The Biggest Mistakes Beginners Make When DIYing Their Own Bathroom Backsplashes

Tiling can be a daunting DIY. There are many steps, and it requires some very careful work to get it just right. Skipping a step or doing part of the process wrong can quickly lead to a headache-inducing repair process. However, you can save a lot of money and get just the look you want when you pull up your sleeves and start a tile DIY. Thankfully, with a little foresight, you can avoid some of the most common tiling mistakes while working on your bathroom backsplash. 

Many of the blunders that people make when trying to DIY a backsplash have to do with installation. There are a lot of technical parts to the process, and getting it wrong can lead to some disastrous consequences. At the very least, you may end up with a backsplash you don't enjoy and could spend hundreds more fixing later. 

Buying the right number of tiles is the first big mistake to avoid. Just like the must-know tips for a perfect tile floor installation, you need to get the correct number of pieces and plan for some mistakes and broken pieces. While it may seem easy to buy more tiles later, it does not always work out as planned. Sometimes, even the exact same tiles can be produced under slightly different conditions, which means there could be subtle changes in colors from batch to batch.

Keeping your tiles evenly spaced is just as important. Certain ones are self-spacing, but for many options, you will have to decide how far apart you want your tiles to be and then make sure you use the right number of spacers to ensure everything stays equally apart. It's also easy for your layout to get a little uneven. Though it seems like a waste of time, it's a good idea to check regularly with a level and to step back and inspect your design to ensure everything is set where it is supposed to be and isn't slipping up or down. Even your starting point can lead to mistakes if you aren't careful. For the best results, start laying your backsplash tiles from the center of the space or outward from a focal point.

Another commonly overlooked issue is sealant. Grout is a porous material and needs to be sealed properly to help prevent mold growth. While there are some grouts that come with additives to seal them without the need for another step, many types still require a layer of sealant, so you want to make sure everything is protected properly. That's just the tip of the iceberg. Other common mistakes include failing to account for outlets, forgetting to plan out your pattern beforehand, ignoring leveling checks, and starting on an uneven wall.

Design choices can also cause problems, resulting in a backsplash you dislike every time you use the space. For example, you need to know where to stop your backsplash, as ending the design suddenly makes the transition feel harsh and unprofessional. Another issue is picking the right tile. Every option has its time and place, but you have to make sure you pick something that works well together. A beautiful pattern might look great as a sample, but perhaps contrasts with your counter or appliances once installed. Additionally, you want to pick tiles that not only look good in your home, but are durable and easy to clean. Mixed material designs might be the up-and-coming backsplash trend that adds a lot of contrast, but if it isn't planned out well, it can be chaotic and make your bathroom look messy and overwhelming.

Beyond tile selection, you also need to consider the visual details of your tiling. It's about more than just picking out the right tile to match the rest of your bathroom. You also have to consider things like your grout color. Professionals often recommend avoiding white grout, though many other options remain. However, some DIY tilers suggest going with a color similar to your mortar, so if a little bleeds through, it's not so obvious. Just make sure the color actually fits your overall look.