What type of grout, adhesive, and color would you recommend for DIY backsplash with 4×12 cashmere linen tile in a flip house kitchen with beige cabinets and Cafe Azul countertops?
I’m thinking about tackling the backsplash in my kitchen at my flip house on my own. I found a tile that I absolutely love, but I’m a bit unsure of what materials I need. Should I go for sanded or unsanded grout? And do I use thin set or adhesive like Mussel Bound? Plus, what color grout would be best? I have so many questions swirling around in my head.
I’ve been watching a lot of YouTube videos to try and get a better idea of what I need to do. I also have a wet saw and other tools for cutting the tile, so I think I’m pretty well-prepared in that department.
Just to give you an idea of the color scheme, the cabinets are in accessible beige, the walls are alabaster, and the countertops are Cafe Azul. The tile I picked out is a 4×12 cashmere linen to complement the busy countertop without competing with it.
If you have any suggestions or tips, I would really appreciate it!
For back splashes, premixed thinset is a great choice. The type of grout to use depends on the spacing, but 1\8 joints work well with unsanded grout.
I decided to try the adhesive tile mat for our rental property’s kitchen backsplash to avoid the mess of thinset. It wasn’t necessarily easier, just a different process. I then opted for Fusion Pro pre-mixed sanded grout, which didn’t require sealing. For the white grout, I used white silicone caulk in the corners and on the countertop. They offer matching caulk for grout in other colors.
Thin set has always been my choice. Renters don’t always treat things the same as owners. Grout choice varies based on joint size, but not typically used for backsplashes. Begin in the lower left corner and move towards the right. Then return to the corner and go left after temporarily putting a board level with the counter where the stove is. Remember to leave space at counter level for possible expansion and contraction. Later seal that gap with silicone caulk.
Those colors are amazing. My kitchen has the same layout! We’ve been renovating for two years and still have crown molding and tiling left to do.
I went with thinset this time. It dries quicker. Opted for unsanded grout for these 1/8” lines.
I recently completed a project using musselbound, and I must say I was really impressed. It definitely helps minimize the mess, although it can be a bit tricky if you need to re-position it. One great thing is that it makes it easier to maintain a consistent thickness for your tiles. However, it is worth noting that it is a bit pricier than traditional methods. When it comes to choosing between sanded and unsanded grout, the general rule of thumb is that 1/8″ or less calls for unsanded, while 1/8″ or more requires sanded. For a backsplash with 1/8″ grout lines, I usually opt for unsanded. As for color, it’s really just a matter of personal preference. I tend to like a subtle contrast, but that’s just my style.