The 2 Seasons

A mother/daughter duo, residing in two different parts of the country, team up to write a lively blog about their homes, decorating, food, fun, and their world-wide travels.

  • About Us
  • Travel
  • Projects
  • Recipes Index
    • Appetizers and Snacks
    • Sides and Salads
    • Mains
    • Desserts
    • Beverages
  • Adoption

We DIYed Subway Tile!!!

By Jordan | Before and After, Projects

On a recent week-end, Yankee and I didn’t have any plans.  The lack of snow has made it impossible to do some of our winter sports – especially snowshoeing.   So,  we decided to go ahead and tackle the kitchen backsplash.  Tackle makes it sound worse than it was, though.

 

Tile good close up of plastic 1024x682 - We DIYed Subway Tile!!!

We had talked about doing a subway tile backsplash, so we already did our research.  We even took a free “How to Tile a Backsplash” class at our local Home Depot.  That class is where we learned about this Tile Setting Mat.  It makes/made the process so easy.

 

Tile more plastic 1024x682 - We DIYed Subway Tile!!!

Yes, this method cost more than the old school way of putting up tile, but we thought it was worth every penny.  We followed the directions exactly.  It was up, and we were ready to tile in no time.  Plus, we were able to grout right away.  We didn’t have to wait for the bottom layer to dry first.  Basically, we took this backing and stuck it to the wall.  Then we pulled off the plastic covering when we were ready to put up the tile.  There is no mess.  Just imagine.  No mess with installing a back splash.   I love this product!

 

Tile starting to go up 1024x682 - We DIYed Subway Tile!!!

This shot shows the start of the subway tile actually going up.  We only had to do spacers on the bottom where we were going to caulk because the tile already has built-in spacers.  We had five outlets to deal with, and we made sure the power was turned off before starting the tile work.

 

Tile snippers 1024x603 - We DIYed Subway Tile!!!

The outlets made it necessary for us to cut some tiles.  We didn’t always make a clean cut as you can see.  This was not a successful attempt.

 

Tile snap Better 1024x782 - We DIYed Subway Tile!!!

We used this product to cut some of the tiles, and after we got our routine down,  it was very easy to use.

 

Tile Mr 1024x915 - We DIYed Subway Tile!!!

However, we eventually had to upgrade to a wet saw.  We had some difficult cuts for the tile that was going to go around the window.  Yankee, made those cuts.

 

Tile up not grouted 882x1024 - We DIYed Subway Tile!!!

 After just a few hours, the tile was up, and we were ready to add the grout.

 

Tile grout on 1024x800 - We DIYed Subway Tile!!!

This is not the best picture, but we used the grout that was premixed.  Again, it does cost a little more, but we didn’t want to question if our constancy was correct.  We just smoothed it on and wiped it off.

 

(Before)

KITCHEN BEFORE - We DIYed Subway Tile!!!

This is what the kitchen looked like before we painted the walls a soft blue, painted the cabinets white, and added the subway tile.

 

Tile great after 1024x694 - We DIYed Subway Tile!!!

Voila!  The After!  We removed the spice rack that was behind the range and decided to keep it off.

 

Tile kitchen before 1024x566 - We DIYed Subway Tile!!!

This is the kitchen before the backsplash.  It looks better than the original, but the backsplash just gives it that final finishing touch.

 

Tile after full shot 1024x682 - We DIYed Subway Tile!!!

We are thrilled with the way the tile came out.  Here you can see one of the quirks of our house.  The sink is not in front of the window.  Only a small part is in front of the window.  What were they thinking????  The tile actually helps it not look so strange.  I still have some ideas for that area to help even more, but  if you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them.

 

We are going to take a breather from the kitchen now.  We still have appliances to buy, but we want to save up for them.  And meanwhile, with spring around the corner, it is time to turn our attention to the major facelift we will be doing on our front yard.  Stay tuned…….

Cheers!

 

Affiliate links in post.  

Related posts:

IMG 05291 - We DIYed Subway Tile!!!Painting a Tile Back Splash IMG 0513 e1502296406683 - We DIYed Subway Tile!!!How to Paint a Tile Back Splash – Revisited Mirror new - We DIYed Subway Tile!!!Spiff Up a Mirror With Tile IMG 9278 - We DIYed Subway Tile!!!How to Convert a Basic Outlet to a USB Outlet

Share This:

Comments

  1. Christine says

    March 4, 2012 at 8:29 pm

    You did an excellent job. How beautiful!~…Chrisrtine

  2. Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking says

    March 4, 2012 at 11:39 pm

    Oh it looks awesome!! You all are such a great team the way you tackle these projects is wonderful!!

