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How to tile a laundry splashback

White Splashback Tiles in laundry

Overview

A new splashback can transform any laundry space, introducing a fresh and bright new look that makes doing the laundry all that much nicer. Best of all, with the right tools and preparation, it’s a task you can do yourself, creating a brand-new space in a matter of hours.

Steps

1

Gather your tools and material

Before you start this project, make sure you're got all of your tools and materials ready to go.
White bench with assorted tools and material

2

Determine if your benchtop is level

Before you stick anything anywhere, it’s best to figure out if your benchtop is level- we don’t want our tiles to look a little off.

3

Scrape the area

Before we put our adhesive on, scrape the wall to remove the flaky chips in the paint or any bumps.

Scrape the area

4

Measure the area

Using a tape measure, measure the area you are wanting to use to determine how many tiles you’ll need- including if you need to use your tile cutter.

5

Mark the area

Mark where you need to cut on each tile and then use a tile cutter to cut at the nominated point.

Tile cutter been used on benchtop

6

Add adhesive

Put on your safety equipment – gloves and mask. Start to add the adhesive to the bottom of your splashback area. You don’t want the adhesive to dry before you get your tiles on, so start small, applying small area of adhesive and making sure it’s even as you go. Using a notched plasterers trowel that’s right for the size of your tile will make it easier to apply the right amount of adhesive, with the right notch size.

Add adhesive glue to wall

7

Place the tiles

Once you’ve applied the glue, push the tiles onto the glued part of the wall. Push hard enough so that the back of the tile is secured but not so hard that the glue pushes out the edges. Make sure that you space your tiles so that there are no difficult gaps either end.

Tip: Add your cut tiles to the end of your first line to complete it, with the cut end closest to the outside edge and the manufactured end sitting next to the next tile.

Placing white tile on wall

8

Evenly space the tiles

Once you’ve done your first line, press the spacer into each joint to evenly space the tile pattern as you work up the wall. Continue to apply glue, push the tile and apply the spacer, until you reach the top of your splashback area. Once you’ve finished tiling your splashback, leave to dry for 24 hours.

making sure they evenly space the tiles

9

Apply grout

Once the time has passed, use your pointed trowel to apply the grout onto the tiles at a 45-degree angle. This will help it fill the gaps between all the tiles. Leave the grout to dry for 30 minutes.
applying grout to the tiled area

10

Clean the tiles

Clean the excess grout using a sponge and water, wiping at a 45-degree angle and making sure all holes are filled. Regularly clean the sponge in the water and make sure it’s as dry as possible before using on the tiles. 
cleaning the new tiles with sponge

11

Apply silicone

Once that’s complete and the tiles are dry, it’s time to apply the silicone. Apply to the edges of the tiling at a 45-degree angle, with constant pressure to complete one fluid motion across the bottom and top of your splashback. Remove any excess by spraying a little water on the silicone – it won’t stick to water, making it easier to remove. Run your finger along the line of silicone, wiping off any excess onto a paper towel as you go. Your splashback is now ready to use!
applying silicone to the base of our new tiles

12

What's next on your project list?

Now that you’re feeling inspired, it’s time to start planning the rest of your laundry refresh. Check out our laundry makeover from the Make It Yours series for more inspiration.

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer.