dean’s first concern when we talked about the project. But that drill bit, I tell ya – magic!!!

    3. I hear you. We did it in our last house (albeit with some glass tiles too) and when we moved in here our kitchen was so dark. I couldn’t wait to rip out the tiny dark tile backsplash and put up bright white subway tile!

    1. Thank you Jen. Freshening things up is great – but it’s even better when it totally fits the house. xo

    1. Thank you – the best is at night when the chandelier lights bounce off the tile. So sparkly. (I’ll have to take a pic!)

  8. I love this wall so much!! It is honestly a thing of beauty, and the wood shelves are the perfect contrast to the white subway tile. Congrats on getting it done!!

    Reply

  9. It’s gorgeous, Shannon! Subway tile is at the top of my wish list for our kitchen in the next year too. I love how yours turned out! Looks great with your lovely topiaries too. 🙂

    Reply

  11. I LOVE your kitchen my friend! It’s fantastic…the subway tile is amazing…I came over from Monday Funday and would love it if you have a minute if you’d link up to Shabbilicious Friday (it’s still open from last week!) ox

    Reply

  13. Hi Your kitchen and subway tile looks amazing and I love how you accessorized and that chandy….oh my. Coming over from Inspiration Monday Link Party. If you are around tomorrow we also have a Something to Talk About Link Party that goes live at 6 am est and I know our friends would love this. If you have time come join us and link up. Thank you, Lisa at Concord Cottage

    Reply

  15. I love the subway tile, what color is it? My cabinets are off white and I’m struggling to find a color that works. Thanks and it looks beautiful.

    Reply

    1. They’re just basic white. You can purchase the tile individually – maybe buy a few and bring them home to see how they look with your cabinets in the light at different times of the day.

  17. I really love the way your kitchen turned out. And, I really like the wood shelves with the stainless steel bracket at both ends. Is there a tutorial for these or did they come ready made?

    Reply

    1. We made the shelf brackets. But they needed equipment at Dean’s work. We’re working on something for all of you though! Stay tuned!

    2. Waiting to hear about the brackets. We’d like to install something like this for our microwave shelf, and have found similar brackets at IKEA and Home Depot, but they are too shallow. Thanks – and it looks fantastic!

    3. Dean made our brackets. We’re working on making them to sell as they’re not a DIY project, but for now the only option is the IKEA brackets.

    1. Hi Colleen, We built them but we don’t currently have a DIY for them. Ikea sells very similar (albeit smaller) brackets.

  20. Looks beautiful! i am working on a similar project now. Did you have to hang the shelf on studs and if not what kind of wall anchor did you use? Has to be small enough to fit through the tile hole but strong enough to hold up the self! that is my dilemma right now.

    Reply

    1. Hi Katy,
      One side of each shelf is on a stud and the other uses butterfly anchors. We actually decided placement of the shelves before we put up the tile. Dean pre-drilled the holes and made sure to mark them when installing the tile. I think we also put the butterfly anchors into the wall before we installed the tile. But I’ll have to double check with Dean on that.
      Shannon

  21. For the floating shelves on the white subway tile kitchen … where did you get the brackets for the floating shelf?

    Reply

  22. Hi Shannon! Beautiful job! ? Curious where you found those end cap/shelf supports? I love that look but have never seen anything like that around!

    Thank you! ?
    Grace

    Reply

    1. Hi Grace. Dean actually made them. We are working on producing them to make them available for sale to our readers!

  23. I LOVE the open shelves and have wanted something very different…and bingo! This hardware us it! What is it and where can I find it? What about weight… like do you have to use shorter boards to compensate? Btw…this my first time to find your blog, and it really resonates with what I am discovering I like as my style (after 45 years of being married and having no style) I have one other question, did you make your own wood crates? I want to make some so much…but have to find a place to do it as I live in a mobile home and have no work space : ) Thanks for any input!

    Reply

    1. Hello Shellie. That hardware is hardware we designed and made. Dean works in a sheet metal shop, so he’s worked with metal for YEARS. *Hopefully* we’ll have them available for sale soon. And yes, you do have to be careful of the weight – our brackets were screwed into studs. I’m so glad you’ve begun to find your style!!!

    1. We made them. Actually Dean made them at his work. But Ikea sells similar brackets, the difference being the shelves would need to be made from thinner wood.

  26. This subway tile backsplash turned out beautifully! The step-by-step guide is so helpful can’t wait to try this project myself!

    Reply