  3. Courtney! says

    March 5, 2012 at 12:26 am

    I am just about to do this! So glad you mention the tile setting mat! Our countertop is sort of labor intensive and I’m so happy to find something that will make the backsplash tile work easier!

    Also, I love the blue with your subway tile!

  4. Shirley@Housepitality Designs says

    March 5, 2012 at 9:25 am

    What a fantastic renovation…everything looks so wonderful from your newly painted cabinets, the new wall color (heart the blue) and the subway tile is the best…Bravo!!!

  5. Debbie@refreshrestyle says

    March 5, 2012 at 10:25 am

    It turned out great. I bought a small wet saw 10 years ago, and have replaced the blade a couple of times, but it’s the best investment I’ve made. A lot of friends like to borrow it too! I will have think about that question, what to do?
    Have a great week,
    Debbie

  6. josie says

    March 5, 2012 at 10:38 am

    looks amazing!!!

  7. Jane F @ Atticmag says

    March 5, 2012 at 11:00 am

    I saw your kitchen when you first finished it and thought it looked great then. The backsplash is a terrific addition. You guys did a super job. What a talented DH you have to use a wet tile saw. That takes real skill. But tile always helps a kitchen!!

    Re the window area. I’d do a “cheater” Roman shade the full width from cabinet to cabinet to equalize the space. It could be simple and neutral or a sun shade that doesn’t block out light entirely. If it were left partway down — lined up with the natural horizontal there right at the top line of the backsplash, I feel it would help the space. You can test it with a $5 paste up EZ shade from Home Depot that can be cut to fit. I used those and they last a surprisingly long time. Great bang for the buck until you feel what you want.

    Thanks for stopping by to see our kitchen week offerings. Jane

    • Spring says

      March 5, 2012 at 1:15 pm

      Jane,

      Thanks for the Roman Shade idea I will have to give it a shot.

      Cheers!

  8. Heidi @ homeingreece says

    March 5, 2012 at 11:06 am

    so your kitchen didn’t have a backsplash at all until you put in the subway tile? whoever put the window not over the sink must have been responsible for that one hehe. You did a FAB job, it looks completely awesome! You did the right thing getting rid of the spice rack – spices should be kept away from heat, so right over the range is the worst possible place for them.

    • Spring says

      March 5, 2012 at 1:14 pm

      Heidi,

      I had always wondered about the heat and the spices. Glad to know we made the right decision.

  9. Kim@Newlywoodwards says

    March 5, 2012 at 12:54 pm

    This looks so great! I’m really fascinated by the tile setting mat. Never even heard of such a thing but I LOVE the idea of no mess. Ick! It’s looking like a different kitchen now! So much brighter and lighter! Did you seal? I only ask because I have and haven’t, and found that for a kitchen, sealing is the way to go. I would HATE to have spaghetti stains on my pretty grout. But, I’m sure you are way ahead of me!

    Great work!

  10. sweet violets says

    March 5, 2012 at 1:41 pm

    You did a wonderful job here!!! It all looks so fresh and clean!!! Now, I like the window off center……I am into asymetrical……..how about a sweet little lacey valence at the top on a spring tension rod……then I would add a little something on the wall to the left of the window, something round to soften the straight lines. hugs…cleo

  11. Terry says

    March 5, 2012 at 2:33 pm

    I had no idea that tile setting mat exists. Don’t tell my wife.

    I don’t know how the window looks in person or how the sink/counter/range works for you. But it’s so different and so unexpected I’m fascinated by the way it looks. “Everybody has q window over the sink” is kitchen dogma and for good reason I guess. But I like breaking the rules.

  12. Terry Moore says

    March 5, 2012 at 7:45 pm

    Your tile job looks fantastic and does subway tile ever really go out of style…I think not. We have a friend that is a tile and carpet guy. His parents own a tile and carpet store so he was raised being around it. Anyway, they just built a new home and he used this product for the first time and loved it too. If this were my kitchen, I would think about maybe hanging a three tiered basket above the sink where you have that funny wall. Or built open shelves for cute decor. Okay, I would go with the shelves.

  13. shelia says

    March 5, 2012 at 8:25 pm

    I love it! I love subway tiles and y’all did a wonderful job. I love the new look of your pretty kitchen!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;0

  14. Erin says

    March 5, 2012 at 8:40 pm

    Can’t wait for the big front yard overhaul! 😉

  15. Sanghamitra says

    March 5, 2012 at 9:50 pm

    What a great job!
    Thanks for sharing.
    Hope to see you on my blog:)

  16. Magali@LittleWhiteHouse says

    March 6, 2012 at 1:22 pm

    It looks absolutely wonderful!

