How to Install Travertine Bullnose Backsplash

Installing a travertine bullnose backsplash to your wall is similar to tiling your floor, but seemingly more difficult because of the angle in which you will be working. The end result, however, will be much worth the new decorative accent to your home.

Step 1 - Get Materials, Measure and Prepare Wall

Purchase the matching type of travertine bullnose tile you would like to create your backsplash along with a type of grout color that will go well with travertine tile. If the wall you are doing the backsplash on is simply painted drywall then all you have to do is sand the drywall smooth and you can construct it right on top.

If there is already a backsplash then you need to remove both the backsplash and drywall underneath, then replace it with new drywall. Also measure the length and width of the wall you will be placing the backsplash. Depending on the size of the tile you get it is easiest to use a piece of graph paper to use your measurements to plan out the pattern of the backsplash.

This will help with planning for the amount of tiles you will need and the edges of the backsplash when you need to cut tiles. Then, before you start, remove anything that will be in your way like electrical cover plates or light fixtures.

Once this is done then place the cement backerboard onto the drywall using the screwdriver and screws. Make sure you cut around electrical outlets or other fixtures in the wall. Don't put the backerboard end to end. Instead leave a 1/8 inch gap then use mesh tape and filler compound in those gaps.

Step 2 - Placing the Tile

Starting in the center of the wall at the bottom row you will be backsplashing and use a tile mastic (a type of adhesive) using your trowel. Using the pattern you had already planned out on the graph paper begin placing your travertine tiles while using temporary tile spacers in between them.

Leave a gap of about an 1/8 of an inch from the base to the bottom row to leave room for caulk. After you are done with the bottom row move to the row above it using the same steps by starting at the center and working outwards, putting spacers between each tile. Once you come to an edge and need to cut a tile use the scoring cutter to measure and cut a tile appropriately.

Step 3 - Grout the Tile

After all the tiles are in place let it sit over night so that the tile mastic can dry and remove the temporary spacers. Sandless grout works best so you do not scratch the tiles you just installed. Use a rubber float to apply the grout onto the tile gaps making sure you leave an edge of the rubber float clear so you can wipe away the excess grout.

Step 4 - Finishing

Let the grout dry for an hour and then use a damp sponge to wipe the dried grout from tile surfaces. Caulk the edges of the backsplash. Let the caulk dry and then use a grout sealer on the backplash to finish.