A new tile countertop looks great and can boost your home's value. Here's what to know, from prep to cutting tile, grouting, ...

Step 3: Mix only as much thinset mortar as you can cover with tile in about 15 to 20 minutes for the best results. Never add more water to thinset that's getting hard in the bucket.

Step 1: Sand the backsplash wall with 80-grit sandpaper; both thinset and tile mastic will adhere better to a roughened surface. Wipe away the sanding dust with a damp cloth.

A mesh-backed mosaic backsplash can add a dash of dramatic flair to a kitchen. The post How to Tile a Backsplash appeared ...

A premixed tub of tile adhesive is easier to work than thinset mortar. Apply the adhesive using a 3/16-inch trowel, working on one side of your layout’s centerline, closest to the countertop.

Mastic is not as strong as thinset mortar, however, and not as water-resistant. If you want to use thinset, keep tile in place with spacers, nails, or tape.

Exterior tile is installed on concrete using Portland cement. Modern tile setters and manufacturers call it thinset mortar. In its most basic form, it’s just Portland cement and fine silica sand.

Give the fresh mortar a day to harden and you can then install the tile. Use a 1/4 by 1/4 notched trowel to spread the thinset mortar you’ll use to bond the tile to the new mortar.