DIY Subway Tile Backsplash

Yes, you can safely install subway tiles directly over drywall as long as the wall is clean, primed, and intact. Unlike shower walls that need waterproof cement board, a kitchen backsplash does not require moisture-proof backing.

For standard 3x6 inch subway tiles, a 1/4 inch by 1/4 inch square-notched trowel is the industry standard. This size creates the perfect depth of grooves to ensure 100% adhesive coverage on the back of the tile.

Yes, you should use tile spacers to keep your grout lines perfectly straight; 1/16 inch or 1/8 inch spacers are the most common choices for subway tile. Because subway tiles often have slight factory variations, spacers prevent the rows from wandering.

If you are using standard 1/16 inch grout lines, you should use unsanded grout to ensure it packs tightly into the thin joints. If your grout lines are 1/8 inch or wider, you will need to use sanded grout to prevent cracking.