  17. thistlewoodfarm says

    March 6, 2012 at 5:07 pm

    What a great idea….I have never heard of this product before! I am pinning this idea! Brilliant!

    blessings,
    karianne

  18. Maggie says

    March 7, 2012 at 2:22 pm

    I love love love your tile backsplash! I’ve been wanting a subway tile backsplash in our kitchen, but have been hesitating (I’ve done tile before and know how difficult it can be). But that tile setting mat? Awesome! It may be the thing that pushes me to tile the kitchen. Thanks for the inspiration!

  19. Elizabeth says

    March 8, 2012 at 5:21 pm

    I finally made it over to check out your subway tile. It looks gorgeous! Subway tile is hard to beat, I love it with your white cabinets and soft blue walls- very refreshing.

  20. Miss Mindless says

    March 9, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    What a great job! That is awesome. The tile job looks completely professional. How strange that the previous owners put a spice rack above the range. I bet spices lost potency fast by always getting heated.

Jordan and Janette

HOUSE TOURS

ADVERTISE

CONTACT

Subscribe to our Blog

Where We Shop

  • Amazon
  • Baggallini
  • Etsy
  • Lands' End
  • Nordstrom
  • Wayfair

Search

Favorites

  • DIY Cook Top DIY Stove Cover
  • Finished no words 275x275 - We DIYed Subway Tile!!! How to Turn Bi-fold Doors into French Doors
  • How to add storage to your kitchen cabinets - The 2 Seasons How to Add More Storage in the Kitchen
  • Transparent pie - The 2 Seasons Recipe for George Clooney’s Favorite Pie

Categories

Archives

DHgate kitchen supplies​
It’s time to pull out the patriotic pillows for It’s time to pull out the patriotic pillows for my second favorite holiday. Bring on the #redwhiteandblue #pillow #july4th #homedecor #familyroom #mybhg
A lucky yard is getting a truck full of #hydrangea A lucky yard is getting a truck full of #hydrangeas #flowers #gardening #landscape #landscaping
Ready for guests, and we just can’t wait!!! #gue Ready for guests, and we just can’t wait!!!
#guestroom #entertaining #frenchcountry #blueandwhite #traditionalhome #thecollectedlook #embroidery #bhg #mysouthernliving #blueandwhitedecor #mycollectedlook
✨Welcome to Week 72 of Beautiful Decor Home Tour ✨Welcome to Week 72 of Beautiful Decor Home Tour!

Come join us to meet new friends & discover beautiful decor. You will  be inspired !
.
.
PARTICIPATING IS EASY! .
. ✨1. Follow All Hosts and Guest Hosts

@oliviapitts1014 
@southernspangled
@coloradohousetohome
@thevidalnest
@vanfleetfamfarmhouse

Guest host ~ 
@vintagejoycemarie 
@j.m.g.designs 
@our.sweet.abode
@bloom_jennybrooks 
@highlandlace .
.
.
✨2. Follow the hashtag #BeautifulDecorStyles
✨3. Follow all accounts posted under the hashtag you enjoy & find inspiring
✨4. DM a permanent host to join the Tour & start making new friends
.
Beautiful Decor Tour runs weekly ~ Monday, 8 pm EST - Wednesday, 8 pm EST.

#beautifuldecorstyles72v .
These two kids are celebrating 74 years of marriag These two kids are celebrating 74 years of marriage today. Happy Anniversary to our parents and grandparents. #loveislove #happyanniversary
One of my favorite things about having a courtyard One of my favorite things about having a courtyard garden is picking flowers and herbs and bringing them inside. Flowers always brighten up a room. #gardening #flowers #flowersofinstagram #bouquet #bouquetofflowers #homedecor #frenchcountrystyle #bdsdaily3
Same table cloth with two different July 4th looks Same table cloth with two different July 4th looks. Which one do you like?  #tablescape #tablescapes #holidaytable #july4th #redwhiteandblue #cottagestyle #traditionalhome #colorful
Travel gives me the opportunity to find interestin Travel gives me the opportunity to find interesting art at affordable prices. These two ladies came from Cuba. I found them in the corner at a large art venue. I couldn’t love them more. #art #travel #cuba #homedecor #bathroomdecor #mybhg #cottagecore #traditionalhome
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

Log in as an administrator and view the Instagram Feed settings page for more details.

All Content © 2022 · The 2 Seasons

Designed + Created by Jelly Design Studio

Advertise | Privacy Policy