Do you need to butter subway tiles?

Back buttering is not required to achieve necessary coverage and support. Coverage and support are achieved by using an appropriate trowel notch size and shape, directional troweling technique, and mortar selection and mixing.

Do you Backbutter subway tile?





You should have a nice even smush of Thin-set that covers the whole back of the tile. If you don’t get full coverage, then you can try it again with a bigger notch trowel…on a fresh clean tile. If that doesn’t do it, then you’ll want to back-butter every tile.

Do you use thinset or mortar on backsplash?

Thinset can be used for showers, bathtubs, backsplashes and other areas. Walls, wainscots, dry backsplashes are key areas where tile mastic tends to be used. Thinset is inexpensive and it fills in gaps and depressions. Mastic is very sticky, grabs fast, and is quick setting.

Do you have to grout subway tile?

Well, the short answer would be a simple no – you should not attempt to install tile without grout. Why’s that, you might wonder. It’s not like grout adds to the stability of the tile installation (unless we talk about a few exceptional cases) so why is grout necessary?

How thick should Thinset be under tile?

Plan for a layer of thinset 3/16-inch to 1/8-inch thick beneath your tile. A 3/16-inch layer of thinset will be enough for tiles with a smooth back to bond the tile to the floor or backer board. For natural tiles with an uneven surface on the back, you may need to spread a 1/8-inch layer of thinset during installation.

Do subway tiles have built in spacers?





Most subway tile has grooves on the sides so you don’t need to use spacers at all because it’s an automatic 1/16″ grout line.

What size notched trowel for kitchen backsplash?

Size Matters



All tile manufacturers offer a recommended trowel size. Mosaic installations up to 2 inches can use a 1/8-inch notch, as can wall tiles of up to 4 inches, as a general rule. 16-inch tiles need a 1/2-inch-deep notch, and anything over 24 inches should use a 3/4-inch notch.

How soon can you walk on tile after Thinset?

After grouting, you should wait at least another 24 hours before walking on the tile, but a longer period of 48 to 72 hours is preferable. Putting weight on tiles before the mortar, grout and sealant have fully cured can cause the tiles to shift and even break apart.

What does back butter tile mean?

Terms of the trade: Back Buttering



The term ‘back buttering’ refers to the process of spreading a thin-set adhesive to a tile just before it is placed. The adhesive is applied with a trowel to ensure proper adhesive coverage.

How big should grout lines be for subway tile?



1/16 inch

How big should grout lines be for subway tile? 3 x 6 inch subway tiles typically have grout joints of 1/16 inch, but 1/8 inch grout joints are also common.

How do you install subway tile without grout?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: For any adhesive that may have sleeped out take some caulk caulk the edge smooth it out caulk the counter line smooth that out and caulk right below the cabinets. And above your backsplash.

How do you grout subway tiles?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Many people recommend making upside-down X's. If you hold the float at a shallow angle. It's going to leave grout on the tile. And push grout into the joints. When you hold the grout at a sharp angle.

What type of grout is best for kitchen backsplash?

Unsanded grout is most often used on vertical surfaces, such as a kitchen backsplash. Since wall tile installations with narrow grout lines are less prone to cracking, the extra durability of sanded grout won’t matter.

How do you spread grout on a backsplash?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Let the grout stand for five minutes next spread the grout onto the tile fold. The float at a 45 degree angle and firmly push the grout into the spaces between the tiles. Using a diagonal motion.

How do you install subway wall tile?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: I cut the tiles down to size on the tile cutter. But honestly the edge does not look great where the cut is there is some chipping. That's just the nature of an abrasive cutting wheel.

How do you corner subway tile?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Pick up tiling where we left off yesterday. The first thing I'm going to do I have one cut to make on this tile the rest of these for a little while are going to be pretty easy till we get over here.

How do you edge subway tile?

4 easy ways to finish tile edges

  1. Caulk the Edge. This is the easiest and most cost-effective solution. …
  2. Rail Moldings. Coordinating tile moldings in natural stone and porcelain are usually readily available. …
  3. Metal Edges. Metal edges are available in a wide array of styles and finishes. …
  4. Create a Bullnose Edge.